Skin Care 101: All About Retinol

Rose May Pimentel in Tips and Advices

Nov 16, 2023 • 3 min Read

Ingredients of skincare products must be the determinant in selecting the product to buy and use. One of the best and most popular skincare ingredients is retinol, also known as vitamin A.

Here’s your complete guide to the “holy grail of skincare”, retinol:

What is Retinol:

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is essential in cell regeneration. It has been considered the gold standard for anti-aging skin care for many years. Retinol has proven its anti-aging and youth-enhancing benefits.

The body cannot produce this vitamin on its own, so retinol must be supplied through diet or topical skincare. Retinol is present in animal sources like beef, chicken, liver, eggs, and fish, but also in many plants and vegetables like cantaloupe, carrots, squash, and more. Retinol often comes as a liquid serum, gel, cream, etc.

How Does Retinol Work:

Retinol helps neutralize free radicals in the middle layer of the skin and can increase epidermal thickness. It targets stress-induced oxidative damage which causes the skin to wrinkle, sag, etc.

What Does Retinol Do:

* Minimize fine lines and wrinkles by creating a plumping effect.


When applied, retinol penetrates and stays in the epidermis and dermis, triggering the skin’s collagen production. As a result, the skin appears full and firm, and the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, become less prominent.

* Refine skin texture through increased skin cell turnover.

Retinol promotes a faster turnover of skin cells. As new skin cells grow, dead skin cells are removed and replaced by younger, healthier ones, thus the skin becomes smoother and softer.

* Clear clogged pores in oily and acne-prone skin.

Retinol’s presence on the skin’s outermost layer helps remove dirt and oil from pores, resulting in blemish-free skin.

* Fade sunspots and other signs of sun damage.

Healthy skin is characterized by an even tone, and here, retinol scores high. Based on a 2020 study of people who used retinol serum for eight weeks, the consistent application helps minimize skin pigmentation.

* Brighten complexion as a result of cell renewal.


With cellular turnover happening faster because of retinol, your skin brightens and looks more youthful.

* Improve skin elasticity by improving its cellular structure.


As a vitamin A derivative, retinol has tiny molecules that attach to DNA and stimulate cellular activities in healthy skin.

* Treat acne through its anti-inflammation properties.

Retinol prevents inflammation-causing molecules from entering the pores. Acne treatments that use retinol have been the subject of several studies, and the findings are consistent: retinol is safe and effective.

Who Should Use Retinol:

Most dermatologists recommend fitting it into your skincare routine during your 20s or as soon as you experience facial skin concerns in your teenage years. As advised by experts, pregnant and lactating individuals cannot use retinol.

How To Use Retinol:

Whenever you’re introducing new active ingredients into your routine, gradually incorporate them by using them 2-3 times per week initially. When your skin tolerates them well, you can increase the frequency of use as desired. The best way to layer retinol is a sandwich method – apply a thin layer of moisturizer before and after using retinol.

When Should You Use Retinol:

Retinol is recommended for nighttime use because it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays if used during the day. In addition, sunlight can also degrade retinol which can make it less effective.

How Long Does Retinol Work:

It takes 3-6 months of regular use to see improvements and the best results are around 6 to 12 months.

Indeed, retinol is a superhero skincare ingredient. Add it to your daily skincare routine and you’ll discover the power of retinol. Say hello to a smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking you!

Stay healthy and safe!