It seems that everytime we turn around, there’s a new skincare ingredient to add to our routines.

Hyaluronic acid. Azelaic acid. Niacinamide.

Now retinol isn’t exactly new or trending. But its a skincare ingredient that’s commonly touted as beneficial, especially for acne sufferers. It’s also an ingredient that can be intimidating to add to your skincare routine if you don’t know how.

In this post, we’re going to delve into retinol and its benefits for acne. We’ll then show you just how to add it to your routine for best results.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is often added to skin creams and lotions. It belongs to a group of compounds called retinoids.

The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids

You will often see “retinol” and “retinoids” used interchangeably. There is a difference, however.

Retinol is a type of retinoid. Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A. Of the retinoids, retinol is one of the most popular, particularly in the skin care industry.

How Retinol Helps With Acne

So why is retinol so popular amongst professionals and skin care enthusiasts?

It has a number of benefits that lend themselves to skin health and beauty. Of particlar interest is its positive effect on mild-to-moderate acne.

One of retinol’s greatest benefits is it is known to increase cell turnover rate.

Skin cell regeneration slows down as we age. As the turnover continues to slow, this means more dead skin cells remain. This leads to a duller appearance, but it can also clog the pores.

When retinol is introduced to the skin, it increases the cell turnover rate. This naturally helps to unclog the pores and indirectly decreases oil production. These are two big components of acne.

Another benefit of retinol is its anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is sometimes, but not always, a component of acne. So whether you suffer from acne due to excess oil or an inflammatory response, retinol can be of great benefit.

How to Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine

Whether you want to reduce dullness or minimize breakouts, retinol is a good addition to any skincare routine.

So how do you use it most effectively?

Well, it’s not quite as easy as adding another layer to your current regimen. But it’s also not as daunting as many people seem to think it is.

Here are a few general rules when using retinol.

Rule #1: Add It Incrementally

When first introduced to the skin, retinol may cause dryness. You should add it incrementally to your routine, such as applying just twice per week. Once your skin has adjusted, increase to every other day. Finally, increase to every day.

If you notice signs of dryness (e.g. itchiness, flaking, redness), pull back to the previous step in your retinol progression.

Rule #2: Avoid Direct Sunlight

Retinol is also sensitive to light. You should always apply during your nighttime routine to avoid interaction with direct sunlight. You will also want to apply a sunscreen to your face the following morning.

Rule #3: Apply With a Moisturizer

Finally, your skin will adjust to retinol best if applied alongside a moisturizer. You can mix a few drops into your moisturizer on your hand. Or you can apply a base layer of moistuizer, a pea-sized amount of retinol, and then a top layer of moisturizer.

Conclusion

Retinol is an easy, lightweight addition to your nighttime skincare routine. If you suffer from acne or oil skin, it’s a must try.

Just remember to start slow, protect against direct sunlight, and apply it with another skincare ingredient like a moisturizer. These tips will ensure the introduction is successful and, most importantly, effective.