Serum this, serum that – it gets confusing, I know. With skincare popping onto the scene and different serums, oils, and creams being thrown at you it’s hard to know what’s what. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Let’s start with Retinol.

Retinol brings countless benefits to your skin, which is why you’ll find retinoids on the ingredients list of some of the biggest products. So why are people hyping up this acid so much?

Retinol Can Clear Acne and Scarring

I know, this incredible feat sounds like a superpower to some, but it’s true! Retinol can unclog those pesky pores, getting deep into the skin which can prevent future breakouts. Retinol works as a chemical exfoliant, getting rid of old and dead skin cells from the surface. When this occurs, fresher, more youthful skin is left exposed, leaving you with a face smoother than a baby’s bottom.

Retinol Can Fight Signs of Aging

On top of acting as an exfoliant, retinol also aids in increasing your skins collagen levels. Now I know what you’re thinking – what on earth is collagen?? Collagen is the main protein found in your skin as well as other tissues. It’s responsible for your skin’s structure, texture, and elasticity to name a few. When we use retinol to increase collagen levels, our skin is able to “bounce back” and absorb moisture more efficiently. Those wrinkles along your forehead will say sayonara in no time.

How do I use it?

With these benefits and more, you might be thinking retinol is the “golden” ingredient in your journey to skin health. While this can be true, there are risks involved.

To start off, you should only use retinol products at night. Because retinol brings fresh skin cells to the party, your skin becomes extra sensitive to light after use. In order to avoid unwanted sun and light damage, it’s best to apply these products once the sun has set for the day.

Additionally, as with any new product, always do a patch test and ease your skin into it. Don’t go from 0-100 with retinol treatments in hopes of fresh, clear skin. Retinol is an acid at its core, which can lead to visible signs of irritation. Instead, begin using retinol 1-2 times a week while your skin adjusts. Eventually, you’ll be able to increase this frequency to as much as 3-4 times a week.