Aging may be part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to take it sitting down. When it comes to your skin, your daily habits and products can help turn back time and leave you with a healthy, glowing, and youthful complexion.
The first step to an effective skin-aging defense starts with adding Retinol and sunscreen to your routine. Used by themselves, each of these products is a powerful ally that helps fight the visible signs of skin aging. But when used together, the benefits of Retinol and sunscreen magnify—leaving you with your best possible skin. Here's what these two powerhouse products can do for your complexion.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A used in many skin care products. It's also a favorite ingredient among many Dermatologists, and with good reason—it can work wonders on your skin. Retinol's effects are universal, meaning all skin types and tones can benefit from its wonders when used at the right concentration and frequency.
Retinol Skin Benefits
Retinol regulates how your skin cells grow and shed, which unclogs pores and reveals a smoother, more even complexion with fewer blemishes. It's also an anti-aging powerhouse, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen production, evening skin tone, and minimizing hyperpigmentation.
Anyone can benefit from Retinol, but it can cause skin irritation when you first start using it. Always use Retinol at night. Sunlight can degrade it, and it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Retinol and Sunscreen: The Power Couple
You probably already know sunscreen helps protect you from skin cancer. But you may not realize that sunscreen is the best way to prevent signs of premature aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and brown spots. This is because sunscreen blocks ultraviolet (UV) A and UVB rays, the two main causes of photoaging.
Sunscreen doesn't just slow skin aging, though—it also helps maximize Retinol's benefits. Since Retinol can break down from sun exposure, wearing sunscreen helps it work better. Sunscreen also protects your skin from any initial sun sensitivity, which can make skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
It's no wonder so many Derms consider Retinol and sunscreen the power couple of skin care. Using them together both prevents and treats photoaging at the same time.
What Sunscreen to Use with Retinol
With so many options out there, choosing the best sunscreen for you can feel overwhelming. But some sunscreen ingredients can further enhance the benefits of this combination.
In addition to choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, look for a formula with antioxidants. Antioxidants like Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E help prevent free radical damage from environmental factors like sunlight and pollution. They also improve skin tone and fade discoloration. Try a lightweight formula like EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which is infused with antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin hydrated and supple.
Another option that checks all the boxes? EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50. This formula is made with 100 percent mineral actives, making it suitable for sensitive and post-procedure skin. It also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E—all with a subtle tint to blur imperfections and protect your skin from blue light.
Healthy Skin Starts with You
You may not realize it along the way, but small daily skin habits can add up over a lifetime and leave you with a healthy, youthful-looking complexion. Once your skin adjusts, pairing nightly Retinol with sunscreen every morning does more than protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It also helps boost collagen production and prevents signs of premature aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Being proactive with your skin can lead you to the results you dream of—just wait and see.
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