We’re sure you’ve heard of Retinol before, but maybe you don’t know enough about it to make the decision to incorporate it into your beauty routine yet. What does it do? Will it work for me? Who is it good for?Retinol, or Vitamin A, is a cosmetic superstar that can help with a myriad of skin issues from acne to wrinkles.

Here are the top 5 things we think are most important to know about Retinol:

1. Retinol has been a proven acne solution for more than 40 years.
When used topically on blemish-prone skin, retinoids can help to unclog pores, reduce outbreaks and cease the formation of scars. While retinol may cause sensitivity during the first few applications, it’s best to use it in combination with a gentle cleanser and toner to give the Retinol a clean area to start work on. And how many other beauty solutions can you say have been used for decades?

2. With regular use, retinol can help to improve fine lines and wrinkles.
As an antioxidant, retinol can halt the free radical damage process that causes skin to age, while stimulating new blood vessels. This in turn helps prevent wrinkles and gives skin a rosy appearance— like post-workout cheeks without the gym!

3. Retinoids can minimize the effects of sun damage.
They prevent serious effects due to UV radiation by curbing the production of melanin and sloughing away brown spots.

4. Retinol can help restore skin firmness.
Retinoic acid helps to increase cell turnover, and stimulate collagen and elastin production. These are crucial components of firm, smooth skin.

5. Application can reduce the size of pores.
Retinol can improve pore function by telling sluggish cells to get back to work, thus reducing the size of previously enlarged or damaged pores. By preventing dead cells from continuously clogging skin, pores can return to their normal size! Using retinol with an anti-aging serum can quickly and visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores.

Some more information on Retinol can be found on Dr. Oz’s site: http://www.doctoroz.com/article/anti-aging-why-retinols-work

If you're looking for an easy way to try out Retinol for yourself, Sano Naturals' Retinol Serum and Retinol Cream feature a 2.5% concentration of Retinol with supporting ingredients such as Botanical Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe that are 100% plant-based and 72% organic.