Anyone who knows a little about skincare should recognize the word retinol. Over the last few years, this product has become an essential step in any basic skincare routine, and a lot of brands are starting to put retinol in all of their products. Its high popularity and increasing demand have aroused the curiosity of experts to validate this product as ''miraculous'' or just some social media trend.

Retinol, or all-trans-retinol, was the first vitamin to be synthesized in a laboratory (they are derived from vitamin A). It caught the attention of cosmetic chemists in early 1960, but it wasn't until 1990 that this molecule could be used as a component for skincare products. Not only retinol was commercialized for topical application, but they're also derivates referred to as retinoids. They have been used especially for acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and especially as anti-aging agents.

Anti-aging products have always caused a revolution in society, so when retinol was proven to reconstruct dermal collagen causing the reparation of photoaged skin, it caused people to compulsorily buy it in all forms.

They are divided into two categories: prescription retinoids and retinol.

Prescription retinoids have a wide range of names (retinoic acid, Retin A, and Vitamin A). They are highly effective medications for acne, photoaging, and other conditions. As a result of their effectiveness, in most countries, they are only available via prescription.

You could be asking: if they are that effective, why can we only have access to them via prescription? It's because these products have high doses of retinoids that can cause damage to the skin or irritate it. So if you get a prescription for retinoids you should listen to your doctor's recommendations and ask any questions that you have.

Retinol is considered a cosmetic product (contrary to medication) for its lower dose and less potency. It's the product that you find at stores and doesn't need a prescription for its use. However, you shouldn't underrate its effect, as it can cause skin irritation as the prescription ones (on a lower level of course). So if you are planning to use it make sure you educate yourself about when to use it and how many product you should be applying.

Asian countries are famous for their flawless and anti-aging skin, and although genetics play an important role in that, they indeed have amazing skincare products and routines. However, they don't generally use any retinol product. They focus more on how to prevent skin aging and they use suncream as a daily product in their skincare routine. Most of them use any type of clothing or umbrella to protect themselves from the sun.

Prescription retinoids and retinol have proven their effect on repairing damaged skin. Still, we can't forget that prevention is the best solution, so make sure you apply suncream thoughtfully and then you can start thinking about buying a good retinol serum.

Farris P. (2022). SUPPLEMENT ARTICLE: Retinol: The Ideal Retinoid for Cosmetic Solutions. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 21(7), s4–s10. https://doi.org/10.36849/JDD.SO722

Prescription Retinoids Guide: How Does It Work? Software. (s. f.). https://www.skin.software/ingredients/prescription-retinoid

Bradbury, H. (2021, 15 April). How To Apply Retinol: A Step By Step Guide. LOOK FANTASTIC. https://www.lookfantastic.com/blog/tutorials/how-to-apply-retinol-a-step-by-step-guide/