7 Reasons to Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine

Here’s all that you need to know about the skincare hero

04 March, 2021

7 Reasons to Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine

Many trending skincare ingredients come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is retinol. It’s one of the most recommended topical treatment by dermats. Dr Ameesha Mahajan, dermatologist and skin acre specialist, RM Aesthetics, Amritsar, says “Retinol is considered as the “holy grail” ingredient of skin care. The benefits include, but are not limited to, collagen production, treating acne, reducing acne scars, clearing pores and even brightening the skin.”

But retinol can be tricky. If used correctly they can be a skin-saver but if not used in the proper way they can also end up irritating your skin. So, Dr Ameesha tells us all that you need to know about using retinol to your benefit.

What is retinol?

"Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that’s suitable for the skin. It belongs to a group of vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids which are used for various skin conditions depending on their potency," says Dr Ameesha.

What are the benefits of retinol?

1. Retinol helps fight signs of ageing: It increases the collagen production in the dermis, which is the deeper layer of the skin. It also increases the cell turnover thereby getting rid of the dead skin cells at a faster rate.

2. Retinol can help even skin tone: With age, our skin becomes dull and patchy. Retinol has a stimulatory effect on the skin cell turnover and has an exfoliating effect too. It helps us get rid of dull and dry skin and makes way for brighter and even toned skin. "The new skin is thicker, stronger and smoother just within a few months of application," says Dr Ameesha.

3. Retinol can clear acne: Retinol acts on acne by unclogging the pores. With regular use you see a marked reduction in the blackheads whiteheads and even cystic acne. By exfoliating the dead skin cells, retinols also maximise the effect of other medicated creams and gels. It allows for deeper penetration of the ingredients in creams and gels.

4. Retinol improves the skin texture: Retinol works wonderfully to smoothen out the appearance of bumpy skin and bring about a smooth texture.

5. Retinol helps shrink large pores: Large pores can be a result of oily skin or it could be a result of sun damage over a number of years. "Retinol helps in shrinking these large pores associated with both oily skin as well as solar elastosis," adds Dr Ameesha.

6. Retinol help in hyperpigmentation: Retinol helps in fading out stubborn patches of pigmentation. "It can be used along with de-pigmenting agents or before de-pigmenting agents to enhance their penetration and results," advises Dr Ameesha.

7. Retinol helps in skin exfoliation: Because of its exfoliating properties, retinol is used as an ingredient in chemical peels done at a dermatologists' clinics. Many retinol based creams can be used for a similar purpose at home also.