Retinol for beginners

It’s hot and happening in the world of cosmetics: retinol. Once you’re in the skincare algorithm, you can’t ignore it. Retinol is presented as the holy grail for anti-aging, but what is it exactly? In this blog, we’ll give you a beginner’s guide to retinol, so you can start adding it to your skincare routine in an effective and safe way.  

What is retinol?  

Retinol is actually just a form of vitamin A. It can be found in more and more skincare products because of its positive effects on your skin. Retinol ensures that your skin renews itself faster. This makes dead skin cells disappear faster and new, healthy skin cells take their place. Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen, which makes your skin firmer and enzymes that break down collagen are inhibited. 

What is the effect of retinol? 

Retinol has a lot of positive effects. Due to the higher collagen production, your skin becomes firmer and more elastic, which is why retinol has an anti-aging effect. Retinol is also known to help against impurities, hyperpigmentation, and visibility of pores, if used correctly. So many advantages!  

Side effects of retinol  

Retinol can also have negative side effects. Especially with sensitive skin, retinol can cause redness, dry skin and irritation. To a certain extent, this is normal, because your skin has to get used to the new product. That is why it is important that you make sure that, when using retinol, you use other products that hydrate your skin, preferably perfume-free.  

Where does retinol come from? 

Retinol can be extracted in a variety of ways. It can come from animal sources, be plant-based, or be synthetically made. The retinol used in cosmetics is almost always synthetically made. Want to know for sure if your retinol product is vegan? Check the label, or the website of the brand where you bought your product (or soon the website of Uncovered.!). 

How do you use retinol? 

Apply retinol at night after cleansing your face. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to use the “sandwich method”. This means that after cleansing your skin, you apply a small amount of moisturizer to your skin, then apply retinol, and then apply moisturizer again. This way you protect your skin from any irritation caused by the retinol. 

Other tips: 

• Start with a low percentage of retinol, such as 0.01%, otherwise your skin may react very strongly to this new active ingredient. 

• Use a pea-sized amount. 

• Don't use it every day! In the beginning, applying retinol once or twice a week is enough. You can build this up later. 

• Use retinol on dry skin. This prevents irritation. 

• Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so don't forget to apply sunscreen the next day (like every day of course 😉 ). 

• Avoid sensitive areas such as around the eyes. 

And one last tip: persevere! Don’t expect to see results the next day. On average, it takes about 2 to 4 months until you see the positive effects. Persistence pays off!