A Skincare Pro Talks Retinol

Considering the current “trend” of retinol, we asked an expert, Dr. Katie Beleznay, Marcelle’s skin health expert and a board-certified dermatologist, to answer some of our burning (no pun intended) questions about this powerful skin ingredient. —Vita Daily

Hi Dr. Katie! Today we’re talking about retinol. What is it, how does it figure on skincare and what can it do?

Retinol is a type of retinoid derived from vitamin A, an important nutrient that supports a healthy immune system. Our bodies naturally produce retinol, but overtime those levels decrease, which is why retinoids are great for helping prevent visible signs of aging on our skin. Retinol can help with everything from photoaging and skin texture, to pigmentation and acne.

What are your top recommendations for getting started with retinol (someone who has never used it before)?

Wait 10 minutes after cleansing before applying retinol. Using the sandwich technique, a product layering method that traps hydration into the skin, layer retinol between two applications of moisturizer. Counteract dryness or redness from retinol by adding additional ingredients to your routine, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide, which can help repair your skins barrier, or use a serum that incorporates some of these ingredients like Marcelle Cosmetics Retinol3 + Probiotic Serum. Avoid use of exfoliating acids, like AHA/BHA acids or benzoyl peroxide, at the same time as retinol application, as these treatments can become less effective and increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. If you develop significant irritation, stop using the product, moisturize, then restart once your skin has settled.

What are the must-know dos and don’ts for retinol use, especially for beginners.

• Always apply at night.
• Cleanse skin first and ensure its dry prior to applying retinol serums.
• Apply a pea-sized amount of serum evenly around your face.
• Be careful around the eyes and neck, which can be more sensitive.
• Follow with a moisturizer to hydrate you skin and reduce risk of irritation.
• Wear a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
• When starting out, use retinol 2-3 nights per week and build up to nightly use if your skin tolerates it.

When used correctly, what sorts of changes should we see, and when?

Retinol can stimulate the production of collagen, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by smoothing your skin. It can also fade hyperpigmentation and may help with acne by accelerating skin cell renewal, preventing pores from clogging. Your skin will see benefits if you use a retinol consistently, such as Marcelle Cosmetics Retinol3 + Probiotic Serum over the long term, even if you only use it one to three nights per week.

marcelle.com