This potent active derived from vitamin A has been recommended by dermatologists for many years now for its regenerative and biostimulating abilities, thanks to which it is able to improve the skin's texture, combining its anti-ageing action with curative effects against certain forms of acne.

Precisely because of its popularity and long history, many false myths and contradictory information circulate about retinol, which also causes consumer fear regarding its use.

Here are 6 false myths to dispel:

1. Retinoids are exfoliants: It depends, these actives help to make the skin smoother, but depending on the % with which they occur they may use a different mechanism from efoliation. Low percentages work at the regenerative level, thus stimulating an increase in cell turnover, but without directly causing the removal of the upper layers of the epidermis (as peelings do).

2. You can't apply retinol around the eyes: False! You can use it on the eye contour when the active ingredient is formulated in products specifically for this particular area, and indeed it is one of the best ingredients because it stimulates collagen synthesis with the result of 'thickening' the dermis, thus making the skin more elastic and less prone to wrinkles.

3. Retinoids are all the same: False, some such as adapalene mainly help to reduce pores and treat acne because they act on sebum production. Others such as retinol and retinaldehyde are used to stimulate the natural regeneration of the dermis. There are also other declinations, each to be chosen according to the type of effect required.

4. Retinol thins the skin: False, on the contrary, it improves skin firmness as it stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for giving structure to our skin.

5. If you have sensitive skin, you can't apply retinol: Not really. There are mild retinoids which, if applied correctly, do not cause undesirable effects even on the most sensitive skin. It all depends on the type of formulation applied and its retinol concentration.

6. I can't use retinol in the summer: False, if you apply a retinol product with a low percentage in the evening and use an spf50 sunscreen during the day, this active ingredient poses no danger to our skin in the summer.
 

Samsara Medical Centre also deals with skincare, with the possibility of analysing your skin and establishing together a skin care programme adapted to your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us for any curiosity or to book a consultation without obligation!

Photo by Birgith Roosipuu on Unsplash