Monday Myths - Retinol

It looks like we finally found a reason to post on Mondays. Mind you, it wasn't intentional. I do a TON of research on skincare products before I'll even sample them, and Ashleigh researches nearly everything.

So, have a seat with your favorite beverage and read on to find out what myths are true or flat out lies regarding a very widely used product, Retinol.

BUT, before we get started....

 

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Retinol, or C20H30O is Vitamin A. It is used in the beauty industry as a acne exterminator and anti-aging product.

Myth 1:

People who have sensitive skin can't tolerate retinol

 FALSE!

 As someone with sensitive skin I can prove this myth wrong from first hand experience. If you are worried about the side effects retinol may have, especially if you have sensitive skin, here are a few tips. First, don't apply it as frequently as directed. Dermatologists suggest once every other day at the start to let your skin adjust, and build up to directed use. Second, look for a formula made for sensitive skin like the one in the photo above.

  

Myth 2:

Retinol treatments cost WAY too much.

 FALSE!

Not only does a little product go a long way, but there are retinol products for every price point. My current retinol cream was only $12. Once this tube is gone I may upgrade to a higher price point ($38), but that is ONLY due to transitioning to a healthier ingredient list. 

  

Myth 3:

Retinol will cause you to sunburn.

MAYBE!

There is SO much conflicting information about this myth. Personally I have not found it to effect my sun tolerance. Other beauty bloggers and youtubers have not had problems either. However, most products advise you to stay out of the sun, or have SPF built into the formula for day wear. Some dermatologists say it will, some say it wont. This is one of those myths that will be true or false depending on how your skin reacts to retinol. 

 

Myth 4:

If it has any form of Vitamin A in the ingredients list it's good.

FALSE!

When looking for a non-prescription retinol product, that's the ingredient you want to see on the label. Other derivatives are called pro-retinols. Some pro-retinols are retinyl propionate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and retinyl linoleate. They are much weaker than retinol itself and may not work at all.

  

Myth 5:

You can see results in just one week.

 TRUE!*

*Well, sort of.

Retinol is a multipurpose product. The morning after my first application my skin was smoother. After week one, nearly all of my pores were clear. That's huge in my eyes! That being said, if you're looking for wrinkle reduction in just one week you'll be disappointed. It takes 2 to 3 weeks just for your skin and retinol to really bond and be best of friends. Plan on using retinol for 8 to 15 weeks before it's full multipurpose benefits show themselves.

  

Myth 6:

If I break out or my skin gets irritated I need to stop using anything with retinol.

FALSE!

Dryness, peeling, redness...all are part of the 2 to 3 week bonding process I mentioned above. It's why I started using retinol when I knew I wouldn't be leaving the house much, if at all. Just incase I got the mentioned side effects.

 The same is true with acne. 9 times out of 10 you will break out when using a new product while your skin adjusts. If the irritations are severe, uncomfortable, or do not go away after 2 to 3 weeks you have a few options. You can switch to a lower concentrated formula, or apply your current formula just once a week. If that doesn't work, and you have your heart set on retinol talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

Those are just a few of the many retinol myths. If you have a retinol myth you want answered, or have other products you want to see on Monday Myths leave a comment to let us know!

~Amanda