Retinol: Anti-Aging Actor

The skincare industry is on the rise. In 2002, revenue in the beauty and self-care market reached US$7.23 billion, or Rp111.83 trillion. According to a Statista report, this beauty market will grow by 5.81% annually through 2027.

Instagram influencers and TikTok users constantly share the latest "must-have" beauty products, with retinol frequently topping the list.

Retinol is thought to help stimulate collagen products, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking fresher and more supple. Let's dig deeper.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and a type of retinoid primarily used in skincare products because of its lower concentration of retinoic acid.

Retinol is a type of retinoid that is sold over the counter as a lotion, serum, or cream. Retinol products differ from prescription retinoids in that they are less strong and more gentle on the skin. Retinol is often combined with other ingredients to help moisturize and brighten the skin.

Because of its more “gentle” nature, you may not see significant results until around six months.

Benefits of retinol

Retinol has several benefits for the skin, including:

1. Treating acne

Pores clogged with dead skin cells and/or oil can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, or other types of acne. Retinol works to treat acne by keeping pores from clogging.

When first using retinol to treat acne, your skin may look “worse.” This is called a retinol purge. Don't stop. Keep applying it, and your skin should become clearer.

2. Acne scars fade

Acne scars are caused by injury and inflammation. Pink, red, or dark patches of skin may appear as the acne heals. This can persist for several weeks.

Squeezing or popping acne can further damage the skin and can leave permanent scars. Topical retinol treatments can help reduce the swelling and inflammation that occurs with acne and help prevent further breakouts. However, topical retinol treatments don’t always work on severe acne scars that are sunken or raised.

3. Fade dark spots

Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) can develop due to sun exposure on the skin of the face. If you have light to dark brown spots on your face, hands, neck, or arms, what you are seeing is a buildup of melanin, which gives your skin it's color (pigment).

These spots are also called sun spots or age spots, but they are not painful. Retinol can help lighten the spots, although it can take months and can irritate the skin. It is a good idea to see a dermatologist if you are concerned about dark spots.

If you have a problem with dark spots and want to get rid of them, you can visit the GWS Medika Springhill Clinic, a facial clinic in Jakarta Utara.

4. Improves skin texture

Retinol increases skin cell turnover and exfoliates dead skin cells. This causes the outermost layer of skin to turn over faster, allowing new cells to grow. This results in smoother skin and a more even skin tone.

5. Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles

Some things may contribute to wrinkles on your skin. As you age, skin cells divide more slowly. The middle layer (dermis) of your skin begins to thin, making it harder to retain moisture.

Your skin also has less elastin and collagen. Topical tretinoin and tazarotene can reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles by slowing collagen breakdown and increasing skin elasticity.

Retinol increases new skin cell creation as well as collagen and elastin production, which can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Side effects

People who use retinol often have dry and irritated skin, especially when they first use it. Other common side effects include redness, itching, and peeling skin.

To minimize possible side effects, consider the following:

• Apply retinol only at night.
• If you have never used retinol before, use it 2--3 times a week at the start of treatment. Pay attention to the effects on your skin; if it irritates, consult a doctor immediately; if there are no obstacles to use, it can be used daily.
• Start with a lower concentration of retinol and gradually raise its potency.
• Apply all over your face.
• Be careful when using it on the eye area because the skin around the eyes is thin, and pay attention to whether the product is specially formulated for the eyes or not.
• Apply moisturizer and sunscreen every day.

At what age can you use retinol for facial skin care? There is no recommended age to begin using retinol. People in their twenties can start using it, especially those with acne.

For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, you should consult a doctor before using retinol products.

Retinol is great for fighting skin aging and acne, but it’s not for everyone. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, you might want to try skincare products with anti-aging ingredients or different cleansers.

Most significantly, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use sunscreen and avoid the sun as much as possible while you’re using it.

If you’re looking for a skin treatment, visit GWS Medika Springhill Clinic, a facial clinic in Jakarta Utara. Get quality skin care treatments conducted by certified doctors and professionals at GWS Medika Springhill Clinic.

GWS Medika, a facial clinic in Springhill, provides a variety of treatments ranging from basic to premium facials that are customized to your skin’s needs. With modern equipment and BPOM-registered products, we ensure safe and effective treatments for you.