Experts and dermatologists confirm it: retinol is one of those essential active ingredients in any healthy beauty routine. Among its benefits is its proven ability to help treat fine lines, combat hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen production , which inevitably leads to a smoother, brighter and more luminous complexion. It is not surprising then that retinol has become the preferred asset for mature skin . So is retinoic acid the cosmetic miracle we’ve all been waiting for? Yes but no. This ingredient also has a B-side and a user manualthat must be taken into account when incorporating it into our beauty routine .

In the first place, it should be clarified that, under the umbrella of retinoic acid , there are several families and branches that vary depending on their purity and concentration. Retinoic acid is pure vitamin A – and it should only be used under medical prescription – while retinol is its most common cosmetic presentation. But you also have to know how to choose the most suitable retinol cosmetic formula for your skin type, and this will depend fundamentally on its concentration . The sensitive skin and those who are not familiar with retinol should start with lower concentrationsand gradually increase -but, watch out! Efficacy does not just depend on high concentration, but on knowing how to use it to get the maximum possible benefits .

Therefore, if you are thinking of incorporating this active principle into your daily routine, you have to know that retinol must be used very little by little . Because it can cause irritation the first few times, it is recommended to start using it one or two nights a week and gradually increase until you get to use it every night. Do you only have to use it at night? It is what the experts recommend, yes, and if it is used in the morning it is essential to apply a good layer of sunscreen to avoid unwanted effects. And what happens in summer?Retinol is not only for autumn or winter -although it is a good time to start using it-, it is also suitable for summer but, yes, with some guidelines : always use it at night, controlling the dose and its concentration, which should be lower and spaced in times of more sun. A good sunscreen is essential every day .

Finally, before trying a formula with retinol in high concentrations, try it on the ear or on the wrist and wait 24 hours . If there is no reaction, start using it every other day. As always, prevention is the best way to avoid unwanted effects.