6 Surprising Facts About Retinol You Didn’t Know for Anti-Ageing and Skincare

Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient, most recommended for its anti-ageing properties. Despite it being present in some of the most viral skincare products, not many know about it too well. We’ll break this ingredient down in this article.

Retinol primarily helps with fine lines, wrinkles and other ageing markers that start to crop up as skin ages. Before introducing it to one’s skincare regimen, it’s important to understand an ingredient well.

Here are 6 things you didn’t know about retinol.

1. Retinol Is Derived from Vitamin A

While we use it commonly, many don’t know about the origins of retinol. Retinol is essentially a form of Vitamin A. This nutrient plays a key role in cell renewal, collagen production, and skin repair.

Dr Rashmi Shetty, a popular dermatologist on Instagram, detailed out the benefits of retinol, and how it's a form of Vitamin A, in this reel. 

2. It is Not the Same as Tretinoin

They both belong to the same retinoid family but are quite different. Prescription-based ingredient tretinoin is for people struggling with persistent acne and other concerns, and shouldn’t be used casually.

Read: Tretinoin Explained: Benefits, Side Effects, and Do You Need It in Your Skincare Routine?

Retinol is gentle, available in many common skincare products and good for beginners.

3. Retinol Helps With More Than Wrinkles

While it’s anti-ageing properties make it most popular, it helps with other skin concerns too. These are:

• Acne and clogged pores
• Pigmentation and dark spots
• Brightening the skin

It’s an ingredient that helps with different skin concerns.

4. Retinol Results Won’t Show Overnight

It takes a while for the effects of Retinol to start showing properly. It primarily works by increasing skin cell turnover slowly, and usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks for any results to show. In about that time, you are likely to notice a smoother texture and reduced fine lines.

Dr Anchal, a dermatologist who shares advice on Instagram, highlighted in her post, that it's a good idea to start using retinol after one turns 25. 

5. Retinol Must Be Paired with Sunscreen

This is a crucial point many beginners miss. Retinol makes skin more sun-sensitive, so skipping sunscreen can be quite detrimental while using retinol. Remember to always wear sunscreen, which offers a broad spectrum of protection, while using retinol.

6. Purging is Mostly Normal

In the initial days of using retinol, some skin concerns like breakouts, peeling, or dryness is common and nothing to worry about. They usually go away on their own, after your skin starts to adjust. If they’re persistent and not going away in a week or so, consult a dermatologist.

As a beginner, you may want to introduce it slowly to your skincare regimen, instead of using it every day. Also, avoid using it with other actives, especially compounds like AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide. You can also start using retinol in your late 20s, but it’s effective even if one’s 30s and 40s. It’s never to late to invest in good skincare, and retinol may be a great addition to your routine.