The 101 on Retinol: What’s the Deal With This Skincare Must-Have?

The 101 on Retinol: What's the Deal With This Skincare Must-Have?

When it comes to new-fangled treatments, hot trends, and must-know products that are dominating the market as the latest fad, retinol is never going to be that brand new product taking the world by storm.

Why? Because retinol is a skincare staple. In other words, a product that’s never going out of style for very good reason. 

What exactly is that reason? 

It’s inarguably the holy grail of skincare. 

If you’re an esthetician or a skin-enthusiast, it’s likely that the term retinol isn’t brand new to you. 

But ask yourself, do you know everything there is to know about retinol? 

Do you know why this well-loved skincare ingredient is never going to disappear from the list of every esthetician, dermatologist, and skincare enthusiast out there? 

And further, do you know why this product is such a staple for all skincare experts no matter what they’re aiming to treat? 

If not, consider this the perfect starting point. 

In this blog, we’re going to break down retinol to give you the solid, educational foundation you need to fully understand this skincare and beauty product that’s never going out of style.

What Exactly is Retinol?

The term retinol can be a bit confusing simply because it’s often used as an umbrella term for a variety of forms of vitamin A. We’re here to break down some of that confusion, so we’ll start with some basic definitions.

Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a type of drug, product, or topical treatment that’s derived from vitamin A. Retinoids, the broader term for retinol, can include both over-the-counter treatments and stronger treatments that require a prescription. 

You’re probably wondering what exactly retinol can do (and why it’s earned such a pedestal in the skincare world). Technically, retinol promotes cell turnover and prevents the breakdown of collagen (the protein that helps to keep skin firm, elastic, and healthy). 

How does it do this? By converting into retinoic acid in the body and penetrating the stratum corneum and the dermis layers of your skin and turning cells over at their source.

The result? Smoother skin, fewer lines, firmer texture, less frequent breakouts, and overall healthier skin. 

Retinol can be used to:

  • Treat mild to severe acne 
  • Prevent wrinkles, aging, and fine lines
  • Improve the appearance of skin
  • Protect the skin from external factors 
  • Minimize scars and pores
  • Treat keratosis pilaris

And more!

Retinol Versus Retinoid—What’s the Difference?

In that definition above, we threw out two distinct words, retinol and retinoid. 

You’re probably wondering, what exactly is the difference? Let’s lay that out ASAP to quell any confusion. 

Here’s the basic breakdown. 

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are stronger, more powerful, and require a prescription to get your hands on. Why? Because this hits you with a power-packed punch of active ingredients that, though effective and helpful, can cause severe irritation, dryness, itching, redness, and even something called “retinization” of the skin where you peel and experience painful irritation (this is sometimes coined the “retinol uglies” phase). 

Retinols are the OTC, less-powerful type of retinoid that’s found in a lot of over-the-counter ingredients. Retinol is incredibly effective but is different than retinoids on a molecular level. Technically, retinols are less intense than a prescription retinoid and likely won’t cause the same degree of irritation, peeling, and side effects. Overall, retinols are a derivative of vitamin A that’s gentler and in its ester forms—this simply means that this type of derivative takes more steps to be converted to retinoic acid, making it a weaker product.

The Top 5 Things to Know About Retinol

Retinol is a useful skin care ingredient to keep in your repertoire, but there are some things you should know about it before you add it to your own routine or suggest it to your clients.

  • Retinoids are powerful and must be used carefully and gradually. Irritation is a very common problem with prescription retinoids and even with some OTC retinols. You’ll need to add these vitamin A derivatives to your routines slowly, gradually, and with plenty of moisturizers to protect your skin barrier. 
  • Some people are not able to use retinols or retinoids. This list includes people with incredibly sensitive or dry skin, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with skin conditions like rosacea (unless otherwise indicated by a doctor or dermatologist). 
  • Sunscreen is non-negotiable with retinols. Because retinol works to replace old, damaged skin with new cells, you’re dealing with very sensitive layers. These layers are far more prone to sunburn and sun damage, so you’ll absolutely need to prioritize sun protection when using retinols. (Though, to be honest, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine anyway). 
  • The “retinol uglies” are a temporary—but totally possible—stage. Unfortunately, with the use of prescription retinoids comes the possibility of the retinization phase, where your skin, during its adaptation of the retinoid treatment, not only purges all the bacteria and under-the-skin pimples that have been waiting to surface, but also peels, itches, and stings. The important thing to remember about this stage is that it’s not permanent. It will likely get worse before it gets better.
  • Retinols are not a short-term solution—you’ll need to invest in them to see results. Often, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to see real results, but once you see them, you’ll understand the hype surrounding retinol. 

Spa De Soleil—Your Must-Have Skincare Resource

Whether you’re seeking knowledge on some of the most popular ingredients and products in the skincare realm, you’re hoping to drop your own private label, or you’re on the hunt for top-notch, high-quality products you can’t get anywhere else, Spa De Soleil is proud to provide you with the resources and products you need for your skin to succeed. 

From comprehensive knowledge to guide your skincare journey to leading services in research, manufacturing, and end-to-end beauty and wellness product creation, Spa De Soleil has your back—no matter what you might need.

Still have questions? Reach out to our dedicated team of professionals here to get the full scoop on what we can offer you—we’re happy to be a helpful skin resource in any and every way we can. 

Don’t forget to keep up with our regularly updated blog, too, for more information, helpful skin resources, and new product lineups. 

Related Posts

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

IN-HOUSE, EZ-RUN & SAMPLES SHOPS TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREEMENT

By placing this order with Spa de Soleil, Inc. (“Developer”), you (“Client”) agree to the following terms and conditions of sale.  Please review carefully and confirm your agreement with your signature below.

  1. All sales are final.
  1. The Developer is not liable for any damages, delays, or losses that occur once goods are handed over to third-party shipping providers. This delineation of responsibility means that the Client assumes the risk associated with the shipping process, including the handling and condition of the goods during transit.
  1. Legal Compliance: Client is solely responsible for ensuring that the products and all products are sold in compliance with application regulations, State and Federal including FDA regulations governing product labeling and claims. Client acknowledges and agrees that Developer shall not be liable for any actions or representations of Client or any third party that causes the products or the sale of the products to violate applicable laws or regulations.
  1. Actions of Third Parties: Client acknowledges and agrees that Developer shall not be liable for any delays, loss, or damage to product or product packaging caused by third parties, including without limitation, shipping providers, fulfillment services, distributors, or retailers. Client further acknowledges and agrees that Developer shall not be responsible for providing or selecting product containers or packaging that meet or exceed durability standards, including without limitation, crush test certifications, required by shipping and fulfillment service providers. Client is solely responsible for determining the suitability and feasibility of all product containers and packaging. SDS is not liable for shipping 3rd party vendors.
  1. Release: Client acknowledges and agrees that it has sole responsibility solely responsible for proofing, approving, and ensuring legal compliance of all product formulations, label designs, label content, or product claims. Client releases Developer from all liability arising from or in connection with any product formulation, required or voluntary product registration, regulatory approval, product labeling, or product claims. Client understands and agrees that in no event shall Developer be liable to Client for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages or lost profits, related to or arising from or in connection with any product formulations, label designs, label content, or product claims.
  1. Indemnity: Client, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby agrees to pay, defend, indemnify and hold Developer, its employees, heirs, successors and assigns harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or government regulatory action or inquiry resulting from or arising in connection with product formulations, label designs, label content, or product claims. Client furthermore agrees to carry general liability and product liability insurance with limits of liability of not less than $1,000.00 per incident and no less than $2,000.00 in total liability coverage. Such insurance must cover all products sold under this Agreement and survive for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date of this Agreement.
  1. Limitations of Warranty: Developer warrants that all Product delivered to Client shall be produced according to current good manufacturing practices and shall conform to approved samples. Client understands and acknowledges that there may be variances in viscosity, color, and texture between lab samples and finished production of a given product. Client agrees that such variances are normal and acceptable. Client acknowledges that custom production or custom manufacturing may result in unavoidable overages. If Client orders custom production or custom manufacturing, then Client agrees to accept all such overages which shall be billed to the Client in the final invoice. Developer requires a pre-press sample for custom production if Developer arranges or orders the printing of labels or screen printing on behalf of Client. In order to produce a pre-press sample, Client shall provide a high-resolution file of print-ready artwork. Developer reserves the right to charge fees for a prepress sample and shall provide Client with a quote for such fees upon request. Developer shall provide to Client a Safety Data Sheet (“SDS”) and Certificate of Analysis (“COA”) for each Product after production. Other or additional documentation or regulatory requests shall be quoted separately.
  1. Force Majeure: Neither party shall be in breach of this Agreement or responsible for damages caused by delay or failure to perform in full or in part its obligations hereunder, provided that there is due diligence in attempted performance under the circumstances and that such delay or failure is due to one of the following events of force majeure: fire, earthquake, unusually severe weather, strikes, government sanctioned embargo, flood, act of God, war, act of any public authority or sovereign government, civil disorder, delay or destruction caused by public carrier, or any other circumstance substantially beyond the control of the party to be charged, and which cannot be reasonably forecast or prevented. Each party to this Agreement agrees and understands to notify the other promptly upon discovery of an event of force majeure, as set forth above, which may cause a failure or delay in performance hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a delay in performance due to an event of force majeure shall be excused only so long as the event continues or until a commercially reasonable alternative method of performance can be implemented. If performance by either party hereunder is delayed more than thirty (30) days due to an event of force majeure, then the other may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days notice, if the event of force majeure has not ceased during such period.
  1. Unpaid Invoices: This agreement is not valid or binding on Developer until payment, including shipping, is made in full per the terms and conditions stated above. In the event that Client fails to make payment to Developer for any outstanding invoices, with a reasonable amount of time, Developer may retain possession of any stock produced by Developer for Client’s account and take reasonable measures to recuperate Developer’s losses by selling any such stock even if product stock is compounded from a finished formula owned by Client or bears Client’s labels, trade names, trademarks, trade dress or other Client intellectual property.
  1. Right of Developer to Sell Off Any Existing Unpaid Inventory: The parties understand that the terms of payment for products included in this Agreement and any separate Agreement for production of products are a material condition of this Agreement. In the event Client does not pay for any products which have been produced by Developer and which products and/or packaging contain and/or are protected by any proprietary intellectual property of Client, including, without limitations, any patents, copyrights, or trademarks, Client hereby grants to the Developer for the sum of one dollar and for other good and valuable consideration, and the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the non-exclusive right to sell all remaining inventory in Developer’s possession, which has been produced by Developer for Client and for which Client has not paid pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, and to sell such inventory in any manner whatsoever to any wholesaler or retailer at Developer’s sole discretion. Client hereby grants Developer the non-exclusive license; so that the sale by Developer to recoup all or a portion of the costs or profits which it would have received had Client made the payments will not be considered an infringement of any intellectual property rights owned by Client.  Developer will only sell off the inventory that it has produced, for which it has incurred expenses, and incurred costs, which have not been paid by Client.  Client understands and agrees that if there is excess packaging, Developer can utilize the packaging for its own use with no credit to Client.
  1. All prices are subject to change at any time and in the sole discretion of Developer. Client is informed that prices are subject to change and Developer will alert customers to changes as necessary.
  1. This agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California. Any dispute between Client and Developer arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought exclusively before the Courts of the State of California.

This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Client and Developer with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties and any representations or promises made by third parties, whether oral or written. This agreement may be amended or modified only by an instrument in writing, signed by an authorized representative of both parties.

For questions regarding your order or for any notices to be sent pursuant to this Agreement, email Developer at info@spadesoleil.com.

Skip to content