Retinol has become the holy grail of skincare enthusiasts worldwide for its remarkable ability to combat wrinkles, acne, and many other skin concerns. But despite its popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding this potent ingredient. Fear not! In this comprehensive article and video, we’ll demystify retinol and equip you with everything you need to know to incorporate it into your skin care routine seamlessly.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of retinoid, which is derived from Vitamin A. It’s the most commonly used form of retinoid found in over-the-counter skincare products. While retinol itself isn’t active on the skin, it undergoes a conversion process within the skin, ultimately turning into retinoic acid, the active form of Vitamin A. This conversion process is crucial for retinol to unleash its anti-ageing and acne-fighting powers.

The Conversion Process

Retinyl Palmitate ==> Retinol ==> Retinaldehyde ==> Retinoic acid

Retinoid is the catch-all term for all forms of Vitamin A – the only active proven to reduce wrinkles (not just their appearance).

The most common forms of Retinoid used in skincare products include –

• Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (a.k.a. Granactive Retinoid)
• Retinaldehyde
• Retinoic Acid (the pure active form, a.k.a. Tretinoin)
• Retinol
• Retinyl Palmitate

In other words, if it has “retinol” somewhere in the name, you can count on it before a retinoid. However not all retinoids are created equal. Some are more effective than others. Retinoic Acid is the most powerful (and the most irritating).

With the exception of Granactive Retinoid, all other forms of Retinoid must be converted into its pure form to work against acne and wrinkles.  This is NB. As no conversion is needed for hydroxypinacolone.  This ingredient is in our bedtime booster combined with bakuchiol (hydration serum).  So people start with the hydration serum and once their skin is used to it they start incorporating the bedtime booster at night.  for optimum smooth and blemish-free skin, the idea is to combine it with the smoothing gel (which then exfoliates but is not irritating).

Retinol vs. Retinoid: Decoding the Difference

The confusion often arises when distinguishing between retinol and retinoid. To clarify, retinoid is the umbrella term encompassing all forms of Vitamin A, while retinol is just one of these forms. Other notable retinoids include retinaldehyde and retinoic acid (also known as tretinoin). Retinoic acid is the purest and most potent form of Vitamin A, typically available through prescription.

How Does Retinol Work?

Retinol works wonders for the skin through its multifaceted approach –

Introducing retinol into your skincare regimen requires patience and a gradual approach to minimize potential irritation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide –

1. Start Slow – Begin with a lower concentration of retinol to allow your skin to acclimate gradually. This helps minimize the risk of irritation and sensitivity.
2. Patch Test – Before applying retinol all over your face, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.
3. Consistency is Key –  Apply retinol consistently, preferably at night, to maximize its efficacy. Start by using it every other night, then gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerates it.
4. Hydration is Vital – Incorporate a hydrating serum into your routine to counteract any dryness or irritation caused by retinol. Hyaluronic acid serums are particularly beneficial for maintaining skin moisture.
5. Sun Protection – Retinol can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s crucial to apply sunscreen diligently during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Discover the Natural Alternative to Retinol: Bakuchiol

Tired of worrying about retinol’s side effects but still want its anti-ageing benefits? Meet Bakuchiol – your new skincare superhero!

Derived from the bakuchi plant seeds, Bakuchiol is a natural compound packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Revitalise and nourish your skin naturally with Bakuchiol – a time-tested ingredient from Indian and traditional Chinese medicine! It’s been used for centuries for wound healing, soothing rashes, calming redness, and more.

Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol offers similar skin benefits with fewer side effects. Say goodbye to irritation and hello to smoother, clearer skin!

Our Bakuchiol formula contains the perfect 1% dosage for optimal results. Plus, it synergises beautifully with other retinoid products for even better effects!

Retinol is undoubtedly a skincare superhero, offering a plethora of benefits ranging from wrinkle reduction to acne treatment. By understanding its mechanisms of action and adopting a cautious yet consistent approach, you can harness the full potential of retinol to achieve radiant, youthful skin. Remember, patience is key, and the journey to skincare success with retinol is undoubtedly worth the wait.

If you still have your doubts then consider our natural alternative Bakuchiol.