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Retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are some of the most effective ingredients in skincare for combating signs of aging and improving the skin's overall appearance.
However, Knowing how to incorporate them into your skincare routine is a skill to be mastered. Not knowing how will compromise your skin barrier and cause over-exfoliation.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is used in curing acne and has an anti-aging effect. It can be prescribed as a medication by a medical professional or can be bought over the counter as a skincare product. You apply retinol on top of your skin which makes it a topical treatment.
Retinol comes in many forms;
Creams
Serums
Ointments
Gel
Face washes
lotions
What does retinol do for the skin?
Retinol increases your skin cell turnover, helps unclogs pores, and exfoliates your skin while increasing the production of collagen which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines giving your skin a younger look.
The different types of retinol products include:
Tretinoin
Adapalene
Alitretinoin
Tazarotene
Bexarotene
Benefits of retinol to the skin
It helps to treat acne
It can improve the overall skin texture and appearance
It fades dark spots
Reduces hyperpigmentation
It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
It fades away acne scars
It can reduce the appearance of large pores.
How long does it take retinol to start working?
It takes about 12 weeks for you to see an improvement in your skin, though it starts working on your cells immediately after you start using it. For you to get the best of retinol, you have to stay committed and have patience with your skin. It takes time for your skin to adjust to retinol but once it does, you never go back.
How do you use Retinol?
It's important to carry out a patch test before you start using retinol.
A patch test is applying a small amount of any product on a small area of your skin to see if you will have any negative reaction after a few hours or days. Only a pea-sized amount is recommended when applying retinol.
Step by step on how to incorporate retinol into your night skincare routine
- Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry
- Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol on your face. Make sure to avoid your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Finish with a lightweight facial moisturizer
How often can one use Retinol?
As a beginner, once a week is fine, Since retinol has the tendency of irritating the skin.
You can choose to up your usage to twice a week once your skin has gotten used to it.
AHAs and why they are so important
AHA alpha hydroxy acid is a group of acids that are found in fruits, milk, and sugar cane.
It is used as a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and to treat specific skin concerns
Common types of AHA include;
Lactic acid, found in milk
Glycolic acid, found in sugar cane
Malic acid, found in apples
Citric acid, found in citrus fruits
Tartaric acid, found in grapes
Benefits of AHAs
It exfoliates gently
Improves the texture of the skin
Reduces signs of aging
Reduces hyperpigmentation and the appearance of sun damage
It helps in treating acne
It helps to fade acne scars
When is the best time to use AHAs?
They are better used at night as they are sensitive to sun exposure. But if you are going to apply it during the, then you should wear your sunscreen to protect you from sun damage.
Step-by-step guide on how to use AHAs
- Use a gentle cleanser and pat your face dry
- Apply your AHAs in a small amount
- Apply your lightweight moisturizer
What is the difference between AHAs and BHAs
BHAs and AHAs are similar but BHAs have been found to be more effective for oily skin and acne-prone skin. The common type of BHAs is salicylic acid. They appear on the ingredients list as willow bark extract, salicylate, or sodium salicylate.
Can you layer AHA and BHA with Retinol?
Some people will say there's no harm while others will say there is. It's just what works for you. But if you have sensitive skin, just stay away from layering the products together. It can cause a severe reaction due to over-exfoliation caused by the three ingredients.