WHAT’S RETINOL ALL ABOUT?
Today we’re diving into one of the OGs of anti-ageing and debunking myths about this legendary ingredient – Retinol. It’s got more studies and stories than a binge-worthy TV series: let’s break it down.
WHAT’S RETINOL?
Retinol (or Vitamin A) is one of the most researched and tested anti-ageing ingredients in the history of skincare (which, let’s be honest, isn’t that long, but still). Vitamin A has been around for ages, but it started getting serious attention in dermatology back in the 60s.
And get this – it was discovered almost by accident. They were testing acne treatments, and, lo and behold, they noticed not only did acne clear up, but wrinkles did too. So, Retinol became the secret star of skincare.
IS RETINOL ONLY FOR WRINKLES?
❌FALSE❌
The end result of using Retinol is that it reduces wrinkles, makes your skin smoother, firmer, and all-round better.
But the real magic of Retinol is that it’s like a personal trainer for your skin. It gets your skin to work overtime, regenerating and producing all sorts of good stuff (mainly collagen, but also proteins, natural hydration factors, and more).
So, Retinol thickens the epidermis, prevents sun damage, smooths out fine lines… and that’s just the start! Thanks to its cell-renewal power (kind of like Wolverine), it’s also fab for acne, blocked pores, spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. It’s a total winner.
DOES ANY RETINOL PERCENTAGE WORK?
❌NOPE❌
From 0.1% onwards, Retinol is effective and you’ll start seeing results within a few weeks (around the eyes even quicker).
From 2025, the maximum allowed concentration in the EU will be 0.3% (don’t panic… it’s just a precaution to avoid exceeding daily limits from different sources like creams and food, not because of any risk).
Want more than that? You can get it and it’s 100% safe, but you’ll need a doctor’s prescription first.
Speaking of percentages, it’s a bit of a minefield for three reasons.
First, not all Vitamin A derivatives are Retinol – there are Retinyl, Retinal, and others, and they’re not all equally potent. Depending on what you use, you’ll need different percentages.
Second, labs create new molecules from Retinol (Granactive, Retinol Complex, etc.) for slower release in the skin, to mix with other ingredients, or to minimise reactions… so you can’t compare percentages directly between brands.
Third, Retinol is pricey and some brands just say “retinol-like” or “pro-retinol” without specifying the percentage… so they can hype up their product, even if it’s lacking in substance.
DO I HAVE TO WAIT 12 WEEKS TO SEE RESULTS?
✅YES & ❌NO
You’ll see the first effects at the end of the first month.
They’ll become more noticeable by the end of the second month.
And by the third month, you’ll see clear results.
But the real kicker is the long-term, consistent effects if you use it for years. Yes, you heard that right… YEARS.
For more details, check out this post we wrote about it.
I’VE HEARD RETINOL CAN IRRITATE AND PEEL?
❌FALSE❌
It can happen at high concentrations, with old products that don’t mitigate the effects, or with very sensitive skin… and it’s normal to experience a bit of irritation in the first couple of weeks – we call it “retinization” or, in gym terms, “DOMS” (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) that fades with time.
All manufacturers (including us) give a heads-up because we’re scared someone might post a photo with a red face and blame us… but as long as you don’t go overboard, you should be fine.
You might experience a bit of redness around the sensitive areas like crow’s feet (but don’t slather it in your eyes). Start slowly in the first week (two days) and then every other day in the second week, and you shouldn’t have any issues.
IS IT TRUE THAT RETINOL CAN’T BE USED DURING THE DAY?
❌FALSE❌
Retinol is light-sensitive, meaning it loses its effectiveness if exposed to the sun – so that’d be a waste of money. To avoid this, just slap on some sunscreen over it, and you’re good to go.
Still, we recommend using it at night so it can work while you’re asleep, and you won’t wash it off or rub it away.
DO I NEED TO TAKE A BREAK FROM RETINOL IN SUMMER?
❌FALSE❌
If you stop completely in the summer, you’ll lose the progress you’ve made over the year and have to start all over again in September. Think of Retinol like the gym – it’s okay to take a break now and then, but do it because you want to, not because you’re scared of a particular season.
AND WHAT ABOUT BAKUCHIOL – THE “PLANT-BASED RETINOL”?
There’s a lot of buzz about Bakuchiol, which is often compared to Retinol… but the comparisons aren’t always fair.
They’re compared because 1) of marketing and 2) because it LOOKS like it could have similar effects on the skin.
Bakuchiol is antioxidant, delays collagen breakdown, has anti-inflammatory properties, and could help with acne… sounds great, but the scientific studies on it are still quite limited and not very solid.
So, Bakuchiol has potential but hasn’t proven itself yet. Plus, Retinol doesn’t have to be animal-derived (like in our WOW YOUNG, which is synthetic), so there are vegan Retinol alternatives… and they’re still Retinol, hehe.
P.S: To wrap up this express masterclass on Retinol: all we can say is: Retinol IS THE BOMB, as Camilo would say, and used wisely like in our WOWYOUNG, it’s safe, effective, and will give you younger-looking skin in a matter of weeks.
ANYONE UP FOR MORE?