What is Retinol?

“Retinoids” are a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A.

The most popular compounds include Retin-A, Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), and Retinol, which have gained a lot of attention for their potent effects in addressing various skin concerns, and are used in skincare for their various dermatological benefits.

Different types of Retinoids vary in potency and availability. For instance, certain retinoids like Retinol are available over the counter in skincare products, while others, like Tretinoin and Retin-A, often require a prescription due to their higher strength and potential for more intense effects.

Retinol works at the cellular level is by stimulating the fibroblast (the cells inside the skin) to build more collagen. Collagen is a protein that is the basic building block the body uses to build stronger, healthier skin.

Over time the skin begins to get thinner and thinner. Retinol helps to combat this thinning effect by boosting the collagen and thickening the skin.

Retinol also increases cell turnover, achieving a fresher, more youthful, and glowing appearance. Retinol reduces pigmentation concerns because it has a “micro-peel” effect that refreshes the skin at the cellular level. Retinoids also help with regulation of oil production.

This results in a range of skincare benefits, like:

• improving skin renewal processes
• reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• refining the look and feel of skin texture
• diminishing hyperpigmentation
• aiding in the management of acne

While Retinoids offer remarkable benefits, they can also cause skin sensitivity, dryness, redness, and peeling, especially when initially introduced into a skincare routine or when used in higher concentrations.

This is why it is important to know how to use them properly in your skincare regimen.

When you first start using Retinol, the skin can go through an acclimation phase. This can mean red, inflamed, and flaky or peeling skin. Seeing this, many people stop using it or don't use it consistently.

There are ways to help you push through this phase, and if you can, the results are well worth it.

To start, use products that have moderated, microdoses of Retinol, like Illuminate. The formula is split into two, morning and evening doses, and time released to gradually release into your skin which reduces irritation.

If using a full strength retinoid, start with three times a week, then build up to using it every day.

Combining retinoids with Vitamin C and Niacinamide which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and add hydration to the skin, are also key to using Retinol properly. Together, they work with synergy to achieve beautiful effects.

At a minimum, you should be applying a product with Retinol three times a week, but ideally, every single day. Apply it every day, beginning at some point in your 30s and continuing throughout the rest of your life.

Retinol can be a confusing topic in the skincare world. There are misconceptions and myths about this product.

Here are the straight facts on some of these:

Retinol actually thickens the skin because it triggers the production of collagen.

You can still go out in the sun if you’re using Retinol. Put Retinol on at night and use a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen when you’re out in the sun during the day. Once you’re past the initial reaction stage stronger doses of Retinol can cause, your skin will be a little more sensitive to the sun, but if you’re using the right sunscreen, this should be no problem.

Retinol can potentially make your wrinkles worse when you first start using it. The initial drying aspect can cause this appearance, but once your skin gets used to it after the initial couple of weeks, the skin looks firmer and more youthful.

Almost any skincare product that includes Retinol is helpful and generally effective. However, products that include Retinol in microdoses, like Illuminate, can be important if you’re wanting something lighter you can use without experiencing significant flaking and redness as you get used to it.

To help patients who want to see beautiful, fresh skin and walk back the signs of age, I created Trifecta: three simple products you can easily use every day, including the following vital ingredients for youthful, healthy, glowing skin: 

• Retinol 
• Vitamin C 
• Niacinimide 
• Hyaluronic Acid 
• Non-hydroquinone lighteners 
• Peptides 

What sets our Trifecta apart is its inclusion of all of these essential active ingredients, notably Retinol.

By incorporating Retinol alongside other key elements, our products streamline your skincare regimen while ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Ultimately, achieving tangible results hinges on the consistent use of the right active skincare ingredients over time, and Retinol is one you definitely want in your daily routine.