{"id":3457,"date":"2022-02-27T22:41:35","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T06:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3457"},"modified":"2023-03-15T12:36:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T19:36:22","slug":"what-does-retinol-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/what-does-retinol-do\/","title":{"rendered":"The complete retinol review, part 4: Debunking the viral myths around skincare\u2019s continually buzzy ingredient"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6129\" width=\"52\" height=\"52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image.png 300w, https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-1x1.png 1w, https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-250x250.png 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 52px) 100vw, 52px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:200%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong><strong>Clinically reviewed by:<\/strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/author\/azuriarrain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who doesn\u2019t love <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=retinol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol<\/a>. Approved by the FDA in 1971, it\u2019s a skincare multi-hyphenate, targeting concerns from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=acne\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">acne<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=acne+scars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scars<\/a>, to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=wrinkles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wrinkles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/solutions-for\/lifting-firming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">firming<\/a>. If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">newly considering retinol<\/a> or you\u2019re already a retinol devotee who wants more insight on the latest ingredient news, keep reading to learn all about skincare&#8217;s always-buzzy ingredient.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">But first, a reminder of what retinol is exactly and how it works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=retinol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Retinol<\/a> is a compound that\u2019s part of the retinoid family, a group of vitamin A derivatives that quicken skin cell turnover. Unlike some retinoids, retinol is available over-the-counter (under 2.0% concentration) or via prescription (over 2.0% concentration). Depending on preference, you can apply retinol topically in many forms, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Gels&nbsp;<\/li><li>Foams&nbsp;<\/li><li>Serums or liquids&nbsp;<\/li><li>Creams<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>How does retinol work in the skin? Chemically, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=retinol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinol<\/a> is two steps removed from retinoic acid, and for retinol to work, your skin must slowly oxidize and transform retinol into retinoic acid. This entire process is called \u201cretinization.\u201d Only then can the molecule penetrate skin cells and deliver benefits including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Increasing skin cell turnover&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Unclogging pores&nbsp;<\/li><li>Decreasing inflammation&nbsp;<\/li><li>Promoting collagen production&nbsp;<\/li><li>Boosting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=hyaluronic+acid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hyaluronic acid<\/a> production (a natural moisturizer)&nbsp;<\/li><li>Reducing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=oil+control\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">excess sebum<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Retinol essentially encourages (or speeds) skin cell turnover, which is the body\u2019s biological process of shedding dead skin cells to push newer and younger cells to the surface. This process slows as we age and visibly shows up as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=wrinkles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wrinkles<\/a>, roughness and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=discoloration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discoloration<\/a>. After a few months, the skin cell turnover from retinol starts to reduce:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/solutions-for\/lines-wrinkles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wrinkles and fine lines<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=breakouts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Breakouts<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><li>Keratosis pilaris&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/solutions-for\/dark-spots-uneven-tones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hyperpigmentation<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><li>Sun spots&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to topical retinoic acids available via prescription (like tretinoin), over-the-counter retinols may take longer to show visible skin results but the payoff for being patient can be fewer side effects like skin irritation or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=dry+skin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dryness<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Retinol myths vs. truths&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Myth: Retinol will thin your skin&nbsp;<\/strong><br>Retinol increases collagen production, which helps thicken the bottom layers of the epidermis. Over time, you\u2019ll end up with stronger skin, not weaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Truth: Retinol helps reduce breakouts<\/strong><br>When dead skin cells don\u2019t shed, they can block pores and trigger the cascade of events that lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=acne\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">acne<\/a>. Retinol helps speed cell turnover to encourage dead skin cells to shed, which helps keep pores clear. Retinol also helps reduce excess sebum (oil) that clogs pores\u2014another known trigger that leads to acne.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Myth: Retinol increases sun damage<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Retinol actually corrects<em> <\/em>previous sun damage. With regular retinol use, while adhering to some <a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">essential retinol skincare steps<\/a> (like always applying an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=SPF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SPF 30<\/a> during the day), you can reduce sun spots and deep UV light damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Truth: Retinol can cause side effects like dryness and redness<\/strong><br>Retinol usually requires an adjustment period. The high turnover rate of skin cells can initially disrupt your skin, creating temporary side effects like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Redness and irritation&nbsp;<\/li><li>Dry skin texture&nbsp;<\/li><li>Itching&nbsp;<\/li><li>Minor breakouts&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3454\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The best way to mitigate side effects<\/a> is to go slow and low: Go slow with your retinol product by applying every other night, and go low with the concentration you use (basically, anything non-prescription) and the amount you apply (usually no more than a pea-sized amount is needed).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Myth: The higher percentage, the better&nbsp;<\/strong><br>Once you start seeing the benefits of retinol, it\u2019s hard to resist the \u201cmore is more\u201d attitude. While a high retinol concentration can work faster on skin, the flaking, dryness and redness that can come with more potent percentages aren\u2019t great payoffs. That\u2019s where over-the-counter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/retinol-youth-renewal-eye-mask\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retinols<\/a> can step in as great solutions for certain skin types, especially more sensitive skin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Truth: Hyperpigmentation and skin texture improve with retinol&nbsp;<\/strong><br>Retinol has been clinically tested and proven to help fight these pigmentation and texture issues:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Hyperpigmentation: <\/strong>A 2016 study found that just 0.5% retinol (often found in over-the-counter retinol products) improved mild hyperpigmentation (dark spots, age spots) in just four weeks.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Milia: <\/strong>Appearing as little white bumps, milia usually forms under the eyes, on the forehead or across the nose. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/product\/retinol-youth-renewal-eye-mask\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Retinol<\/a> can potentially \u201cunplug\u201d these bumps of trapped keratin (a skin protein) by encouraging skin cell turnover.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Keratosis:<\/strong> Similar to milia, keratosis results from trapped keratin, but these bumps appear in red clusters across the body. Retinol can help smooth rough texture without tearing the skin or aggravating the bumps the way a physical exfoliant might.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Myth: You have to use retinol alone<\/strong><br>Retinol also pairs well with many other proven superstar ingredients, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=AHA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AHAs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=BHA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BHAs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=hyaluronic+acid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hyaluronic acid<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.murad.com\/search\/search-results\/?keywords=vitamin+c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vitamin C<\/a>. When starting your retinol regimen, your skin might benefit from alternating between treatments, such as using AHAs\/BHAs on alternating days with retinol. Whereas hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be applied before and after retinol, like \u201cbookends\u201d to help manage the dryness that can come with retinol usage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.\u202f\u202f<\/em><strong>\u202f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More about retinol here:<\/strong>\u202f\u202f\u00a0<br><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The complete retinol review, part 1: A beginner\u2019s guide to everything you need to know about the powerhouse ingredient<\/a><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3436\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The complete retinol review, part 2: A basic manual for putting together your ideal restorative skincare routine<\/a><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3454\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=3454\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The complete retinol review, part 3: How to use retinol effectively, while side-stepping side effects<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References for this information:<\/strong>&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26578346\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology,<\/em> 2016, volume 15, issue 1, pages 49-57&nbsp;<br><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aocd.org\/page\/Retinoidstopical\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Website<\/em>, Retinoids<\/a> &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/what-does-retinol-do\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><br><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/retinols\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Medical News Today Website, <\/em>Retinols<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Clinically reviewed by: Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who doesn\u2019t love retinol. Approved by the FDA in 1971, it\u2019s a skincare multi-hyphenate, targeting concerns from acne and scars, to wrinkles and firming. If you\u2019re newly considering retinol or you\u2019re already a retinol devotee who wants more insight on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":3561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1678908984:29"],"_edit_last":["29"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["5"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":[""],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"post_views_count":["6381"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Don't know why you should add retinol to your skincare routine? Find out everything you need to know about this powerful ingredient here."],"_thumbnail_id":["3561"],"_wp_old_date":["2022-02-23"],"sidebar_products_use_global_default":["0"],"_sidebar_products_use_global_default":["field_63a349a11086a"],"sidebar_products_items":[""],"_sidebar_products_items":["field_63a349a110878"],"sidebar_products":[""],"_sidebar_products":["field_63a349a0dadad"],"sidebar_products_title":["Related Products"],"_sidebar_products_title":["field_6408d62123449"]},"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":{"show_featured_image":true,"primary_category":{"term_id":5,"name":"Skin","slug":"skin","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":238,"filter":"raw"},"mobile_image":false,"post_views_count":"6381","sidebar_products":{"use_global_default":false,"title":"Related Products","items":""}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3457"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3457\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6789,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3457\/revisions\/6789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}