WWTF | Retinol, retinol, retinol

Retinol are something that I'm frequently asked about; how do you use them? what do they do? and how do you know if you need them? Well, the truth is, everyone over the age of 30, and sometimes younger, can benefit from retinol. It works as an exfoliant agent that gets deep into the skin- as a result, it can combat a slew of issues from acne, to pigmentation, to wrinkles. I personally use a retinol 3x's a week, spaced out a day, because in all honesty my skin in it's "natural state" prefers to be ugly. And in a skincare profession, ain't nobody got time for that. 

From a scientific standpoint:

• Retinol are what are known as "small chain molecules", a derivative of vitamin A. Smaller molecules don't just sit on the skin's surface like most other exfoliants. They are able to squeeze between layers of the face and get down to what is known as the Basal Layer of skin---where all of our elastin and collagen are made. 

• They work like little skin-hypnotists too...since they're a naturally occurring substance in the body they "trick" your cells to actually ACT YOUNG again. Which means that they start to rebuild damaged collagen and elastin, while convincing your body to make more.

• The cell turnover they increase means that, just like when you were younger, the pores are smaller and the texture of the skin is smoother and more taut. And if you suffer from acne, that exfoliation helps to breakup gunk stuck inside the pores and helps to minimize post-acne redness.

Some additional points to know before I go:

• Retinol is available OTC, however, a retinoid is something that you can only get from your doctor. It's a good option for those with severe acne or sun-damage, or for those of you who have reached a plateau using cosmetic retinol. 
• If you're using a retinol make sure to wear a sunscreen! And only apply at night. The increased exfoliation WILL make you burn easily and can make your pigmentation darker than before you started. Which defeats the point of you using it. 
• All my prego ladies and breastfeeding mamas need to check with their doctors before using retinol. Pregnant women: because you're not allowed to do anything fun;) And lactating moms: because there's some controversy about whether or not it's absorbed into the breastmilk...and our babies don't need more cell turnover, their collagen levels are top-notch  

❤ , b