Let's talk Retinol!

Retinol is also called Vitamin A. It has anti aging effects and help clear acne. it's not that easy to just start using it. There are different variations and concentrations you need to worry about, especially if you have sensitive skin. There are different variations retinol for different skin concerns. There's some for acne, aging, scaring, pores, melasma, Kaposi sarcoma lesion, psoriasis, stretch marks and wrinkles!

Here are different retinoids available

Adapalene (Differin®, Epiduo®).

Alitretinoin (Panretin®).

Bexarotene (Targretin®).

Tazarotene (Tazorac®, Avage®).

Tretinoin (Atralin®, Avita®, Refissa®, Renova®, Retin-A®, Tretin-X®).

There are over the counter available if you do not need prescribed ones.

Here is where it gets tricky because you have to be careful which one to buy.

You want to start with 0.1 percent or 0.2 percent depending how sensitive your skin is. And most likely start once a week!

Do not use it with other active at the same time such as salicylic acid. It can severely dry you out. Once your skin has adjusted then go up to 0.5 percent.

When you tend to over use retinol, it can cause retinol burn which will be itching, red and painful when you are putting products on.

If you end up having retinol burn. Make sure that you are out of the sun and using light products. As your skin is sensitive and can cause more damage in the sun.