How does retinol lighten skin?

Retinol can be effective in lightening the skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots. It does so by promoting skin shedding, which improves cell turnover rate and hinders the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which encourages the production of melanin.

Does retinol lighten skin tone?

However, retinol does remove dead skin cells revealing a more even complexion. So retinol won’t lighten your skin, but retinol will help even/blend out any hyperpigmentation. If hyperpigmentation is a top concern for you, we recommend trying a product with arbutin, azelaic acid, AHAs (i.e. glycolic acid) or vitamin C.

How long does retinol takes to brighten the skin?

While prescription-strength retinoids may have an effect in a matter of weeks, it can take up to 6 months for OTC retinols to produce the same results. You may notice a difference in conditions like acne after 12 weeks, but sun damage and signs of aging can take much, much longer to improve.

Does retinol bring out dark spots?

Retinols increase the rate of skin cell turnover and increase collagen production so that skin has more elasticity, clarity and radiance.” While the retinol has helped eliminate dark spots or marks on my face, I love it most as an acne treatment.

Why does retinol darken my skin?

In theory, retinol makes your skin cell turnover faster. The increased cell turnover temporarily sloughs off more dead skin cells. This creates a lag time before new, healthy cells come to the surface of your skin. Your new skin is exposed before it’s ready, and redness or discoloration, and irritation is the result.

Should you moisturize after retinol?

Mix your retinol with your moisturizer, or apply your moisturizer first and then your retinol. Always use sunscreen the morning after you apply retinol. Your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to protect it.

How long do retinol uglies last?

In general, retinol is one of the more gentle varieties of retinoids, however, “if you’re going to experience shedding it will begin on day three to five of daily night time use, and this usually continues for about five to 10 days depending on your skin type and the percentage of retinol you’ve used,” adds Ejikeme.

Is it OK to use retinol every night?

After a month or so with no side effects, you can likely use it every day if you want. Zeichner also suggests only using retinol at night. “The evening is a time of rest and repair, and cell turnover is at its peak,” he says.

How long after retinol can I apply moisturizer?

Wait for at least 20 minutes for your skin to fully absorb the tretinoin gel or cream before applying moisturizer or any other skincare products. Apply the moisturizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid using too much or too little at once.

How long should I leave retinol on my face?

After applying retinol to your skin (while it’s dry) allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes.

Does retinol make you age faster?

No, it’s not. It’s just an adjustment process. For the record, no study proved that there’s been any skin damage or signs of ‘faster aging’ caused solely by retinol.

How do you fade dark spots fast?

Kojic acid

Committing to a dark-spot-correcting serum with any and all of the brightening ingredients we mentioned before (vitamin c, retinol, tranexamic acid, kojic acid)—can significantly speed up the process and help fade dark spots even faster.

Which retinol is best for dark spots?

Retinol SA—a sun-safe retinoid—works to speed cell turnover and eliminate dark patches. Azelaic acid is primarily used to treat acne and rosacea. But Stevens likes to use this azelaic acid-based moisturizer for dark spots because it also has the secondary benefit of evening out skin tone.

What happens when you stop using retinol?

Do the results last if you stop using retinol? Yes, but most dermatologists say you’ll want to resume using it for optimal results. “Retinols help turn back the clock. If you have to stop them (for example while pregnant), your skin is still better from the time you were using them,” explains Dr.

What happens if you tan while using retinol?

In simple terms, while retinol can be applied with less caution, direct sun exposure may reduce the effectiveness of tretinoin, meaning you’ll get less significant results from tretinoin if you apply it to your skin shortly before you go out in direct sunlight.

What are the long term effects of retinol?

“If you’re overusing your retinol, or if you’re using a retinol that’s too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol’s association with skin thinning,” she says.