Retinol Serum Benefits & Why You Need To Add It To Your Skincare ASAP!

Retinols fall under the umbrella of compounds called retinoids, which are all derivatives of vitamin A. While we are no chemists, the internet tells us that retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation) which in turn helps unclog pores and therefore reduce acne. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which further reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so you will see it being used extensively in products made to clear acne and help with anti-aging. Retinol is a topical treatment, meaning you apply it on top of your skin and is available as both over the counter products or medicated ones prescribed by a dermatologist (aka hardcore stuff). 

Unclogs pores: Pores are like tiny openings present on the surface of the skin which can get clogged with dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells to become larger and angrier. How retinol works on these is by increasing cell-turnover (producing new skin cells to replace existing skin cells in simpler words) is that it makes your skin thicker, preventing the development of clogged pores.

Reduces acne: Retinol or retinoids are quite reliable when it comes to treating acne. As we have already learnt that it unclogs pores, it eventually helps reduce acne since the root cause of acne for most people are clogged pores which eventually cause blackheads, whiteheads, or other types of pimples.

Helps acne scars: Topical retinol treatments can help reduce the swelling and inflammation that come with breakouts and help prevent further breakouts. Usually acne scars take place that are a result of injury or inflammation (aka popping or extreme sun exposure). However, it's not guaranteed that they work on severe acne scars that are sunken or raised. 

Reducing wrinkles: Retinol or tretinoin (synthetic form of retinol derived from vitamin A and usually much stronger) can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by slowing the breakdown of collagen, making your skin more elastic. It usually takes several months of topical retinol use to notice a difference.

Used for anti-aging: Because retinoids help your skin make more collagen, they soften wrinkles and fine lines. They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your skin a rosy color. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth rough patches. All in all, it keeps your skin's youth intact.

While retinol comes in a range of skincare products like moisturisers, lotions and lots more, serums remain to be the most effective as they are more potent with, thanks to more concentrated formulations that seep into the skin for helping the skin much faster than moisturisers. But if you wish to try retinol in a cream form, don't miss on our list here.

The Ordinary's Retinol 0.5% in Squalane offers a water-free solution containing 0.5% retinol, that improves the appearance of fine lines while evening skin texture and tone. What’s more, this intermediate formula is supported with squalane, a moisturising agent naturally found in your skin that enhances surface-level hydration that helps combat the dryness that can be associated with retinol use.

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5. Based on 5553 ratings & 519 reviews

A highly stable and powerful anti-aging face serum packed with retinol and antioxidant coenzyme Q10. This water-free serum uses squalane as its base, which nourishes skin and protects retinol from oxidation. Coenzyme Q10 is an outstanding radical scavenger and visibly reduces wrinkle depth. It is coupled with tocopherol (vitamin E), another antioxidant, that nourishes and repairs skin. Overall, a great pick for those who have dry skin and are looking for a serum that gives their skin the benefits of retinol while also keeping it hydrated. 

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5. based on 9778 ratings & 888 reviews.

A night serum formulated with retinol and niacinamide, this serum renews skin to reveal plump, smooth and glowing skin with regular use. It also has peptides that simultaneously hydrate the skin without stripping it of its essential oils. You can even buy the moisturiser from the same range to complete your routine. It's suitable for all skin types and does a fantastic job at evening out the skin texture with regular use.

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5. Based on 2367 ratings & 363 reviews

Press rewind on your skin’s clock with this superb retinol serum from Dr. Sheth’s! Their Rosehip & Retinol Serum is formulated with non-irritating yet rich antioxidants to target and treat dullness along with uneven texture, while restoring firm, bouncy and youthful skin. It also has vitamin C for reducing pigmentation and red algae extract that hydrates, plumps and promotes skin elasticity.

Nykaa Rating: 4.5/5. based on 261 ratings & 18 reviews

Murad touts itself as 'the No. 1 retinol brand in the US' and emphasises that its retinol products are gentle enough for nightly use. According to the brand, 98% of users saw smoother skin after a two-week trial, while 85% felt their skin was visibly morea radiant. A little heavy on the pocket, their formula is safe super effective  and meant for nightly use but it is advised to reduce the frequency if a sensitive reaction occurs.

Nykaa Rating: 4.1/5. based on 158 ratings & 19 reviews

It's a non-scary and effective nightly treatment that reforms skin texture (softening lines and wrinkles) and refines skin tone (evening out discoloration) while supporting healthy skin functions and keeping pores clear. Versed's gentle retinol serum is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and first-time retinol users. No need to worry about redness or dryness with this duo of microencapsulated retinol, which sends the active ingredient deep down into skin sans surface irritation, and natural retinol alternatives, arophira and bakuchiol, which is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certified.

Nykaa rating: 4.4/5. based on 29 ratings & 6 reviews

An advanced retinol night serum that firms and targets the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles with two potent retinoids! It’s clinically proven to promote visibly firmer, more youthful-looking skin. This retinol serum contains two potent retinoids: stable encapsulated retinol delivers gradual-release results overnight to firm and target the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles while fast-acting retinal promotes immediate wrinkle-fighting action.

Nykaa Rating: 4.8/5. Based on 5 ratings & 1 reviews