Skin aging happens naturally, as one grows older . But excessive exposure to the sun speeds up the aging process.

Retinol is a fat- soluble vitamin in the vitamin A family that has many benefits for  our skin. It is used to treat acne and has powerful anti-aging effects.

Retinol

It is a topical treatment, in the sense that you apply it on top of your skin. And it comes in different forms, including:

• Creams.
• Gels.
• Lotions.
• Ointments.
• Serums.

Cosmetic goods occasionally contain retinol as a component.

Retinol for Anti-aging 

• Like an extra-strong loofah, retinoids do more than simply remove the outermost layer of your skin cells. They cause your body to produce more collagen, which is a protein found in your bones, muscles, and skin. It maintains the firmness and elasticity of your skin. Less creases will result from this. Retinoids reduce wrinkles and fine lines by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen.

• They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your complexion a rose hue. Retinoids also assist to reduce age spots and smooth rough regions. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a commonly prescribed treatment for aging skin.

Power anti-aging agent

Apart from Retinol as an anti-aging agent, there are several other benefits you can get from using Retinol. 

• Regarding acne, Retinol prevents blackheads and whiteheads by clearing clogged pores. Consistent use results in smoother skin, but initial outbreaks may intensify (retinol purge). Regular use of retinol would result in a smoother, acne-free face.
• For dark spots, retinol: By lowering melanin accumulation, retinol can help lighten age spots, sun spots, and black spots. Retinol is a common topical treatment for hyperpigmentation, but it can irritate the skin and take months.
• Using Retinol to Treat Melasma Dark patches or blotches appear on sun-exposed areas due to melasma. Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, may aid in the fading of melasma patches.
• Retinol for psoriasis : Psoriasis creates itchy, scaly rashes. Topical retinol inhibits skin cell expansion and lowers inflammation, so alleviating the rash. However, because retinol can cause skin irritation, it is frequently used in conjunction with topical steroids.
• Retinol can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight increase, or muscular growth.

Note Before Using Retinol For Any Of These Treatments Consult Your Healthcare Provider For Personalized Advice. Especially Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Mothers.

How to Apply Retinol Correctly:

To properly utilise retinol, follow a step-by-step approach to maximise its benefits while minimising redness, dryness, and sensitivity.

• Pop  out a very small amount of retinol. Use on dry , clean skin.
• A pea-sized amount of gel retinol is ideal; one pump the size of your fingertip or less should be adequate for creams, serums, and lotions.

• Using a quadrant approach, apply the retinol to the face gently.
• A tiny bit should be applied to the chin, forehead, and both cheeks. Massage retinol into the skin, until no product is visible.
• Apply a light moisturiser and, if desired, finish with a face oil.
•  If you use it in the morning, thoroughly cleanse your skin, follow your usual morning skincare routine, and apply a large amount of sunscreen.

Retinol is sensitive  to light if you expose yourself to sun after using retinol the retinol would degenerate to some extent that is why a proper amount of sunscreen is advised.

Retinol

What are you waiting for? Walk into any beauty store and get a large package of retinol and add to your beauty routine to look fresher everyday.

Real alsoNever do these 3 Things during your Skincare Face Routine.

Many individuals are so interested in using skincare products for different reasons. For some, it is to maintain a neater and glowing skin while for others, it is to repair their skin and make it look better. On a smaller note, many individuals pay more attention to their face, more than their body even. This is due to the urge to keep a smooth face, eradicate acne and have a shiny outlook.  In all, it is necessary to note that not all skin care products are to be used on your face. Infact, any product that was not originally produced for face use should not be used on the face to gain maximum results.

Here is a list of products you should not use of your face while on your skincare routine to avoid damage.

Body Scrub.

This is not advisable to use body scrubs in place of face soaps on the face. They are usually made of harsh fragrances and chemicals. These chemicals can be too harsh on the skin of your face especially the skin around the eyes and lips. This can lead to irritation and micro tears on the skin.

Body Lotions.

It is not advisable to use body lotions on your face while performing skincare. This is because they are formulated with tougher chemicals for tougher skin. This can clog the hair pores on the face and cause breakout. The skin on the face is delicate and is necessary to be treated as such. Instead, make use of dermatologist prescribed face creams.

Read Also: 5 Types of Spa Treatment you Might Want to Add to your 2024 Spa Bucket list.

Perfume or Alcohol based Toners.

It is important to avoid alcohol and perfume based products. These can strip your face of its natural oils and cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity.

Hair Products.

It is important to note that hair products are a no-no for the face. They are made with chemicals like sulphates, silicones and other irritants that can disrupt the processes of the face and cause irritation.

Lubricants or Petroleum Jelly.

It is not advisable to use Vaseline on the face. This is because it can clog the face pores, cause acne and interfere with natural skin’s moisture barrier.

If you read till the end of this article, you already know what you should avoid when shopping for your face products to improve the the health of your face’s skin.

Acne is a common skin condition where skin pores clog. This pore blockages produces blackheads, whiteheds and all types of pimples. It typically affects the face but can also appear on neck, chest, back and shoulders. Most people get acne at some point in their lives. However, its most common among teenagers and young adults, and occasionally in adults as well.

Acne is an intricate skin problem that have several causes. Some causes of acne include:

Hormonal changes: This happens during puberty, also some pregnant women are likely to have acne.

Poor Hygiene: Not washing your face regularly can cause oil, dirt and bacteria to build up on your skin and clog pores.

Stress: High level of stress can increase oil production on the skin leading to acne breakouts.

Diets: Eating nuts or food that are high in protein (especially diary) or sugar can lead to acne breakouts.

Genetics: Some people are genetically vulnerable to acne.

Acne can be categorized into two main types;

Non-inflammatory acne: blackheads and whiteheads

Inflammatory acne: Nodules and cysts.

Dark spots and acne can be troubling and affects ones confidence. Although getting rid of them totally is difficult, but there are practical ways to reduce their appearance and stop outbreaks in the future. We’ll look at the top three methods for treating dark spots and acne in this post so you may have clearer, more youthful-looking skin.

1) Good Skincare Routine: Maintaining good skincare habits is important in avoiding acne and dark spots. Here are some effective ways;

Wash your face at least twice a day.

Exfoliate atleast once a week to remove dead cells from your skin.

Toner is another way that can help you achieve a pH balance for your skin.

Use a spot treatment to treat acne and dark spots immediately.

Moisturize your skin regularly to keep it hydrated.

2) Natural Solutions: Natural treatments are effective ways in treating dark spots and acne. Here are a few easy ways: –

Tea tree oil: fights germs and reduces inflammation

Aloe vera: has cooling and relieving effects on the skin.

Lemon juice: has natural clarifier and antibacterial qualities.

Turmeric: reduces hyperpigmentation and inflammation cools and calms the skin.

3) Healthy Lifestyle Choices: The condition of your skin is profoundly affected by your lifestyle. Below are some good routines to follow:

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, and vegetables.

Exercise regularly to help circulation of blood and reduce stress.

Get enough sleep to support skin repair.