Debunking myths... retinol

With the fact that we have launched our WOWYOUNG pro-aging cream, we are going to review the basics of a cosmetic all-rounder: retinol. As always, we are going to tell you simply and clearly; dismantling myths that we read out there... and then you make the decisions and put on whatever creams come your way.

What is retinol?

Retinol (or vitamin A) is one of the most studied and tested anti-aging ingredients throughout cosmetic history. Vitamin A has been known for a long time, but it began to be used dermatologically in the 1960s.

The funny thing is that it was discovered 'by fluke' because they were testing anti-acne products and, coincidences of life, they saw how the patients' wrinkles were fading in addition to their pimples... like this who made the connection and from then until today.

via GIPHY

WHAT IS retinol FOR?

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

Said like this, very much like walking around the house, it is like a trainer who puts your skin to work so that it regenerates the things that you lose with age (mainly collagen, but also proteins, natural hydration factors,...)

That is why retinol causes the thickness of the epidermis to increase, prevents photo-aging, dilutes fine lines,... But in addition to all that, due to its ability to launch cellular regeneration mechanisms a la Wolverine, it also comes great against acne, clogged pores, spots and freckles, melasma, hyperpigmentation,…. A boat song, wow.

What percentage do I need to be effective?

From 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... he passes for a doctor. That said, with the percentages that appear on the pots there is quite a mess for three reasons.

First, because not all of the mountain is retinol, but there are derivatives of vitamin A: Retinyl, Retinal, ... and not all with the same 'potency'. Depending on what you use, you will need more or less %.
Second, because in laboratories new molecules are made from Retinol (Granactive, Retinol Complex,...) so that they have a slower diffusion in the skin, because they mix it with other ingredients or to further minimize possible reactions. That means you can't compare the percentages.
Third, because it is a very expensive ingredient and some marketing people prefer to say 'it has retinol' without explaining the %... and thus they promote lirili, even though the cream has little lerele.

Do I have to wait 12 weeks to see results?

Yes and no... The first signs are seen 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

Have I heard that retinol irritates and flakes?

FALSE (HALFWAY)

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

All manufacturers (including us) give advance notice to the group to be careful because we are scared shitless if someone posts a photo on social media with a red face and says it's our fault... but unless you do crazy things, no. nothing is going to happen to you.

At most, for a couple of days the area of the crow's feet that is most sensitive could turn red (and there is no plan to put the cream in the middle of your eyeball either).

But, starting little by little during the first week (one day on, one day off), you won't have any problems.

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

FALSE

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

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

Even so, we prefer to tell you to put it on at night, so that you can let it act all the hours you spend sleeping to avoid washing it, touching yourself, rubbing yourself...

AND THAT I HAVE HEARD THAT BAKUCHIOL IS VEGETABLE RETINOL?

There is a lot of hype with another ingredient – Bakuchiol – which is constantly compared to Retinol… and the comparisons are hateful.

They are compared by:

marketing y
because for now IT LOOKS like it could have similar effects on the skin

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant, it delays the degradation of collagen, it is anti-inflammatory, it could help acne... and all very cool, but the only thing is that the evidence in scientific studies for all of the above is very limited and, for now, little solid.

Come on, bakuchiol is an ingredient that promises, but today, it has not yet proven. Also, retinol does not have to come from animal origin (like in our WOWYOUNG, which is synthetic) so there are vegan alternatives to retinol... that are still retinol, hehe

And closing today's express masterclass with retinol, we only have to say: that Retinol is MOLA and used wisely as in our WOWYOUNG, is safe, effective and guarantees healthier skin in a matter of weeks. Does anyone give more?