Retinol or also called vitamin A1 is a popular ingredient in skincare. It’s known to prevent the early signs of ageing and also helps even the skin tone. It usually comes in cream, gel, and serum. By now, you may have heard of various information about retinol, and some of them may be conflicting, which is why it’s hard to determine which is true. So, to straighten things out, we listed some of the most common retinol myths and the truth about them.
All retinols are the same
Not all retinols are the same. Some are mild, while others are more potent. The side effects of the milder ones may not be as harmful as those that are more potent. However, it may also take longer to see the positive effects compared to the faster results of the stronger ones.
You should only apply retinol when your skin is dry
There is still a debate about the efficacy of applying retinol on dry skin over wet skin. Some believe that it would not be as effective if you use the product right after washing the face without drying it. The good thing is that there are time-released retinol products that gradually absorb into the skin, so you can be sure that you will get its benefit whether you apply it after drying your skin and even when your face is still wet.
Severe skin reaction is normal
The use of retinol is often associated with severe breakouts, irritation, and peeling. It’s the reason why many people scare away from it. It may indeed happen, but you can avoid this by starting with a low dose, allowing your skin to adapt to its use, and gradually increasing the amount or frequency of its use. SkinCeuticals retinol, for instance, is a product that can help reduce fine lines, blemishes, and dark spots. It’s recommended that you use it two times a week for the first couple of weeks, then gradually increase the days of use until you can do it nightly.
You can’t use retinol if going on a holiday
Going on a holiday may expose you to a sudden change in weather or temperature. It may have some effects on your skin, including dryness. However, it is not due to the use of retinol in that country or place. If your skin has already adapted to its use, it’s unlikely that you will have side effects because of the change in environment. Nevertheless, ensure to take extra care of your skin to prevent various skin problems during your trip, such as applying moisturizer in cold places where your skin turns dry.
It takes six weeks to see the effects of retinol
Although some over the counter products claim that you will see the effects in six weeks, it may take longer than that to see noticeable changes in your skin, like an average of 12 weeks. So, if you don’t see visible changes in the first few weeks, you may need to wait a little longer for the result to show.
Now that you know the truth behind the myths of using retinol, you will be more confident in using the product as you will know what to expect.