0.4% retinol or more? What concentration of retinol is effective?
Retinol is one of the hot topics all around YouTube and Google search. You can see a lot of Influencers rave about the uses of Retinol. Retinol is a Retinoid belonging to the Vitamin A family and used to treat Vitamin A deficiency. What concentration of Retinol is safe and effective on the skin is the most asked question. Continue reading to know the answer.
Why use Retinol?
Retinol treats skin problems like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, signs of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and large pores.
If you are <30 years of age, using Retinol can prevent the early appearance of signs of aging. For 30+ years or people with visible signs of aging, it can improve the appearance of naturally aged skin.
Scientific Results
The best way to know a perfect concentration of Retinol for skin is to go through the scientifically proven results. While some say go as low as 0.01% some take it even as high as 2%. Here are few research findings:
- JAMA Dermatology has pointed out in their research that 0.4% retinol has proven to improve the appearance of human skin that has aged naturally.
- A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology confirms that 0.1% retinol formula has proven to improve the signs of photoaging, and the improvements in photodamage are the result of continued and prolonged use.
- Another article on karger.com states that ROL concentration as low as 0.1% has proven to improve all signs of aging.
- A study posted on tandfonline.com has shown that 0.075% retinol shows significant improvement in aging signs compared to 0.04%. However, 0.075% concentration led to irritation in 3 out of 57 test subjects. With the results obtained the study has concluded that 0.04% retinol is appropriate for daily use by people with sensitive skin.
Concentration of Retinol
The concentration of Retinol depends on your skin’s experience with Retinol and your skin type.
If you are a beginner and <30 years of age, start with as low as 0.01% to 0.03%, apply a pea-size amount, two nights a week. Let the skin adjust to Retinol and look out for any irritation or redness. Little irritation and redness are normal. If it gets more, that product is not meant for your skin. Try switching to any other Retinol-based product. Slowly start using it every night.
If your skin has adjusted well with low concentration Retinol for some time now and if you observe visible signs of aging, switch to moderate concentration. Go for 0.04% to 0.1% Retinol. Remember the drill. Take it slow and use a small amount.
If you are struggling with deep wrinkles and other stubborn skin problems, try 0.3% to 1% Retinol. Again, slow and steady my friend.
Remember, Less is More :) Also, using Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. So, sunscreen must be your next best friend. Apply sunscreen in the morning without fail. Use Retinol products only at night.
Retinol Cream
There are a variety of Retinol products available in the market. Here, are a few for you to choose from:
2. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer For Face With Retinol
Retinol Serum
Here, is a list of Retinol serums for you to check out:
- Mamaearth Retinol Face Serum with Retinol & Bakuchi for Fine Lines and Wrinkle
- Dot & Key Collagen Restorative Time Reverse Retinol Serum with collagen peptide, rosehip oil, and helichrysum
- The Derma Co 0.3% Retinol Serum for Face for Younger-Looking & Spotless Skin
- WOW Skin Science Retinol Face Serum
- Olay Night Serum: Regenerist Retinol 24 Serum
- Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Serum For Face For Anti Aging
Starting to use Retinol in your mid-20s is beneficial to avoid early visible signs of aging. Also, considering the amount of sun damage our skin is going through, it is bound to show signs of photoaging sooner. It is thus wise to add Retinol to your night skincare routine to show some love to your skin. For the last time, let me repeat, less is more!
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