Your New Anti-Aging Partner – Retinol

What Is Retinol?

Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is known for its anti-aging and skin regenerative powers. Just like Vitamins C and E, its vitamin counterparts in delivering brightening and anti-oxidating results, retinol is widely used to formulate skincare products such as moisturizers and serums.

To understand how retinol repairs our skin, let's start by understanding our skin structure. Our skin is made up of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, dermis, the middle layer of skin, is consisted of collagen, elastin and fibroblast, of which collagen is the most important component to support the skin for a healthy and plumped complexion. Collagen depletes over time and this can lead to fine lines and saggy skin - this is when retinol comes into help. Retinol can reach the deepest layer of the dermis and to stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen reproduction, which helps to minimize pores, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, refine skin texture and restore skin's firmness.

Retinol Enlightening Guide For You

Q1: What's the difference between Retinol and other anti-aging ingredients in skincare products?
Answer: Clinically formulated by dermatologists, Retinol is ^endorsed by FDA as an effective anti-aging ingredient to improve wrinkles, minimize pores and firm skin.

Q2: What's the difference between Kiehl's Retinol skincare products and other retinol skincare products?
Answer: Recommended to be cautious in using Retinol products regarding their source, technology and concentration. Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions patented Retinol is pure and penetrates skin surface to effectively improve wrinkles for a more revitalized complexion while minimizing discomfort.

Q3: Is Retinol with higher concentration more effective?
Answer: No. Retinol can accelerate skin renewal and skin may go through a transition period of dryness, redness and peeling when you first try using it. Therefore, for first-time Retinol users, it's suggested to start with lower connection to build up skin tolerance to Retinol to enjoy its efficacy with ease.

^First Retinoids in Vitamins: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments, 2018 Aug; 36(4): 392-397

How To Choose The Right Retinol Skincare Product?

When choosing a Retinol skincare product, concentration is not the only factor, and higher concentration does not necessarily mean better results. Retinol is less irritating than Retinoic Acid, it effectively promotes skin cell turnover and renewal. Therefore, you might experience dryness or redness during the initial stages of use, depends on your skin type. It is highly suggested to apply sufficient moisturizing products and perform a patch test first. Apply a small amount of product to the inner elbow or wrist and observe your skin's reaction. Only start using it when there is no allergic reaction. Start with low concentrations and gradually increase as tolerated.
Furthermore, vitamin-based products are susceptible to oxidation, so proper storage is crucial. Vacuum-sealed packaging effectively blocks air contact, preventing the active ingredients from oxidizing and losing their effectiveness, thus ensuring the product's efficacy.

Retinol Usage Tips: 5 Steps to Minimize Dryness

Step 1: Cleanse and Tone Your Skin

Since retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, we should avoid using it with skincare products formulated with acid, exfoliators and deep-cleansing products to minimize the irritation to the skin. We suggest starting the skincare routine with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser.

After cleansing, use a clean cotton to apply an alcohol-free hydrating toner to your face so as not to over-dry the skin, leaving it soothed, balanced, and primed for moisture.

Step 2: Buffer with Serum Before Retinol

Prepping your skin with a hydrating serum helps hydrate your skin while acting as a buffer between your skin and the retinol product. Meanwhile, we recommend a "Morning 'C' Evening 'A' Skincare Routine". In the morning, apply products formulated with Vitamin C for its skin brightening and antioxidant effects. At night, use retinol products to promote skin renewal. Our Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution™ is formulated with Activated C and is effective in reducing dark spots and post-acne marks, correcting uneven skin tone and restoring skin's radiance.

Buffer with Serum Before Apply Retinol Product

Step 3: Apply Your Retinol Serum

With the previous steps to keep your skin hydrated, you're now ready to use your retinol serum by dispensing 2-3 pumps on to palm and apply evenly on face and neck, avoiding the eye & lip area and massaging until fully absorbed. Same with all other skincare products, please do a patch test of your retinol skincare product before applying on to your face. If there is no allergic reaction, it is recommended to start using it 2 to 3 times per week and use together with moisturizers.

You may ask, is retinol not suitable for daily usage? If I have sensitive skin, can I still use retinol? Will my skin become thinner and more fragile if I use it continuously? In order to maximize the benefits of retinol, choosing the suitable formula, together with proper usage are very important.

Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is formulated with a precise dosage of retinol. Developed with the innovative "micro-dosing" technology, this serum can be used daily with minimal discomforting effects while improving the skin condition. Pure Retinol, the hero ingredient in this serum, can visibly minimize pores in 2 weeks and reduce wrinkles in 4 weeks. The formula also includes Peptide which simulates the production and organization of elastin to improve elasticity and smooth wrinkles; While Ceramides can restore and strengthen the skin barrier while retaining skin moisture.
Besides, Kiehl's utilizes innovative vacuum-sealed packaging to completely block air and prevent oxidation of the product's vitamin components, effectively preserving the activity and efficacy of the Retinol.

Step 4: Lock In Hydration

A creamy moisturizer can be used after retinol serum to lock in hydration. Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream. This powerful 7-in-1 moisturizer helps visibly lift, firm, smooth, refine texture, even tone, boost radiance and the feeling of elasticity^#. It is formulated with PhytoMimetic Vitamin A, which promotes skin's natural resurfacing process, reduces fine lines and refines skin's texture.

^#Self-assessment in the US, 53 women after 12 weeks.

If you have sensitive skin, you can incorporate Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream into your skincare routine to repair the moisture barrier of compromised skin without clogging your pores. Relieve, strengthen and intensively moisturize your skin during your “adaptation period”.

Cica-Cream, effectively reduce adjustment period of retinol reduction

Step 5: Wear Sunscreen for Protection

Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to UV light, therefore it is necessary to apply sunscreen in the morning to better protect the skin. Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA++++ comes with advanced Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL formula to defend against UVA and UVB rays, providing full spectrum sunscreen protection.