What is retinol?

Retinol is one of those ingredients you hear about everywhere in the beauty world, and for good reason! It’s basically a type of vitamin A derivative that tells your skin to get to work. Think of it as a little coach for your skin cells, encouraging them to behave like they did when they were younger.

So, how does it actually do all that?

• It boosts cell turnover. Retinol makes your skin shed those old, dead cells a lot faster. That's why your skin can look so much smoother and brighter after using it for a while. It's a great way to deal with fine lines, wrinkles, and even some dark spots.

• It builds collagen. Collagen is what keeps our skin firm and bouncy. As we get older, we lose it. Retinol helps your skin produce more of it, which is how it helps with firmness and texture.

• It clears out pores. For anyone dealing with acne, retinol is fantastic. It helps regulate oil production and keeps pores from getting clogged, which can seriously cut down on breakouts.

Now, a couple of things you really need to know before you jump in:

• Go slow. Your skin needs time to get used to it. Start by using it just a couple of nights a week. You might notice some dryness or flaking at first, that's totally normal. Just be patient and gradually increase how often you use it.

• Use it at night. Sunlight can make retinol less effective, so it’s always a nighttime thing.

• Sunscreen is non-negotiable. This is probably the most important rule. Retinol makes your skin way more sensitive to the sun, so you absolutely, 100% need to use SPF 30 or higher every single morning, no matter what the weather is like.

Retinol is a fantastic tool for healthier, happier skin, but it's not a race. Just be consistent, and you’ll see some real results over time.