Rediscovering Retinol

Long touted as an effective solution for blemishes, retinol is now a familiar active ingredient in many skincare products in the market. Here's how to use it for maximum results with minimum reaction.

- Balvinder Sandhu

Retinol has become one of the most popular skincare ingredients around, thanks to its effectiveness in improving issues such as acne and pigmentation. While it used to be a formulation that you could only access via a dermatologist, it’s now commonly available at beauty and skincare stores. Does this mean you should add it to your routine for better skin? The short answer is this: It depends on your skin type.

“Over the past few years, retinol has increased in popularity due to a rising interest in taking better care of one’s skin,” explains Dr Kenneth Thean, founder and medical director of Ensoul Medical Clinic. “Retinol is a nutrient that helps boost cell turnover, among its many other properties. It’s a type of retinoid, which is an umbrella term for the family of chemical compounds that are derivatives of vitamin A. Based on decades of research, retinoids have proven effective in treating wrinkles, fine lines, and even acne.”

Dr Justin Sii, owner and medical director of SOL Aesthetics, says that the primary function of retinol is to accelerate skin cells’ turnover and proliferation. This helps exfoliate to bring out fresh, healthy skin.

According to Dr Sii, retinol unclogs pores, helps with any acne situation, and reduces breakouts. It evens out skin tone, reduces dark spots and pigmentation, lessens the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and makes skin smoother and more radiant.

Dr Thean advises incorporating retinol into your daily skincare routine if you’re struggling with acne, as it helps to prevent future breakouts. It reduces oil production by interacting with the unique retinoid receptors present in skin cells. This minimises the possibility of clogged pores, which helps to prevent acne.