While retinol is becoming more and more popular, you might be questioning if you can use retinol under your eyes. Retinol is derived from vitamin A and is best known for its anti-ageing properties. However, those are not the only benefits of using retinol. We will discuss various benefits, how to use it, and most importantly – if it is safe to use under the eyes.
Retinol is a form of retinoid, and some retinoids are so strong that you’d need a doctor to prescribe them. You may have heard of Accutane which is an example of a retinoid and a popular treatment for acne that doctors prescribe. Luckily, retinol does not require a prescription. Now let’s have a look at retinol benefits and if you can use retinol under the eyes.
Benefits Of Retinol
Retinol is best known for its anti-ageing properties, but there is more. With various scientific studies done to showcase its results on different skin types, let’s see what are the main benefits.
1. Retinol Reduces Hyperpigmentation
As much as we want to look after our skin and have an even tone, sometimes the desire to have a tan is stronger. Or maybe we just forget to apply sunscreen as much as we should. This in turn leads to hyperpigmentation. If you want your skin to go back to its natural tone and remove pigments caused by sun damage, consider adding a retinol serum to your skincare routine. A study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology Journal showed that retinol unifies skin tone when used regularly. However, don’t expect magical and quick results. As with most skincare ingredients, allow at least 6 weeks until you start seeing results. Most professionals advise that you can see results after 12 weeks of regular use.
2. Retinol Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
This is good news for everyone looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines without cosmetic procedures. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that retinol affects both the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin and increases epidermal thickness with the upregulation of collagen-expressing genes. The results showed a significant decrease in facial wrinkles after 12 weeks of using retinol. With regular usage, you can expect to see a reduction in skin fine lines. That is because retinol will improve the overall elasticity of your skin. This is especially good news for anyone looking to reduce fine lines under their eyes.
3. Retinol Moisturises The Skin
Another great benefit of using retinol is that it will help moisturising your skin because it stimulates hyaluronic acid and collagen production. It affects both the outer layer and the deeper layer of the skin, it helps to speed up the turnover of skin cells. As a result, it also helps to get rid of dead skin cells. The skin will be renewed and moisturised.
4. Retinol Reduces Dark Circles Under The Eyes
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that using retinol with acmella oleracea extract improved the appearance of under-eye dark circles and fine lines.
How Often Should You Use Retinol?
Although you can purchase retinol in any pharmacy or beauty shop, it might not be necessary to use it daily. In particular, if you are just starting out to include retinol in your routine, start by using it once or twice a week. However, the percentage of retinol will vary in different products. It is a good idea to read the label of the product to see what the manufacturer recommends. While you start out once or twice a week, if you don’t notice any irritation, you may increase the frequency to a few times a week. In cases of deep wrinkles, you may continue using it on a daily basis to notice the retinol benefits.
Can You Use Retinol Under Your Eyes?
The short answer is yes! However, make sure that the product is made specifically for the delicate skin under the eyes. We recommend starting with under-eye patches to see how it feels. Also, as the skin is a lot more sensitive under the eyes, make sure you start out by only using it once or twice a week. Observe the results and see whether it irritates your skin. Retinol is a powerful ingredient so you should be aware of possible side effects if you use high retinol concentration or use it too often.
How To Use Retinol?
Ideally, retinol should be used in the evenings after cleansing your face. You can then apply skin moisturisers if that’s part of your routine. You should use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage during day time. If you have sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis, retinol might be too strong for your skin and may cause irritations, so it’s better to avoid it in this case. Even if you have normal skin, the cell turnover might cause irritation during the first few weeks of use. It is also not advised to use it if you are pregnant or nursing.
When Should You Start Using Eye Creams With Retinol?
You don’t have to wait to see fine lines and wrinkles before you start using eye creams with retinol. Of course, if you’ve already noticed bags, wrinkles or dark circles in the area around your eyes, an eye cream with retinol can help you tackle these skin problems early.
Final Thoughts
Retinol is a powerful anti-ageing ingredient with lots of research to back up its effectiveness. You can use retinol under the eyes if you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. As many people struggle with fine lines under their eyes, retinol is a great product to use to tackle that problem. If you decide to include retinol in your skincare routine, make sure to follow instructions and start off with a low dosage and less frequent use.
Retinol serum and under-eye patches with natural ingredients can be purchased on Vivnaturelle site!
You can read more about it from Olay, Byrdie and Well and Good.