Retinol Myths, Debunked: 5 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About Retinol
As vitamin A-derived retinol continues to rise in popularity, so do its misconceptions. This is largely, in part, because of countless skinfluencers spreading misinformation under the guise of it being expert advice. So, today, we’re taking some of the retinol myths we frequently see circulating and debunking each one of them.
MYTH 1: Retinol cannot be used during the day.
Despite what you may have heard, most non-prescription forms of retinol are safe to use during the day. The key is to always follow it with sunscreen, which you should be wearing daily regardless (no excuses).
Our High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum is specifically designed for day and night use to visibly reduce lines, wrinkles and uneven texture without the irritation you hear about from traditional retinol products. This is because it’s formulated with a unique ingredient trifecta including our triple retinol blend, beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) link beta-carotene & CoQ10 blog.
This triple retinol blend features three highly stable retinols — including encapsulated retinol, retinol ester and phyto-retinol — for effective delivery and absorption. Meanwhile, beta-carotene protects the concentrated retinol levels and antioxidant powerhouse CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals for maximum stability and efficacy. Together, this powerful formula increases surface skin renewal in 3 days, according to a clinical study of 38 women.
MYTH 2: Retinol will thin your skin.
Because certain forms of retinol may cause peeling with initial use, some consumers mistakenly believe this is their skin “thinning.” In fact, the opposite is true. Instead, retinols promote skin surface cell turnover, which helps to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin. In doing so, it removes dead skin cells and promotes the production of new, healthy ones.
On top of this, retinol helps stimulate elastin and collagen production — two essential proteins that give skin its strength, structure and elasticity, allowing it to appear collagen-rich, firm and, therefore, more youthful. This boost in skin-strengthening proteins promotes the look of thicker skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and support skin barrier function.
MYTH 3: Retinol shouldn’t be used around your eyes.
There is a misconception that the skin around the eyes is too sensitive for retinol, but since the eye area is one of the first to reveal visible signs of aging, it can actually benefit the most from retinol.
That’s why we formulated our High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum to effectively treat this delicate area without irritation than is typically expected of traditional retinol products. Formulated with the same sensitive skin-approved combination of our triple retinol blend, beta carotene and CoQ10 as our Triple Retinol Renewal Serum, it is gentle enough to be used around the delicate eye area. With daily use, morning and night, it visibly reduces crow’s feet, dark circles and under-eye puffiness for a smoother, firmer appearance.
MYTH 4: Retinol should only be used for mature skin.
Though renowned for its ability to promote visibly firmer, smoother and more collagen-rich skin, retinol has a plethora of corrective and preventative benefits that make it valuable for adults of all ages. In fact, after sunscreen, retinol is the next best ingredient for the prevention of visible signs of aging. Plus, it can unclog pores, reduce breakouts, fade dark spots, minimize sun damage and protect against environmental damage — none of which are exclusive to mature skin.
MYTH 5: You can’t use retinol and vitamin C together.
Rumor has it that retinol and vitamin C can’t be used in tandem, but the truth is, when done correctly (i.e. waiting at least 30 minutes before applying retinol after vitamin C or using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night), they actually work brilliantly together.
An even more complementary option, though? Our Vitamin C Ester. This supercharged ingredient is a more potent, highly stable and gentler form of traditional vitamin C so you can achieve maximum brightening and smoothing benefits with less irritation. When used in conjunction with retinol, they enhance each other’s benefits for a dramatically radiant, smooth and even transformation.
Now, there you have it: common myths about retinol, debunked. Not just for fun but for the sake of your skin — today, tomorrow and years from now.
