Retinol the holy grail of natural skin care ingredients! Retinoids have long been considered the gold standard for anti-aging and for treating acne for good reason. With results that include improved skin texture, boosted collagen production and diminished dark spots, it's easy to see why beauty lovers all over the world swear by this anti-aging ingredient. But retinol use also comes with its fair share of side effects, like irritation and redness.

Read on to learn how to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine and the best retinol formulas in the market today.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, derived from vitamin A.

Retinol is naturally produced by your body and boosts cell turnover, increases collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Retinols are the little sister to the more powerful prescription retinoids. It's a more skin-friendly type of vitamin A that's typically used in natural skincare products.

Natural Skin Care Benefits of Retinol

Retinol helpsÖ

• unclog pores
• exfoliate and smooth skin
• reduces the appearance of pigmentation
• improves skin hydration
• treats acne
• reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Retinol can also thicken the dermis (the layer below the surface of the skin) over time, which makes skin healthier and more youthful-looking. Even if you don't have acne or fine lines, the ingredient can help maintain an even skin tone and give your skin that elusive fresh-from-the-spa glow. It's truly the backbone of nearly every good skin-care routine.

Skin Types That Can Use Retinol

It's good for all skin types but if you have fair or sensitive skin you should be extra careful. Retinol should be avoided for people who have skin that's been over-exfoliated (from at-home or in-office treatments), or skin that's sun-damaged.

Pregnant and nursing women should not use retinol.

The Right Age to Use Retinol

It's best to start retinol as soon as you hit your 30's because that is when collagen levels in the skin start decreasing more rapidly.

How to Use Retinol

It's always wise to start with a very small amount (around a small pea sized amount). Apply it one night and then wait a few days to evaluate your tolerance. If you don't get a reaction try it again. If you experience redness and flakiness mix the retinol formula with your moisturizer. Use retinol once or twice a week to begin with to see if your skin reacts, and gradually work up to every other day or three times a week.

It's best to use it into your night skincare routine only, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. When using retinol SPF is a must. Look for a formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Side Affects of Retinol

There are several reasons why skin can react to retinol, including using it too often, using too much of it, not prepping your skin properly or mixing retinol with other harsh ingredients, like exfoliators or acne treatments. The downside to retinol is that it can cause irritation of the skin, limiting its use.

The good news is Pure Fiji's Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Serum and Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Oil contain Bakuchiol which is a less-irritating, natural alternative to retinol making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Bakuchiol, a plant extract that offers the same skin benefits of a retinol, without the irksome side effects. Bakuchiol is an ingredient derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant,"" aka the ""babchi"" plant.

Bakuchiol has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties. Bakuchiol functions similar to a retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage.

What is the best form of retinol to use on my skin?

If you're a newbie to retinol start off with a low dose of around 0.025%. If your skin has no adverse reactions, you can slowly move up to a higher percentage.

Summary

As with any other skin care product, the key to seeing results is consistent use. Retinol will not deliver visible results quickly, so patience is essential. Improvements in your skin texture can take about two to four months. With continued use, you'll see more and more positive changesóso find a retinol you love and stick with it. Ready to harness the power of retinol? Shop our Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Serum and Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Oil.

Source: Allure