Considering adding retinol into your skincare regimen because you have heard so much about it?. Fair enough, but does retinol genuinely live up to its hype? Let's learn more about retinol before you finally place an order to buy it. Retinol is part of the cosmeceuticals industry since 1967, when dermatologist Albert M. Kligman used it for acne treatment. Guess what? Retinol not only helped with acne but also improved his patients' skin health in many ways. His patients noticed a boost in their skin's elasticity and firmness, and it also visibly reduced the appearance of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines. Since then, retinol did not see a way back and has been an 'it' thing for younger-looking skin. Interesting, right!.

I will break down all you need to know about retinol here and now:

Some call retinol a "holy grail," and others call it a "star ingredient" for aging skin; retinol, in essence, belongs to the family of vitamin A derivatives called retinoids. Vitamin A is naturally present in our skin, but its production decreases as we reach age 30. The first thing you must know about vitamin A is that it helps the normal reproduction of cells. Its decrease means slower cell reproduction, leading to weak, thin, and dry skin that shows signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.  Your skin will become more prone to damage by sun exposure, free radicals, and pollutants when it gets thin and dry. So that's when the doom of skin breaks, and you begin to hunt for anti-aging supplements. 

Why Do You Need Retinol in Your Skincare Regimen?

Still with me? That's good because I am about to talk about what benefits retinol can give to your skin and how it can help your skin get visibly plump, young, and happy. Chances are you know about collagen, which is a naturally occurring protein of our skin. Basically, it works to keep your skin firm and elastic. If you happen to love grabbing the cheeks of kids and can't let go cause they are all bouncy and firm, well, that's because of plenty of collagen in their skin. Adults have low collagen levels in their skin, especially after the '30s hence wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol is known to boost collagen production, slough off dead cells, and improve the skin's overall elasticity. Not just that,  it helps boost skin health and promotes even tone complexion, calms acne, and works as an antioxidant to combat damage from UV rays and free radicals. So next time you see a girl flaunting her radiantly glowing skin, ask her if she uses retinol. 

When Should You Start Applying Retinol?

Most people introduce retinol to their skincare regimen by the mid-'20s or near '30s because that's when the collagen production decreases and the skin begins to show signs of aging. People even apply retinol to improve skin's elasticity and firmness if wrinkles are not yet a concern. Either way, it depends on your personal choice and the needs of your skin.

Can Retinol Cause Skin Sensitivity? 

Everyone has a different skin type, and so should be the advice for it. Retinol suits most people, but it can be irritating to people with sensitive and dry skin. Dermatologists generally recommend using a small amount of retinol at first to assess if it causes any side effects or not. They even agree that sensitive and dry skin can be trained to use retinol, but still, it is better to take professional advice. The cosmeceuticals industry has significantly evolved, and many innovative formulas incorporate retinol with other products so that every skin type can use it, like Botanic Hearth Eye Cream. It combines a desirable recipe using ceramides, peptides, and retinol for under eye dark circles and puffiness. It is a gentle and easy-to-use eye cream for all skin types. You can apply it on a clean face at night to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and eye bags. 

Give Retinol Some to Work Its Magic

There is no such thing as a one-night wonder in skincare. Consistency and patience is the key when you try out any new ingredient on your skin. Retinol might be the most celebrated ingredient, but it would take some time to work and for your skin to grow accustomed to it. Always remember, with patience comes big rewards!