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If you’re a beauty and skin care enthusiast, you may have heard of retinol. It is a form of vitamin AAn important skin care element that fights signs of aging, improves skin complexion, fights acne, and is packed with other skin benefits. But did you know that like other vitamins, retinol needs to be used carefully?
Although the benefits of retinol may be endless, that same retinol can also misbehave with your skin if not used carefully! As long as you use it correctly, you don’t have to worry about popular retinol myths.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A which is used in many skin care products like creams, serums, masks to treat various skin problems listed above.
“Retinol is one of the most scientifically validated molecules in dermatology. It promotes collagen production and speeds up skin renewal. However, retinol may work differently as your skin changes over time,” cosmetologist and aesthetic medicine specialist Dr. Gagan Raina tells HT ShopNow.
Retinol myths busted
According to celebrity dermatologist, cosmetologist and trichologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar, “Retinol is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skin care. It’s either glorified as a miracle cure or feared as something that “thins the skin” or “causes peeling”.
Myth: Start using retinol as soon as possible to avoid signs of aging
In contrast, Dr. Raina recommends starting slow. “Getting stronger with age is not the solution, but getting better at it,” she says. They claim, “When used judiciously, retinol acts less as a cosmetic.” “Remember to apply retinol on dry skin, buffing with moisturizer, and never skip sunscreen. “Retinol should soothe, not inflame,” she adds.
She adds, “Any formulation of retinol-based skin care products should match your skin type. Retinol-based creams help soothe dry skin, serums work well for balanced skin, and gels keep oily skin clear.”
The table explains how and in what concentrations retinol is beneficial for your skin:
| age | correct concentration | How it brightens the skin |
| 20’s | Low concentration (0.1-0.3%, once or twice a week) | Retinol acts as a preventative, maintaining texture and shine |
| 30 and 0 | Medium concentration (0.5%, on alternate nights) | Correcting early lines and dullness with medium strength |
| over 40 | High concentration (0.5-0.75%, up to three times) | It supports repair and elasticity with high tolerances |
Myth: Retinol thins your skin
Dr. Sthalekar says retinol doesn’t thin your skin. In fact, it does the opposite. “Retinol stimulates collagen production, thickens the dermal layer, and smoothes fine lines over time. People simply experience initial dryness or flakiness,” she explains.
Myth: Retinol is unsafe for sensitive skin.
Dr. Sthalekar explains, “It’s all about how you introduce it; starting slowly (once or twice a week), using a pea-sized amount, and sandwiching it between layers of moisturizer can make it tolerable for most skin types.”
Myth: Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight
“In fact, it temporarily thins the top dead-cell layer, making sunscreen necessary, but this sensitivity subsides with consistent use and protection,” says Dr. Sthalekar.
Myth: Don’t use other active ingredients with retinol
This is wrong. Dr. Sthalekar says, “The key is to strike a balance, pairing it with niacinamide, peptides or ceramides. In fact, this pairing actually enhances retinol benefits by soothing and supporting the skin barrier. “When used correctly, retinol is less about chasing perfection and more about sustainability, a long-term investment that your skin will thank you for.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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