You may have heard about retinol and how it can benefit the skin, but what exactly does it do, and what kind of skin types should be using it?
To answer this question simply: everyone should be using a retinol, no matter your age or skin type, because it truly has that many benefits! You do NOT need to wait until you have wrinkles to start using one.
*BUT FIRST*, not all retinol products should be treated equally, and some are diluted and less potent than others, which should be avoided if you are looking for stronger benefits. And if you are able, spending the extra $$ on a high-potency, trusted retinol will do wonders for the skin. For example, the ZO Retinol Skin Brightener has 1% retinol, which is very high-potency retinol. This is one of ZO's basic retinol products that can be used by all skin types.
Let's get into it...What are the benefits?
The main reason that retinol products are used are to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin, and to reduce the appearance of dark spots/sun spots. Now, it is also being used to treat acne patients. But, something you might not know is that retinol highly increases the cellular turnover rate of the skin. Now what the heck is cellular turnover?! Cellular turnover is the process of shedding the dead skin cells off of the face, and new, fresh skin cells coming up the the surface.
Just think of a snake shedding its skin... it's like that....ew.
Why do we need cellular turnover?
Cellular turnover is incredibly important for the overall health of skin. Without fast, new skin cell production, dead skin cells will be left on the outer layers of the skin. This will increase the look of pores, and can make the skin look discolored, dry and flat. No thank you! These dead skin cells can also clog the pores even more, which can create breakouts, inflammation and redness. For wrinkles and lines, the dead skin cells may even begin to form around the wrinkles and lines that are already on the face, making them appear even deeper than they already are.
*While you can use over the counter treatments to take care of each of the problems listed above, if you want to get to the root of the problem (increasing cellular turnover), you need to start with a good, high-potency retinol*
Which ZO Retinol is best for my skin type?
1. Retinol Skin Brightener 1%
This is one of the basic retinol products, but one of the best! Basic not meaning average, but meaning that it can be used by a larger population of people. This Retinol is also offered by ZO in a .5% and .25% for those who may have more sensitive skin, or just do not want as strong of a retinol. This retinol should be used by those who have sun spots or discoloration, or may want to brighten the appearance of the skin!
2. Wrinkle and Texture Repair
As you can imagine, this retinol has a higher focus on treating fine lines and wrinkles, but actually works wonders with acne. Post acne scars, discoloration or uneven texture? This is the retinol for you. This retinol supports collagen growth and cellular turnover, and it also includes hyaluronic acid, which focuses on those fine line and wrinkles. This restores the natural moisture back into the skin, and refines the texture of the surface, making the skin much smoother. This retinol should be used by those who have a higher focus on reducing the signs of aging, but also for those who struggle with acne and acne scarring.
3. Radical Night Repair
This retinol was created for those who want the maximum benefits of an anti-aging retinol. This focuses on improving skin elasticity, collagen production, as well as protecting the skin from signs of future aging. Including sunflower seed oil and rosemary extract, this retinol soothes the skin in order to make the skin appear less inflamed and smooth. This retinol should be used by those who want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and prevent the skin from future aging.
What will happen to my skin when I start using one?
This is extremely important! When you first begin using a retinol, less is more, meaning that you do not have to use it every night, especially if you have more sensitive skin! To put it simply, the first month on retinol can be difficult, as your skin is in a purging stage, and can become very dry and flakey. But, THIS IS A GOOD THING. When the skin becomes dry and flaky during this time you know that it is in the process of working and doing what it's supposed to be doing, as your skin is just building up its tolerance to the product. If redness, dryness and flaking does occur, make sure to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!! The ZO Daily Power Defense proved to be a lifesaver during the beginning weeks of retinol. Don't give up, and be sure to moisturize and wear an SPF of 30+.
Retinol is an incredible product that attacks problems of the skin at the source: by increasing the rate of cellular turnover.
If you would like to purchase a product, have any further questions about retinol, or would like a skin consultation to see which is best for you, call or text us at 234-208-6867, or visit our website for more info!
Dont live another day without a retinol!!