Retinol has been considered an all-rounder in skin care for years. The power ingredient promotes cell renewal, has an antioxidant effect and stimulates collagen formation. But there are a few things to keep in mind when using it.

There are so many active beauty ingredients on the market - it can be quite difficult to keep track of them all. <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/aha-bha-retinol-active-ingredients">Retinol</a> is one of the best-researched active ingredients on the market and is considered a real secret weapon, especially in terms of anti-aging. Especially now, during the dark and cold season, it can be worthwhile to include products containing retinol in your skincare routine. But let&#39;s take it one step at a time...

What is retinol actually?

Retinol is basically nothing more than vitamin A. But it&#39;s not quite that simple, because: There are different forms of vitamin A, which are also differently effective and tolerated. The rule of thumb that you can remember when it comes to <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/aha-bha-retinol-active-ingredients">retinol</a> is as follows: The milder (and thus more tolerable) the <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/aha-bha-retinol-active-ingredients">vitamin A</a>, the lower and less effective the effect. The umbrella term for all &quot;retinols&quot; is retinoids. These are always converted into retinoic acid by our skin through chemical reactions. Here, too, you can remember: The more steps the skin needs for this, the milder the retinoid is to the skin. By the way, you can also apply retinoic acid, as one of the above-mentioned forms of retinol, directly to the skin. It is the most effective compared to other forms, but at the same time it is very irritating and only available by prescription. Classic retinol, on the other hand, requires two steps to convert into retinoic acid. Retinol ester is a precursor to retinol and requires three steps to convert to retinoic acid. Thus, this form is milder than retinol. Last but not least, there is retinal. This active ingredient only needs one step to be converted into retinoic acid. Since it is still relatively little researched, it is still rarely found in skin care products. Retinal is extremely effective compared to retinol and is associated with possible greater irritation.

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What are the advantages of using retinol for the skin?

Retinol is also considered a power ingredient because it combines many advantages for the <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/tags/skincare">skin.</a> It is particularly effective in combating signs of skin ageing: retinol stimulates cell renewal and boosts the body&#39;s own collagen production, which declines in the early 30s. Retinol works in the uppermost layers of the skin and makes the skin smoother and more even, as it can reduce pigmentation spots, smooth fine wrinkles and shrink large pores. Retinol can also help with blemishes and acne, by the way, as it regulates sebum production. In addition, the active ingredient is also said to have an antioxidant effect, which in turn helps to protect the skin from negative environmental influences.

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What do you have to bear in mind when caring for your skin with retinol?

Unlike <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/beauty-allrounder-niacinamide">niacinamide</a>, for example, retinol is an active ingredient that is not necessarily well tolerated by all skin types. The magic word that counts when using retinol is concentration. The goal should be to find a product that is effective for one&#39;s own skin needs and does not irritate the skin. Otherwise it will flake, become red and sensitive. Especially if the active ingredient is brand new to your facial care routine, it is recommended to start with retinol esters or a low concentration of retinol. Give your skin time to get used to the active ingredient and use the product only every two to three days, especially in the beginning. Long-term success is more likely to be achieved if the concentration is slowly increased. However, the first results can usually be seen after one to three months.

Caution: Pregnant women or nursing mothers should stay away from products containing retinol. It is best to discuss the use of retinol with a doctor beforehand or to refrain from using it altogether.

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The right application

Retinol-containing products are available in many different versions. Regardless of whether you prefer a cream, serum or a face mask containing retinol - in most cases the following applies: It is best to apply to dry skin in the evening! This is the best way for the active ingredient to unfold overnight. Our tip: Use the retinol-containing product either directly as the first care step (this is less irritating) or as the last step in the <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/succinic-acid-the-new-skincare-star">skincare routine.</a> The serum should always be used after the cream.

As already mentioned, retinol stimulates the formation of new skin cells - so tingling or slight redness after application is quite normal, as is slightly flaky or dry skin. In case of pain, itching or severe redness, it is better to stop the application. Those who tend to have very dry skin should use retinol serum or cream sparingly.

Many people also swear by a course of treatment with retinol <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/skincare-favorites-cold-season">in winter.</a> Why exactly in winter? Because of the peeling effect, the active ingredient also has an influence on the skin&#39;s sensitivity to UV radiation. The dark season is therefore well suited in that there is less light and thus less skin damage to worry about. Important: Irrespective of the seasons, <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/the-7-best-reef-safe-sunscreens-to-try-in-2021">UV protection</a> should never be dispensed with! Especially after using products containing retinol, it is recommended to apply a day cream with <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/beauty/spf-matters-choosing-the-right-sunblock-for-your-skin">SPF or even a sunscreen</a> for the face.

Beauty secret weapon: Retinol is THE anti-ageing ingredient

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