Winter can be very harsh on your skin. The dry, cold air leaves it wind-chapped, dull, and dry. The lack of UV light from the shortened days can cause acne prone skin to breakout more. By the time spring comes back around, you’re left searching for ways to rejuvenate, hydrate, and refresh tired skin. A retinol peel is your secret weapon to regaining your glow.
Exfoliate and Rejuvenate with Retinol
A retinol peel is like a total reset for your complexion. Everyone knows the beneficial effects of Retin A and retinol for treatment of wrinkles, age spots and acne. It works to shed away old, dead skin cells that leave your skin looking a little lifeless, while stimulating collagen and dermal matrix production. While most peels use acids and enzymes to exfoliate, the active ingredient in a retinol peel is Vitamin A. Vitamin A is the non-acid form of Retin A which is converted to Retin A once it is absorbed into the skin. Since it is not acidic, it does not sting upon application. This gives the same exfoliation you’d see with other peels, along with a major boost of anti-aging benefits.
Retinol offers both short- and long-term benefits due to the way that it is able to penetrate the skin. Vitamin A contains smaller molecules that are able to penetrate into deeper layers of your skin to stimulate dermal collagen and matrix production and exert a strong beneficial effect on acne-prone skin, as well as those who are searching for relief from fine lines and wrinkles.
Few Symptoms, Big Results
While at-home retinol peels are good for up-keep between appointments, clinic treatments offer higher concentrations of Vitamin A, typically between 3-6%. Patients usually do not experience any burning or stinging during the peel, but will experience flaking and peeling starting a few days after the peel and lasting for a few days. Symptoms are typically mild and alleviated with using a good moisturizer and sunscreen.
Caring for your skin following your peel is important, as it promotes healthy regeneration of new skin cells and can ensure that scarring or hyperpigmentation doesn’t occur. That means avoiding extreme temperatures and heavy sweating for a full day after your appointment, so as to not irritate the skin until it has heeled.
Additionally, applying sunscreen and moisturizer regularly after the peel can help ease the exfoliation process and protect your delicate skin from the sun.
Is Retinol Right for You?
Retinol can cause irritation and peeling, but the concentration and duration it is left on the skin can be adjusted to fit your particular skin needs. Additionally, retinol can be safely used at home (in lower concentrations) to boost the anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. The best way to know if retinol is right for you is to discuss retinol treatments with a skincare expert at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute.
