Adding retinol to your skincare routine can provide a major upgrade. With the right product and application, Retinol will instantly change the look and feel of your skin. Luckily, retinol is available in a wealth of different forms. You can use retinol serum at home or you can have a professional administer a retinol facial. Either way, using this product can only yield good things for your skin. Before buying a retinol product, it can help to learn a little more about what it is, its uses, as well as the benefits and side effects. Read on to determine if this product is right for your skin type.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that is suitable for the skin. It belongs to a group of vitamin A derivatives, known as retinoids. It is derived from foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and more. When used in skincare, this vitamin helps regenerate cells and improves skin appearance and health. Some retinoids, including low-strength retinol, can be bought over the counter (OTC), without a doctor’s prescription. Others, such as tretinoin, can only be prescribed by a doctor due to their strength.

What are the benefits of retinol?

When Retinol is applied to the skin, specifically the face, it acts as a regeneration agent. The benefits of using this product are as follows.

  • You will notice minimized pore size.
  • There will be a large reduction in fine lines.
  • You will notice dark spots fading over time with consistent use.
  • Your skin tone will even out.

Retinol is a gentle exfoliator, which results in a smoother and younger-looking complexion. Dermatologists and estheticians alike tout the endless benefits of retinol and recommend it for almost everyone for its youth-giving benefits.

Are there any side effects?

There are some side effects related to the use of retinol. Specifically, some formulations can be too strong for some skin types. This can have a detrimental damaging effect. Other side effects include the following.

  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Dryness
  • Peeling
  • Itching

Additional very rare side effects include the following.

  • Eczema flare-ups
  • Skin discoloration
  • Swelling
  • Stinging

With these side effects in mind, asking a professional can be a great place to start. Speak to a dermatologist, esthetician, or the right doctor about whether this product is right for you. If you aren’t sure, beginning your journey with a professional retinol facial is smart. In this way, a professional is administering the retinol, ensuring the right amount and dosage are used for your skin type.

At-home use vs. Professional treatment: Which is better?

At-home vs. professional administration of retinol differ in their benefits. Most professionals would recommend that patients add retinol serum to their everyday skincare routine. Additionally, they should boost the benefits of the product by having a retinol facial at a doctor’s office or spa with every changing season. The change of seasons can leave the skin too dry, which causes acne breakouts, blackheads, and more. Remembering to have a facial when the seasons’ change can improve the overall quality of your skin over time. In other words, the best way to use retinol is to use it both ways: at home and professionally!

When using retinol at home, you want to look for a gentle product, such as a cream or serum, that you can easily work into your skincare routine. You should start by applying it a few times a week, during the daytime, to gauge your skin’s reaction. If there is no reaction, then work the serum or cream into your nightly routine, as well. When applying, make sure you cleanse, tone, and exfoliate the skin first. Then, apply the retinol, avoiding your eyes and mouth. We should note that retinol makes your skin a little more sensitive to the sun. So, remember to wear SPF daily to ensure that no irritation occurs.

Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You

Adding retinol to your skincare routine is a major step towards great skin. If you are looking for a professional retinol facial or even looking to take the next step into other cosmetic treatments, consider Dr. Berlet. Choosing a doctor to perform your cosmetic procedures is an important step. Your doctor should answer all your questions and address your concerns before treatment. In addition, he or she should be board-certified and have years of experience treating patients successfully. As you inquire with different plastic surgeons, make sure to note which ones make you feel the most comfortable with the procedure and with their expertise. Dr. Berlet has years of experience treating patients, recommending the best skincare choices for each individual, and would be happy to answer your questions. Please contact us today to learn more!