Before we take steps to successfully begin reaping the benefits of retinol, let's work out exactly what it is.  

What is Retinol?

Retinol is vitamin A molecule that offers a slew of skin benefits including treating acne, (Retinol is known to help with non-infected type blemishes, such as white heads, blackheads and milia) and improving the signs of aging and repairing sun damage.

There is so much more though!

The retinol molecule actually penetrates into the cells and stimulates cell turnover.

When skin cell turnover is maximized, the cells are able to function at their optimal capacity and repair DNA damage caused by the sun and environmental stressors.

In other words, skin cells learn to behave better and make better skin cells. 

This leads to improvement in signs of aging such as dullness, discoloration, fine lines and uneven texture, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tones.  

Retinol is a super star. 

Don't leave home with it. 

As we age our skin loses its ability to repair our skin cells. 

How Does Retinol Work? 

Retinol stimulates collagen and increases cell turnover. 

Which helps with skin renewal. 

Retinol is one of your main tools in assisting skin renewal, allowing radiant-looking new skin while sloughing off dead skin.

Because, as you age, skin renewal begins to slow.

By stimulating collagen production, it helps to strengthen the skin's foundation so it can resist creasing.

You know, like when you sleep on your side? And you wake up with creased around your eyes, and decollete? 

By increasing cellular turnover, age spots and skin texture improves. 

With consistent, slow-drip usage of retinol, you’ll see a boost in skin renewal as well as improvement in the look of collagen-depleted skin, helping give younger, healthier-looking skin.

As you age, skin renewal begins to slow.

The Best Time to Start With Retinol

Optimally, begin in your mid twenties. 

While aging is a natural part of life, you can get a head start and keep your skin looking and feeling its healthiest for longer by adding retinol early on. 

It's much easier to prevent damage than it is to undo it.

A retinol routine lays the foundation for healthy skin before the damage has set in.

That said - jump in wherever you are for benefits.  

How To Begin Using Retinol

The Retinol Rules

Learn the do's and don'ts of retinol and using it with other ingredients.

• Apply products with retinol first (on to cleansed and prepped skin)
• Use hyaluronic acid & retinol together for intense hydration (as in Behave)
• Slowly add to routine to help reduce irritation
• Protect skin with SPF 30+ during the day
• Slowly combining retinol with acne & exfoliation treatments (AHAs, BHAs, Radiance Reveal & Clear Skin Serum) to see how your skin adjusts

When you start with retinol, minor skin irritation may occur—that's normal.

(Think of preparing for a marathon....)

Begin with a small amount every other day for about two weeks.

Then, gradually increase usage. 

Your goal is every day, consistently. 

Once your skin adjusts to this effective ingredient, you'll be able to incorporate it into a daily skin care regimen with little chance of flaking or redness.

Sensitive Skins - Careful start

Begin using on dry skin as can be less irritating - Ultimately use on wet as this is optimum for skin absorption.

Apply Behave after your moisturizer. The retinol molecule is very small and less will get through. Wait about 20 minutes before applying, to allow the moisturizer to set in before applying your retinol.

These techniques water down the retinol potency and can be effective for sensitive skin, or new users. 

Your Ultimate Goal

Again, ultimately you want what your skin can best tolerate - with a goal of daily, damp skin, on top of serum, below moisturizer. 

Also, It's totally safe to use retinol around the eyes as long as you do it carefully.

Retinol and the Eye Area

The eye area can definitely benefit from the collagen-boosting properties of retinol.

Start by using retinol only two to three days per week.

Gradually increase the frequency as your skin becomes more tolerant.

Apply a generous amount of moisturizing eye cream immediately after retinol.

Just a tiny bit will do. 

Behave 1% Retinol Moisture Creme

Begin Retinol Now

Behave 1% Retinol Moisture Creme

 

Still interested in learning more?  

Enjoy these articles about retinol from the Simple Beauty Blog.  

• Teach Your Skin to Behave Again 
• Love Those Hands, Throats and Necklines (With Video)
• How to Shrink Pores and Why They Get Bigger with Age
• Back to Basics:  How to Choose the Best Products for Your Skin
• How to Improve Your Skin Texture

Here is an excellent myth-busting article about retinol :

• The Biggest Retinol Myths You Need To Stop Believing

 An updated video on Why You Need To Be Using Retinol Here.

 

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