WHAT IS RETINOL?

If you’re new to retinol you’re probably wondering...how do I fit this into my skincare routine? What can I layer it with? Is this going to burn my face off? Trust us, we get it––you’ve got some questions and we've got answers. Worry no more, we’re spilling on all things retinol. Let’s start with the basics:

So, what exactly is retinol?  

Retinol is a retinoid (a derivative of vitamin A) that converts to retinoic acid, which research shows helps stimulate skin cell growth and turnover.

In simpler terms? It helps exfoliate your skin while promoting skin cell and collagen production, leaving you with a smoother, plumper, more youthful-looking complexion. Bye wrinkles, see ya fine lines!

What are the benefits of retinol?

There are SO many benefits from using a retinol––from anti-aging to acne. Below are a few reasons we can’t live without retinol:

• If you’re concerned with aging, retinol helps improve fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and skin turnover.
• If you struggle with acne, retinol can help unclog pores, improve skin texture and deliver smoother, more even-looking skin.
• If you suffer from dark circles, a gentle retinol (like our Retinol Eye Stick) can help with skin turnover specifically underneath the eyes––revealing a brighter, more rejuvenated appearance. 

Are there side effects to using retinol?

We all know retinol has a bad rap for, at times, being harsh on the skin––think drying, peeling, redness, etc. If you have super sensitive skin, it’s important to be careful when first using a retinol product. Start slowly (think 1x/week) until your skin adjusts and work your way up to more frequent use.  

Regardless of your skin sensitivity, anyone who uses retinol should be wearing SPF every day. It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to quicker sunburns.

I keep hearing about ‘encapsulated’ retinol––what’s that?

Encapsulated retinol is essentially a time-released form of retinol. It’s more gentle because it helps control the amount of retinol that’s released at one time onto the skin. That makes it ideal for even the most sensitive skin––especially around the eye area. We use this in our Retinol Eye Stick to ensure you’re getting the rejuvenating, anti-aging benefits of retinol, without the irritating side effects. 

When should I start using retinol?

According to experts, mid-twenties to early thirties is a great time to begin incorporating a topical retinol in your skincare routine. Since this is the time that cell turnover starts to slow down, it'll help boost any collagen production that’s been lost. Prevention is key! 

Pro tip: Stick it to fine lines and wrinkles on your face, neck and décolleté with our Retinol Face Stick. Pair that with our power-packed Retinol Eye Stick to help kick fine lines, discoloration & texture around your eyes to the curb. 

Shop our Retinol Eye Stick and Retinol Face Stick Now!

Got a skin concern? We’ve got a solution. Just text us & we’ll walk you through your personalized step-by-step solution. Your skincare coach will ask for a quick selfie to ensure we find the perfect regimen for your skin concerns! Let’s Chat >