Debunking myths... retinol

With the launch of our pro-aging cream WOYOUNG, we'll go over the essential for a cosmetic all-rounder: retinol. As always, we're going to tell you in a simple and clear way; debunking myths we read about... and then you can make your own decisions and use whatever creams you want.

What is retinol?

Retinol (or vitamin A) is one of the most studied and tested anti-aging ingredients in the history of cosmetics. Vitamin A has been known for a long time, but its dermatological use began in the 1960s.

The funny thing is that it was discovered 'by chance' because they were testing anti-acne products and, as luck would have it, They saw how the patients' wrinkles and blemishes were fading away… So they made the connection and it's been that way ever since.

via GIPHY

WHAT IS retinol USED FOR?

It makes the skin have fewer wrinkles, look smoother, firmer and more supple.

To put it simply, it's like a trainer who makes your skin work hard so that it regenerates the things you lose with age (mainly collagen, but also proteins, natural moisturizing factors, etc.).

That's why retinol increases the thickness of the epidermis, prevents photoaging, and reduces fine lines. But in addition to all that, because of its ability to trigger Wolverine-like cell regeneration mechanisms, it's also fantastic against acne, clogged pores, blemishes and freckles, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and more. It's a real gem.

What percentage do I need for it to be effective?

Starting at 0.1% it will be effective on your skin and you will notice the effects over the weeks. 1% retinol… is for very pros who have been using it for a long time and have gotten used to it.

Beyond that… see a doctor. That said, There's quite a bit of confusion about the percentages that appear in the jackpots for three reasons..

First, because not all retinol is the same; there are vitamin A derivatives: Retinyl, Retinal, and so on, and not all of them have the same potency. Depending on what you use, you'll need a higher or lower percentage.
Second, because laboratories create new molecules from Retinol (Granactive, Retinol Complex, etc.) to slow down its absorption into the skin, either by mixing it with other ingredients or to further minimize potential reactions. This makes it impossible to compare the percentages.
Third, because it's a very expensive ingredient and some marketing people prefer to say 'it contains retinol' without explaining the percentage... and that's how they promote the hype, even though the cream has very little substance.

Do I have to wait 12 weeks to see results?

Yes and no... The first signs are noticeable at the end of the first month of continuous use. They become more evident at the end of the second month. And there is no doubt about the effects at the end of the third.

via GIPHY

I've heard that retinol irritates and causes flaking.

FALSE (PARTIALLY)

This can occur in very high concentrations, products that do not mitigate the effects, or extra sensitive skin.

All manufacturers (including us) give people a heads-up to be careful because we're terrified if someone posts a photo on social media with a red face and says it's our fault... but unless you do something crazy, nothing's going to happen to you.

At most, the area around your crow's feet, which is more sensitive, might become red for a couple of days (and you're not about to put the cream right in your eye).

But, starting little by little during the first week (one day yes, one day no), You won't have any problems.

IS IT TRUE THAT RETINOL CANNOT BE USED DURING THE DAY?

FAKE

The problem is that retinol is photosensitive, meaning that it loses effectiveness if you expose it to the sun.

To avoid it? Just use a maximum protection sunscreen and that's it.

Even so, We prefer to tell you to apply it at nightSo that you can let it work all the hours you spend sleeping, thus preventing you from washing it, touching it, or rubbing it...

And I've heard that Bakuchiol is the plant-based retinol?

There's a lot of hype surrounding another ingredient – Bakuchiol – which is constantly being compared to Retinol… and Comparisons are odious.

They are compared because:

marketing and
because for now IT LOOKS LIKE it may have similar effects on the skin

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant, slows down collagen degradation, is anti-inflammatory, might help with acne…and all very cool, but the only thing is that the evidence in scientific studies of all of the above is very limited and, for now, not very solid.

So, bakuchiol is an ingredient that shows promise, but to this day, it hasn't delivered. Furthermore, Retinol does not have to come from animal sources. (like in our WOWYOUNG, which is synthetic) so there are vegan alternatives to retinol… that are still retinol, hehe

And to wrap up today's express retinol masterclass, all that's left to say is: retinol is awesome, and when used wisely, as in our WOWYOUNG program, it's safe, effective, and guarantees healthier skin in a matter of weeks. What more could you ask for?