Retinol for the face: what it is, how to use, effects, what to combine with

You want to start an uneven fight against wrinkles. You're looking for a cosmetic superhero to fix what's starting to spoil the passage of time. And here it appears - retinol.

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On beauty forums and groups, the paeans to the wonderful properties of retinol continue unabated. On the other hand, like a shadow, there is always a thread about irritation, burning, redness, dryness... Is this retinol the hero or the villain after all?

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See also:

• What is benzoyl peroxide
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• What is niacinamide
• All about hyaluronic acid
• Vitamin C for the face
• Best anti-wrinkle cream
• Best moisturising cream
• Best face serum

What is retinol?

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Retinol is vitamin A. In simplest terms. And to complicate matters a little, it is this vitamin that needs to be looked at.

Vitamin A is a group of chemical compounds called retinoids. There are three generations of retinoidsand:

• aromatic compounds,
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• monoaromatic compounds,
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• polyaromatic compounds,
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Retinoids perform a number of important functions in the body, enabling it to function properly. In particular, they have beneficial effects on vision, the immune system and proper cell divisionand.

Retinol belongs to the monoaromatic retinoids and has the highest biological activity of all generations. This means that it acts most effectively. You supply it to your body every day with the foods you eat. It is its action from the inside that gives your body the most. But that's not all.

Because of its properties, retinol is breaking records when it comes to its use in cosmetics. However, in order for it to work in the skin, it needs to convert into retinoic acidand. In fact, it is retinoic acid that is responsible for all the beneficial properties of retinol and its derivatives.

Retinol versus retinal

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Retinol is the primary form of vitamin A used in cosmetics. It has a strong effect on the skin and in some cases can irritate it. It needs two transformations (retinol - retinal - retinoic acid)and to convert to retinoic acid. 

Retinal is a derivative of retinol, or retinol that has undergone its first transformation. It therefore needs only one transformation to convert to retinoic acid. As a result, it has less irritant potential - it acts faster and more gentlyand.

Retinol a retinoid

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Retinoids are the chemical compounds that make up vitamin A. Retinol is the most effective of these and is often found in cosmetics. It regulates exfoliation, renews the epidermis and lowers melanin levels, which helps to minimise unwanted discolouration. 

Also, retinol strongly nourishes the skin, making it more supple, which helps to reduce wrinklesand.

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Retinol versus retinyl palmitate

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Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol. It is one of the derivatives of retinol, but has low biological activity as it does not convert to retinoic acid. Although it is a safe substance, using cosmetics with this ingredient, you are unlikely to get the effects you expect from vitamin Aand.

Vegetable retinol

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Vegetable retinol is referred to as a substance called bacuchiol. Bakuchiol is not a derivative of retinol. It is a completely different chemical compound - meroterpene phenol - extracted from plants (whereas the retinol present in cosmetics is isolated synthetically). Because of its similarities in action, bacuchiol has been hailed as a plant-based retinoland.

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It is worth adding that bacuchiol is gentler on the skin than retinol and does not react with sunlight. Therefore, if your skin is intolerant to retinol or any of its derivatives, look out for cosmetics with bacuchiol.

Worth mentioning.

Effect of retinol

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Retinol influences cell division in the body and therefore also the formation of skin cells. It promotes the production of fibroblasts and is needed for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen. All of these substances have an impact on the appearance and condition of our skin.

Retinol has antioxidant properties - it counteracts the negative effects of free radicals. It also regulates the sebaceous glands, which prevents the appearance of blackheads and other imperfections. 

Retinol, through gentle exfoliation, stimulates the skin to renew itself and also helps eliminate wrinkles, adding smoothness, elasticity and firmness to the complexion. Applying retinol to the face is one of the most effective ways to counteract signs of ageing and prevent imperfectionsand.

Promotes wrinkle smoothing

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Retinol stimulates skin cells to remodel, strengthens the epidermal barrier and protects collagen fibres from damage. On top of this, it also stimulates the skin to produce new collagen and elastin molecules. In this way, it prevents the formation of wrinkles and the deepening of existing onesand.

Because it also prevents the epidermis from losing water, the complexion is better hydrated which also translates into a reduction in the appearance of shallower wrinkles .

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This all sounds like magic, but remember that no cream or serum will fill in the visible wrinkles. You can only achieve such a result with aesthetic medicine treatments. Cosmetics can at most slightly reduce the appearance of shallow changes associated with ageing.

The primary action of the skincare you apply to your face is to stop (actually slow down) the formation of wrinkles and prevent the deepening of those that already exist.

If you would like to do something else for your skin, ensure you get as many vitamins and minerals as possible along with your diet. Nutrients delivered to the body from within work most effectively. You may also want to consider collagen supplementation to stimulate its synthesis in the skin.

Best overall

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 5000 mg, mango & passion fruit

5.0

• Collagen content: 5000 mg marine collagen hydrolysate
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (and L-theanine and coenzyme Q10 in cocoa flavoured collagen or vitamin A and vitamin E in mango–passion fruit flavoured collagen)
• Form: powder sachets
• Dose: 1 sachet per day
• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg, based on certified ingredients of the best quality. Regular supplementation will positively influence the appearance of the skinóry, hairów and nails – they will be rebuilt and strengthened from the inside.

In addition to collagen, which is valuable for health and beauty, it also offers other active ingredients that help to maintain a youthful complexion, shiny hair and strong nails.

The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active ingredient to positively affect joints, the musculoskeletal system and immunity.

Natu.Care Premium Collagen is available in two flavours – Cacao Bloom and Rise&Shine. Both formulas are based on the following active ingredients: marine collagen hydrolysate, wild roseóbud extract and hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

These best fish collagens on the market also rós taste – Cacao Bloom is a treat for chocolate lovers. Rise&Shine will appeal to those whoólike the refreshing taste of mangoófruit and passion fruit.

Pros and cons

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg, based on certified ingredients of the best quality. Regular supplementation will positively influence the appearance of the skinóry, hairów and nails – they will be rebuilt and strengthened from the inside.

In addition to collagen, which is valuable for health and beauty, it also offers other active ingredients that help to maintain a youthful complexion, shiny hair and strong nails.

The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active ingredient to positively affect joints, the musculoskeletal system and immunity.

Natu.Care Premium Collagen is available in two flavours – Cacao Bloom and Rise&Shine. Both formulas are based on the following active ingredients: marine collagen hydrolysate, wild roseóbud extract and hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

These best fish collagens on the market also rós taste – Cacao Bloom is a treat for chocolate lovers. Rise&Shine will appeal to those whoólike the refreshing taste of mangoófruit and passion fruit.

Additional information

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg, based on certified ingredients of the best quality. Regular supplementation will positively influence the appearance of the skinóry, hairów and nails – they will be rebuilt and strengthened from the inside.

In addition to collagen, which is valuable for health and beauty, it also offers other active ingredients that help to maintain a youthful complexion, shiny hair and strong nails.

The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active ingredient to positively affect joints, the musculoskeletal system and immunity.

Natu.Care Premium Collagen is available in two flavours – Cacao Bloom and Rise&Shine. Both formulas are based on the following active ingredients: marine collagen hydrolysate, wild roseóbud extract and hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

These best fish collagens on the market also rós taste – Cacao Bloom is a treat for chocolate lovers. Rise&Shine will appeal to those whoólike the refreshing taste of mangoófruit and passion fruit.

User review

Fish collagen from the Natu.Care brand in a dose of 5000 mg, based on certified ingredients of the best quality. Regular supplementation will positively influence the appearance of the skinóry, hairów and nails – they will be rebuilt and strengthened from the inside.

In addition to collagen, which is valuable for health and beauty, it also offers other active ingredients that help to maintain a youthful complexion, shiny hair and strong nails.

The formula contains a sufficient portion of the active ingredient to positively affect joints, the musculoskeletal system and immunity.

Natu.Care Premium Collagen is available in two flavours – Cacao Bloom and Rise&Shine. Both formulas are based on the following active ingredients: marine collagen hydrolysate, wild roseóbud extract and hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, Cacao Bloom contains natural L-theanine, coenzyme Q10 and defatted Dutch cacao. Rise&Shine instead contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

These are the best collagens in the world.

These best fish collagens on the market also rós taste – Cacao Bloom is a treat for chocolate lovers. Rise&Shine will appeal to those whoólike the refreshing taste of mangoófruit and passion fruit.

Exfoliates what is unnecessary

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The use of retinol promotes the natural remodelling of the epidermal layer by enhancing the removal of dead cellsand. Because the exfoliating action of retinol is not abrupt, your skin will regain a radiant glow day after day, with less risk of irritation than with acids, for example.

Fights hyperpigmentation

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Retinol regulates the distribution of melanin in the skin and reduces the activity of melanocytes - the cells responsible for pigmentation. As a result, it prevents the formation of hyperpigmentation. In addition, its gently exfoliating action can help you reduce the appearance of existing onesand.

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Helps eliminate blackheads

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Thanks to its ability to influence cell function, retinol can reduce sebaceous gland activity and prevent excessive sebum production. Combined with its exfoliating properties, vitamin A will help you get rid of blackheads and allow you to enjoy a clean, fresh complexionand.

Promotes acne treatment

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First, an important note: acne is a skin condition that has many varieties, and their treatment varies dramatically. If you have or suspect you have this ailment, the wisest thing to do is to see a dermatologist. Treating it on your own may make your skin condition worse.

Retinol will not help with all forms of acne - with some it may even be harmful. Nevertheless, it will be helpful against the acne lesions typical of acne vulgaris - pimples.

Retinol will not help all forms of acne - with some it may even harm you.

This is due to the fact that retinol prevents excessive keratinisation of the sebaceous gland mouths and regulates sebum secretion. And it is its excessive production that promotes the formation of pimplesand.

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Retinol has also been shown to have antibacterial properties, so it can reduce skin inflammation. All of this can help you deal with pimples on your face.

Effects of using retinol

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By stimulating collagen production and protecting existing fibres, retinol helps the skin regain its softness and healthy appearance. Its use makes the complexion smoother and firmer. 

Positive changes, such as an improvement in skin texture and hydration, can be seen after 4-6 weeks. You will need to wait longer for a reduction in wrinkles or hyperpigmentation - according to research, around 2-3 monthsand.

The effects of using retinol areand:

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• strengthening the protective layer of the epidermis,
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• protection against free radicals causing oxidative stress,
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• prevention of water loss through the epidermis,
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• prevention of wrinkle formation,
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• prevention of hyperpigmentation,
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• brightening existing hyperpigmentation,
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• softening and smoothing the skin,
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• regulation of sebum secretion,
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• cleaning of the skin,
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• reducing the number of pimples and blackheads,
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Side effects of retinol use

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Retinol is a highly active substance, so it can cause irritation (especially when used incorrectly).

The most common side effect of retinol treatment is dry and flaky skinand. This has to do with the exfoliating properties of this substance. To prevent this, complement your skincare with cosmetics that work to moisturise and rebuild the skin's natural hydrolipidic layer.

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If you feel a burning sensation after applying retinol and your skin is reddened, it is possible that you have developed a hypersensitivity to retinol. If this is the case, you should refrain from using this ingredient in cosmetics. Instead, you can try the bacuchiol-based skincare I mentioned earlier.

Another fairly common effect of retinol use is a rash of pimples. Fortunately, this is usually a temporary condition caused by the remodelling of the epidermal layers. Any impurities that have been accumulating in the skin come out through this. You could say that the skin is clearingand.

To alleviate these unpleasant symptoms, it is most often sufficient to reduce the frequency with which retinol cosmetics are used. It is also important to know how to start taking care of vitamin A and its derivatives.

How to use retinol?

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Your skin needs to get used to retinol. This will help you avoid dryness, irritation and - at an early stage - a rash of pimples. When introducing a cosmetic with retinol to your skincare regimen, use it 1-2 times a week at first.

Depending on the reaction of your skin, after a week or two, increase the frequency to 3 times a week. You can stop at applying retinol or its derivatives every other day, or slowly increase the number of applications to 5 per week.

It is important to use the cosmetic every day.

It is important to apply retinol and its derivatives in the evening, as it does not like the sun. Also remember to use sunscreen in both summer and winter during your treatment.

Retinol is a good choice.

Which retinol to start with?

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Choosing your first retinol cosmetic? Change your search to retinal. This is a retinol derivative that is more stable and much gentler on the skin. Retinal shows much less risk of irritation, and works just as effectivelyand. The appropriate concentration of retinal for a first treatment is 0.01-0.05%.

Retinal

Veoli Botanica POWER OF RETINAL, night cream

4.9

• Purpose: mature skin, hyperpigmentation, acne
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• Major ingredients: retinal 0.075%, dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, CM-Glucan Forte, cucumber oil
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• Packaging: 40 ml
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See price

Product description

POWER OF RETINAL is an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment with retinal, a safer and more effective derivative of retinol.

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It has anti-wrinkle, purifying and brightening effects. By using this cream, you will effectively combat acne lesions, regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Retinal is involved in the treatment of acne.

Retinal is involved in stimulating the production of collagen in the skinóore and has an antioxidant effect. As a result, it will help you reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent the formation of new wrinkles.

Retinal helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros and cons

POWER OF RETINAL is an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment with retinal, a safer and more effective derivative of retinol.

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It has anti-wrinkle, purifying and brightening effects. By using this cream, you will effectively combat acne lesions, regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Retinal is involved in the treatment of acne.

Retinal is involved in stimulating the production of collagen in the skinóore and has an antioxidant effect. As a result, it will help you reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent the formation of new wrinkles.

Retinal helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additional information

POWER OF RETINAL is an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment with retinal, a safer and more effective derivative of retinol.

.

It has anti-wrinkle, purifying and brightening effects. By using this cream, you will effectively combat acne lesions, regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Retinal is involved in the treatment of acne.

Retinal is involved in stimulating the production of collagen in the skinóore and has an antioxidant effect. As a result, it will help you reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent the formation of new wrinkles.

Retinal helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

User review

POWER OF RETINAL is an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment with retinal, a safer and more effective derivative of retinol.

.

It has anti-wrinkle, purifying and brightening effects. By using this cream, you will effectively combat acne lesions, regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Retinal is involved in the treatment of acne.

Retinal is involved in stimulating the production of collagen in the skinóore and has an antioxidant effect. As a result, it will help you reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent the formation of new wrinkles.

Retinal helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

No matter which substance you opt for, choose a product with the lowest possible concentration of the active ingredient. As you already know, the skin needs to get used to vitamin A and attacking it right away with a high concentration can end up being unpleasant.

Retinol in summer...

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Retinol treatments are safest in autumn and winter, but it is not true that they cannot be used in summer. Just remember to choose formulations with lower concentrations during this period. Use them at night, and during the day, protect your skin with sunscreen cream with an SPF no lower than 50.

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Retinol: sandwich method

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Sandwich method can work well for extremely sensitive skin. To apply it:

1. Apply moisturiser to cleansed face and wait a few minutes for it to absorb.
2. Apply moisturiser to cleansed face and wait a few minutes for it to absorb.
3. Apply a cosmetic with retinol and wait about half an hour.
4. Apply a cosmetic with retinol and wait about half an hour.
5. Ronate the application of the moisturiser.
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And there you have it. You've just made a sandwich of creams on your face. Just make sure that such quantities of cosmetics don't act to clog your skin.

Retinol: what to combine with and what not to combine with?

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See below for a detailed discussion of how retinol interacts with other cosmetic ingredients (and more), but I've put together a little download for you to start.

This is what not to combine with retinol:

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• salicylic acid,
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• azelaic acid,
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• glycolic acid,
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• other fruit acids (AHA),
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• β-hydroxy acids (BHA),
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• solarium,
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And here's a table of substances you can include in your skincare regimen when it contains retinol - along with rules on how to do it safely.

Retinol and hyaluronic acid

This is a completely safe combination. You can use one cosmetic containing both ingredients or apply them separately. Moisturising hyaluronic acid is the perfect complement to retinol treatment, which can dry out the skin<a class=">and.

Retinol and vitamin C

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Vitamin C will be a great addition to a skincare regimen containing retinol - it will have an antioxidant effect and will further aid in the removal of hyperpigmentation. However, remember not to apply it at the same time of day as retinol.

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It is best to apply ascorbic acid or its derivatives in the morning and retinol in the evening. If you apply these substances together, they will neutralise each other's effectsand. The exception to this is the latest generation of cosmetics, which have succeeded in using retinol and vitamin C derivatives that do not have a neutralising effect on each other. Or at least that is what the manufacturers claim.

Retinol and niacinamide

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Niacinamide helps to rebuild the skin's natural protective barrier and, in turn, influences skin hydration. It is therefore like the next puzzle in the skincare jigsaw: retinol helps to replace old skin cells with new ones (exfoliates), and niacinamide helps to make them strong and healthyand.

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When choosing a cosmetic with niacinamide to supplement your retinol treatment, however, pay attention to the other ingredients in the product. This is because niacinamide is often combined with other irritants, such as acids. And these may not like each other very much with retinol...

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Retinol vs acids

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Retinol is a potent active substance with exfoliating properties. It is not recommended to combine two or more ingredients showing similar effects in skin care (as the popular saying goes: don't put two mushrooms in a borscht).

Acids are some of the main ingredients helpful in the fight against acne vulgaris. As you already know, retinol can also help treat skin eruptions. However, the combination of these two substances can be very irritating to the skinand. Therefore, when choosing your skincare on your own, choose only one of these ingredients.

Which acids to watch out for, with retinol treatment?

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• Salicylic acid,
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• Azelaic acid,
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• Glycolic acid,
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• AHA, BHA acids,
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An exception to this rule are PHA acids (e.g. lactobionic acid or gluconolactone), which are the mildest of the acids. Their properties include soothing and moisturising rather than exfoliating, so if your skin is not very sensitive, this combination may work well. To be safe, use PHA acids on days when you do not apply retinol.

Generally, rules are there to be broken (just have to do it with your head). There are cases where combining retinol and acids in one treatment will work, but always should be done under the guidance of a dermatologist or cosmetologist. Don't try it on your own - there are really too many people who have burned themselves with acids during home treatments. 

Retinol vs... tanning beds

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Retinol can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV radiation, so refrain from sunbathing and visits to tanning beds when using cosmetics with this ingredientand. If you absolutely want to enjoy the sun, stop using cosmetics with retinol a few days beforehand and resume using them a few days after your visit to the tanning bed. Or opt for a healthier version of a tan and achieve it with self-tanner.

Retinol in pregnancy and lactation

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The use of cosmetics with vitamin A during pregnancy and lactation is discouraged. Retinol can penetrate the mother's body and affect the normal development of the babyand.

Summary

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