Benefits of Using Retinol Serum For Skin And Face

From acne to wrinkles, a certain ‘retinol’ seems to be the solution to many skin problems. Feeling lost? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Retinol is a type of retinoid that is used to treat a range of skin issues. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, which is used to boost cell turnover in the body. Different retinoids work on different levels. Retinol, being one of them, is an over-the-counter version of it that is found in several skin care products these days. The easiest way to incorporate it into your routine would be by going for a retinol serum for your face.

Retinol is great for acne and anti-ageing. However, if you’re a beginner, it’s best to be prepared for any side effects of using retinol, as it can be slightly harsh.

Now that we’ve gotten the basics cleared, let’s move on!

Retinol Benefits For Skin

Here are the various benefits of using retinol serum on your skin:

1. Retinol For Acne

If you have acne-prone skin, then retinol could be your potential best friend. Considering its ability to regulate oil production in the skin and prevent pores from getting clogged, retinol has become a popular treatment for acne.

2. Retinol For Wrinkles

Retinol is a popular anti-ageing treatment as well. By increasing blood circulation and boosting the production of collagen in the skin, retinol can smooth fine lines and reduce wrinkles. If you’re in your 30s, it’s probably a good time to start using retinol in some form. However, owing to early signs of ageing, many in their 20s are also opting for retinol skin care products.

3. Retinol For Dark Spots

Another visible benefit of using a retinol serum on your face is that it has the ability to boost cell turnover. This helps shed discoloured cells and get rid of dark spots on the skin.

4. Retinol For Dull Skin

Dull skin has become a common skin woe these days. Sometimes it’s stress, other times it’s sun damage. Our indulgent lifestyles, too, can cause our skin to appear dull over time. Retinol helps undo this damage by brightening the skin and giving it a healthy glow.

How To Use Retinol Serum

Here’s how you should use a retinol serum as a treatment for your face:

Step 1: Wash Your Face

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then pat it dry.

Step 2: Apply Retinol Serum

Make sure your skin is completely dry. Then take a pea-sized amount of the best retinol serum that suits your skin and apply it to your face.

Step 3: Moisturise

Apply a light moisturiser on your face to prevent dryness.

How Often Can You Use Retinol?

Retinol is a stronger derivative of Vitamin A, and if not eased into it, it can cause rashes, burns, and even breakouts. You need to introduce retinol to your skin with smaller concentrations and work your way up to higher concentrations.

If you are a beginner in your 20s, use less than 1% retinol once a week. Seeing how your skin reacts, you can increase the frequency, but let the concentration be the same. If you are in your 30s you can use 1-2% retinol, start this too somewhere around once a week, then work your way up, to see how your skin reacts. Make sure you have a complete skincare routine in place, simply using a retinol serum or cream can get drying and harsh on the skin.

How Retinol Works?

Unlike other ingredients and exfoliating acids that work on the outer layer of your dermis, retinol enters the epidermis and starts its work there. The tiny retinol particles neutralise the free radicals present inside your skin, which then leads to quicker cell regeneration, improves the production of elastin and collagen, and improves the overall appearance of the skin, by making it look more plump. Thus, the use of retinol is mostly associated with anti-ageing benefits because it reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.

When prescribed by a dermatologist, retinoids can also be used for acne and acne-related issues such as scarring, dark spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It also chemically exfoliates your skin, helping you improve the texture of your skin.

Best Retinol Products

1. Retinol Serum

i. Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Anti-Ageing Face Serum

Packed with retinol and antioxidant coenzyme Q10, the Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Anti-Ageing Face Serum is one of the best retinol serums out there. This Minimalist retinol serum is a highly stable and powerful one that uses squalene as its base, which protects retinol from oxidation while also nourishing the skin. As far as harsh elements like silicone, sulphate, and paraben are concerned, this one’s got none!

ii. The Derma Co. 0.3% Retinol Serum For Spotless Skin

If the dark spots, acne marks, fine lines, or wrinkles on your face keep you up at night, then it’s about time you start using The Derma Co. 0.3% Retinol Serum in the PM. One of the best serums with retinol and vitamin C, this Derma Co retinol serum is dermatologically tested. It gently exfoliates the skin while maintaining the pH level, to ensure even application and minimal irritation.

iii. PIXI Collagen & Retinol Serum

One of the best serums with retinol, acacia collagen, and chamomile, the PIXI Collagen & Retinol Serum is meant to restore your skin’s elasticity and plumpness. The retinol smooths the skin, while the chamomile calms it. This paraben-free formula is suitable for all skin types. However, it’s best to go slow and look out for any side effects of retinol.

iv. Nykaa SKINRX 2% Advanced Retinol Anti-Aging Face Serum

Rooted in science, Nykaa Skinrx promises this multi-faceted formula to give you high results within a few weeks. With the added benefits of lactic acid and Australian caviar lime extract, the Nykaa SKINRX 2% Advanced Retinol Anti-Aging Face Serum will work miracles for your age defence.

2. Retinol Cream

i. Olay Night Cream: Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturiser

For those who do not want to subject their skin to a concentrated retinol serum, a retinol cream like the Olay Night Cream: Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturiser is just perfect. This Olay retinol 24 night cream is suitable for all skin types. Enriched with retinol and niacinamide, this is one of the best retinol creams as it provides overnight hydration as well as regeneration of the skin. No matter how defeated your skin might be feeling at night, expect to wake up with a plump and younger-looking effect!

ii. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

The Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream is all about preserving the youthful contours of your face! Undoubtedly one of the best retinol creams for beginners, this night cream tightens the skin, makes it supple, and increases radiance. When you have normal, oily, combination, or dry skin, this one is suitable for all!

iii. Mamaearth Retinol Night Cream For Women

The Mamaearth Retinol Night Cream For Women is fortified with the goodness of three essential ingredients: retinol, bakuchi, and rapeseed oil. While retinol takes care of fine lines and wrinkles, dabuchi fights ageing and hyperpigmentation. Together, they deeply moisturise the skin and prevent it from decaying with time! One of the best retinol creams for beginners, this new-age formula is free of harmful chemicals and suitable for all skin types!

3. Retinol Face Mask

i. Bake Retinol + Collagen Peptide Sheet Mask

Packed with the right active ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and collagen, this is an overnight face mask that nourishes and repairs your skin overnight. Unlike other face masks, the smooth texture of this one easily dissolves into the skin, so your linens are completely safe! It also deeply hydrates and plumps up the skin from within.

4. Retinol Face Wash

i. Mamaearth Retinol Face Wash With Retinol & Bakuchi

Who could have imagined that using retinol for your skin could be as easy as a quick face wash every morning? The Mamaearth Retinol Face Wash With Retinol is the perfect balance of science and technology. By combining retinol and bakuchi, this skin care formula is all about restoring the youthfulness of your skin while also washing away impurities. Free of toxins and harsh chemicals, this retinol face wash is a skin care dream come true!

5. Retinol Oil

i. Mamaearth Retinol Face Wash With Retinol & Bakuchi

This PIXI Overnight - Retinol Oil is a smooth retinol oil blend that wholeheartedly fights signs of ageing. It ensures that the pores on your face stay minimised and the fine lines and wrinkles stay out of sight for as long as possible! Apply this retinol oil as part of your PM skin care routine and enjoy the results!

Common Side Effects Of Retinol & How To Avoid Them

Even the best retinol cream or serum can have side effects. Look out for the following skin reactions after applying a retinol product.

• Redness
• Irritation
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness
• Acne flare-up
• Eczema flare-up
• Discoloration
• Photosensitivity to UV light
• Blistering
• Stinging
• Swelling

But don’t get alarmed by these side effects, you can easily skip these by introducing the ingredient with a lower concentration and infrequently. If you still get rashes, moisturise your skin, and visit the dermatologist to get an antidote for the same.

Parting Thoughts

Even though there are several products available on Nykaa, the best way to incorporate retinol into your system is through a night repair retinol serum. A Retinol serum benefits the skin in many ways, including rejuvenating the skin by improving the cell regeneration process, increasing collagen and elastin production, and plumping the skin from within. The best way to use retinol at night, so there is no photosensitivity that occurs due to UV rays.

FAQs On Retinol For Skin

1. Is retinol safe for long-term use?

   Yes, long-term usage of retinol is safe for your skin.

2. What should you not use retinol with?

   Do not use retinol with exfoliating agents like AHA and BHA acids, as it might dry out your skin more than necessary. Vitamin C and retinol also should not be used together. Vitamin C is best used in the morning, and retinol should be applied at night. It’s best to pair retinol with a light moisturiser. Also, retinol makes your skin sensitive, so make sure to wear sunscreen.

3. How long should you wait to apply moisturiser after retinol?

   Wait until the retinol serum has been fully absorbed into your skin before applying moisturiser.

4. What percentage of retinol should I use?

   If your skin is new to retinol, then it’s best to start with a low-concentration formula. Start with a 0.01% - 0.03% retinol and then gradually, depending on how your skin reacts, you can increase the strength.