What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, this multitasking skin care ingredient is a form of retinoid. Which plays a key role in helping cells regenerate.
 
Retinol can do a lot for your skin:
- aging support
- acne relief
- overall skin rejuvenation.

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​What does retinol do for skin?
From breakouts to sun damage, retinol can help address a variety of skin concerns.
 
Myths about retinol
1)All retinoids are the same.
-NO, retinoids (Vitamin A) come in multiple forms of different strength and work at different speed and depths.
 
2)Retinoids thin the skin.

• Of course NOT, retinoids stimulate collagen production, so it helps to thicken the skin. Great for anti-aging because one of the aging signs is thinning of the skin.

 
3)Young people can’t use retinoids.

• NO, retinoids are used to treat acne and prescribed to many young people. There is no age restriction on the use of retinoids. To date, it is one of the best preventive anti-aging ingredients around.

 
4)Retinoids make skin more sensitive to sun.
-NO, retinoids break down in the sun, making it unstable and less effective. This is why they’re sold in opaque containers and are recommended for use at night. Retinoids strengthens the skin’s defenses, helps promote cell turnover and prevent the clogging of pores.

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​Key benefits
Acne
Retinol helps keep pores clear by reducing the build-up of skin cells. Plus, it can block inflammation pathways in the skin.
In a nutshell, that means retinol doesn’t only help reduce the number of breakouts you have. It can also minimize the redness and swelling that comes with them.
 
Reverse the appearance of wrinkles (Aging support)
Skin cells naturally turn over, revealing fresh cells underneath.
But this happens less frequently as you age, which can lead to a duller complexion. You might also begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles — these can appear at any age.
Retinol helps speed up this turnover process and promote brighter, smoother skin. It also goes deeper into the skin to encourage collagen production and further plump the skin.

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​Sun damage
Faster skin cell turnover can also help improve skin tone.
This can have particular benefit when you have signs of sun damage, like:

• wrinkles
• fine lines
• hyperpigmentation

Retinol can even strengthen the skin, helping to protect it against further environmental damage. (Just keep in mind it can leave the top layer of skin thinner and more sensitive to sunlight, so you’ll want to apply sunscreen with extra vigilance.)
 
Accelerates cell turnover (Retexturize skin)
A buildup of dead skin cells can leave your skin drier than you would like. Removing those dead cells, with the help of retinol, can lead to more hydrated skin.
Retinol can also help treat keratosis pilaris by smoothing rough and bumpy skin textures.

clinically proven to reduce the four signs of skin aging in 2 weeks *

​*Clinical results with 30 volunteers on reduction in appearance of wrinkles, pores, dark spots, and uneven texture in 2-week test.

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​Can anyone use retinol?
Retinoids, including retinol, aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or nursing.
You’ll also want to proceed with caution if you have:
-sensitive or dry skin
-rosacea
-eczema
-severe acne
If you happen to be any of those boxes, you’ll want to talk with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before giving retinol a try.
Of course, it’s never a bad idea to consult a dermatologist before trying any new skin care product.

​​​Does age matter?
NO, retinol offers plenty of other benefits. What’s more, there’s no set age of when you’ll begin noticing changes in your skin.
Only you and your dermatologist can make the call on the right products for your skin — and your age may factor in far less than you imagine.

​Risks and side effects
Once you begin using retinol, you might notice some signs of irritation as cell turnover increases. This includes:
-Dryness
-Redness
-itchiness
These effects tend to be worse with stronger retinoids. But you can certainly experience them with retinol, too — especially if you use more than one product that contains retinoids (which professionals discourage).
 
These side effects will usually disappear within a few weeks of use. If you don’t see any improvement, you’ll want to stop using the product and talk with your health professional.
 
If you have darker skin, keep in mind that irritation could lead to hyperpigmentation.
When using any retinoid product, aim to avoid sitting in strong sunlight, and always wear sunscreen — you’ll want to apply a minimum of SPF 30 every day.
 
If you feel uncomfortable about any side effects or severe irritation, try getting guidance from our dermatologist.

​Need More Advice?
Visit Pure Element for a professional advice on how to maintain your complexion.
 
Our Address:
Pure Element- The Best Dermalogica Facial Singapore
Ang Mo Kio Blk 233 Ave 3 unit no. #01-1180 Singapore 560233

​From Google map
Nearest station: Mayflower Station Exit 6
Walk: Estimate 5mins – 7mins
Head south on Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 toward Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Turn right onto Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Turn left when you see block 233