Retinol becomes a usual skincare product in winters to keep skin texture smooth, but does it make it any less intimidating? Is retinol safe to use? Should you be using it every day? What amount is safe? What will overuse do to your skin? Are there any side effects? Will it irritate the skin or give you a reaction? All your queries related to retinol will be answered here so you can begin your journey to wrinkle-free youthful skin. Keeping under consideration its unlimited benefits, there is no right or wrong time to start the use of retinol; however, ideally starting in mid to late twenties will be helpful in the long run. 
What is Retinol Really?
Retinol is the purest form of vitamin A there can be for your skin. You will find it as an ingredient in almost all skincare products with low consistency and good reason. It helps combat fine lines, decreases pore size, gives skin an overall youthful glow, gets rid of skin texture, to some extent fights acne, you name it and retinol does it. Retinol is an antioxidant that generates cell growth along with helping the regrowth of damaged skin cells. 
Take It Slow
Since retinol is available in very pure form, it can easily irritate your skin. The key is to take it slow. Start with a pea-sized amount with a lower concentration formula of retinol and apply twice a week, maximum. Gradually, over time increase the amount you use so your skin has the time to get used to a strong treatment like retinol. Remember if you overdo retinol, it will do more damage than benefit. 
Night Use Only!  
Retinol is to be used at nighttime only, sun exposure with retinol will give you a reaction. Apply it on washed skin before you apply any other type of skincare product — let it be the base. After you have applied retinol, make sure you moisturize your skin once you feel the retinol has absorbed into your skin. Wash your face the next day and moisturize, follow your complete skincare routine. Since it is strictly not reccomended to use retinol in the daytime because of it sensitivity to the sun, this applies to the next day as well. Do not leave the house without an SPF or sun block. Your skin is still sensitive to the sunlight since retinol is the only ingredient that your skin absorbs at a deeper level.  
Avoid Mixing of Products
While your skin is on retinol, be very vigilant of what you are using on your skin as an ingredient in your skincare products. Retinol does not play well with harsh ingredients such as acids or harsh exfoliators. A mixture of too many products is not encouraged; use less products so the superhero of skincare can show its magic. 
Consistency is Key
Like any and every other type of skin or hair care to work, you have to remain consistent with retinol. It takes time for the naked eyes to see an actual difference and consistency lands you with the best of results. It can take up to 12 weeks for you to see any obvious difference, but the wait will truly be worth it. 
To conclude, there will be side effects of retinol. For some, rather intense, while for some, mild, but if your skin gets irritated or shows reaction do not force retinol on it. It will do more damage than good. You can find other options like bakuchiol, which are a lot gentler than retinol. If your skin adapts to retinol without any reaction, side effects like sun sensitivity and dryness are still possible so remember to moisturize your skin and use SPF. HH

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