5 Things You Should Know About Retinol–Busting the Myths

Retinol has attracted a lot of attention in recent years for its groundbreaking ability to erase wrinkles, lift sagging skin, and smooth over lines. At the same time, though, whenever a new product or ingredient shows a lot of promise, the discussion around it tends to include some ideas or observations that just do not line up with what is known about the substance. It happens with new foods, it happens with drugs and pharmaceuticals, but it really happens with cosmetics and skin care products. That’s why it is important to understand how retinol actually works and what you can do to get the most out of it if you are looking for the best skin care products for wrinkles here on LaLa Daisy.

 

Myth #1 – Retinol is not Compatible With AHA or BHA Exfoliants

 

There has been a rumor going around certain articles and discussion forums that says these exfoliants deactivate or remove retinol, which neutralizes the benefits of daily use. While there are some anecdotal accounts of this happening that seem to be in earnest, the fact is that there is no scientific proof or testing that supports the idea. It is completely okay to use retinol with these exfoliants according to all the evidence, and many women do so regularly and get great results.

 

Myth #2 – The Ph of Those Exfoliants Reduces Retinol’s Effectiveness

 

This rumor is really similar to the above one, except that this time the Ph balance of the exfoliant is said to lower the skin’s Ph in a way that reduces the effectiveness of retinol. This is an especially important rumor to dispel because it could easily be generalized to all skin care products with a low Ph, but it comes from a misunderstanding of the chemistry of your skin. Just because a product has a low Ph that helps it cleanse the skin, it does not mean that it will change the actual balance of the skin. Those two things are not necessarily related.

 

Myth #3 – Don’t Use Retinol in the Daytime

 

The fact is that the research shows that it works well under SPF-rated products and that the vitamins in retinol and in antioxidant skin treatments both perform admirably and help protect the skin even more when applied under an SPF protection. That means that top anti-aging skin care products for wrinkles will work well any time of day, and you should use them as you need them.

 

Myth #4 – Retinol Doesn’t Work With Vitamin C

 

Retinol and vitamin C both work fine under SPF-rated products, as noted above, and many of the same studies also show that they work perfectly well when used together, contrary to popular online rumors.

 

Myth #5 – Retinol Thins the Skin

 

Actually, all of the research shows that retinoids of all kinds boost collagen production. What does that mean? It means they lead to thicker, more elastic skin, not the alternative.

 

Top anti-aging skin care products use retinol and other retinoids because they are among the most powerful line and wrinkle reducing agents on the market today. That’s also why they attract so many unproductive rumors, and why it is important to understand how to navigate past them so that you have the facts about your best skin care options.