• Annapolis
  • (410) 571-1280
  • Easton
  • (443) 221-2700
  • Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 4:30 AM
Contact Us
Annapolis
(410) 571-1280
Easton
(443) 221-2700
Contact Us
Patient Portal
Sullivan Surgery &  Spa
  • Home
  • Our Practice
    • Dr. Kelly Sullivan
    • Our Team
    • Our Locations
    • Philosophy
  • Surgical
    • Breast
    • Body Contouring
    • Facial Rejuvination
  • Men
    • Gynecomastia
    • Liposuction for Men
    • Tummy Tuck for Men
    • Face & Neck Lift for Men
    • Eyelid Lift for Men
    • Otoplasty for Men
    • Non-Surgical Face Lift for Men
  • Non-Surgical
    • Emsculpt Neo Experts
    • MOXI® Treatments
    • MicroLaserPeel© Treatment
    • HALO
    • Forever Bare Experience
    • ClearV® Laser Vein Treatment
    • BBL HERO Treatments
    • Acne Forever Clear BBL®
    • Injectables
    • IV Infusions
    • Skin Care Treatments
  • MedSpa
    • Skin & Body Care
    • Membership
    • Skin Care Products
  • Reviews
    • Dr. Kelly Sullivan Reviews
    • Additional Patient Reviews
  • Info
    • What to Expect
    • New Patient Forms
    • Out-of-Town Patients
    • Financial Information & Policy
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Blog
Home Skin Care Product Spotlight What is Retinol?
25Jul

What is Retinol?

Retinol

What is Retinol?

In the most basic terms, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that unclogs pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, protects skin from free radicals and speeds up cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin—sometimes in as little as four weeks.

In technical terms, it belongs to a family called retinoids, and is one of the only substances that is small enough to penetrate the outer layers of your skin and work its way down to the lower layers where collagen and elastin reside. Retinoids have very crucial functions during cell development. While in the skin, it works to reset cell turnover and reduces the ‘stickiness’ of the cells in the pores. This makes it harder for pores to get clogged. It also reduces sebum activity, which can result in less acne. Retinol is also suited to those with sensitive skin, even though it’s an exfoliant. Retinol is the least irritating of the retinoids.

Why we need it?

If you’re looking to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skin’s texture, and protect against dryness and redness retinol is for you! Because of its potent nature, retinol is often found in serums and anti-aging creams.  While you can absorb vitamin A through foods such as carrots, kale, and sweet potato, applying retinol straight onto your skin instantly speeds up the process. Ask us about retinol available in our office from SkinCeuticals, 0.5% and 1%, and Neocutis, 0.6% with Melaplex.

Why different strengths?

Some people can tolerate a stronger percentage of retinol if they have used it for a period of time. If you’re newbie to retinol, we usually recommend starting at a lower percentage so your skin can adapt and avoid irritation.

Categories:
Categories
  • Product Spotlight
  • Skin Care

Post navigation

Previous Post Sunscreen 101
Next Post 5 Biggest Moisturizer Mistakes

Categories

  • Colorescience (3)
  • Injectables (10)
  • Laser (6)
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (22)
  • Product Spotlight (8)
  • Skin Care (36)
  • Uncategorized (4)
  • Weight Loss (3)
Tweets by Sullivan1K
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Harvard Medical School
Emory University - School of Medicine
Castle Connolly - Top Doctors
Sullivan Surgery & Spa

Sullivan Surgery & Spa

  • 130 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Suite 300
    Annapolis, MD 21401
  • (410) 571-1280
  •  
  • 1 Goldsborough Street
    Easton, MD 21601
  • (443) 221-2700
  •  
  • Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 4:30 AM
Copyright © 2023 Sullivan Surgery & Spa.
Patient Portal   |    Contact Us