Everything You Wanted to Know About Retinol with Dr. Dennis Gross & Caroline Hirons

Dr. Dennis Gross & Caroline Hirons, best-selling author & Advanced Aesthetician, joined forces to host an exclusive masterclass, discussing one of dermatology’s top all-star ingredients, retinol. 

So, what is retinol?

Retinol is essentially an umbrella term for products containing some form of vitamin A. It is a derm-favorite ingredient due to its ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles as well as tackle complexion issues, acne, uneven texture and hyperpigmentation.

Retinol works in both the outer layer (epidermis) and inner level (dermis) of the skin. It increases the thickness of both layers by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Retinol also protects existing collagen by destroying MMPs, the enzymes that break down collagen. The result: smooth, glowing and healthy skin.

When to start using retinol

Let’s first address the myth that retinol is simply an ingredient to reverse signs of aging – it does so much more! In addition to being a fantastic collagen builder, retinol also stimulates cell turnover which works to decongest pores. 

If you have teenage acne, retinol is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your routine. If you are looking to use retinol to build collagen and correct or prevent signs of aging, you should start in your 20s. 

Learn more about retinol for acne and more tips for retinol skincare from Dr. Dennis Gross.

What is collagen? Why is it important?

Collagen is the holy grail of beautiful, healthy skin. Collagen fibers give the skin structure, firmness and thickness. Lack of collagen manifests as fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, crepiness and loss of elasticity. 

As we age, our skin’s natural production of collagen slows down and needs a push from collagen-stimulating ingredients to produce more. 

Thankfully, retinol (among other active ingredients like vitamin C) stimulates collagen! 

Learn more about the skincare ingredients that stimulate collagen production from Dr. Dennis Gross. 

Why can retinol be irritating?

It disrupts the skin’s moisture barrier – aka the top layer of skin that keeps water in and bad things out. When the moisture barrier is disrupted, skin becomes dry and irritated. 

In order to combat this, you should look for a product that combines retinol with other ingredients that strengthen the moisture barrier and reduce inflammation – Dr. Dennis Gross’s favorites are bakuchiol, rambutan and ferulic acid. 

Explore the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Acid collection from Dr. Dennis Gross to find products specially formulated with plant-based extracts to soothe skin and simultaneously deliver retinol-driven results. 

If you are shopping from the UK, you can check out the collection on SpaceNK!   

More facts about retinol

Want to know more? See Caroline Hirons discuss the top four myths and unknown facts about the use of retinol on skin with Dr. Dennis Gross in our previous article.  

Choose Your Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol Product

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