Retinol – Your Skincare Saviour

What is Retinol?

Even though there is no magical treatment for perfect skin, we’ve found an ingredient that comes pretty close. At this point, you’ve undoubtedly heard the hype about Retinol. ‘Retinol’ is the animal form of Vitamin A. The functions of this chemical are infinite but is especially beneficial for the skin. It’s major functions for the skin are unclog facial pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and speed up cell turnover to even out discoloration. This results in smoother looking skin over a period of time, sometimes as short as just four weeks.

You can find Retinol anywhere – from prescription acne creams to over-the-counter wrinkle reducers. The first retinoid, namely, tretinoin was FDA approved. It was launched under the brand name Retin-A about 40-50 years ago as a prescription acne treatment. Soon after, dermatologists began noticing that patients on Retin-A experienced clearer, brighter and softer skin.

What does Retinol do for your skin?

There’s enough dermatologically certified proof that retinoids actually work, offering multiple skin benefits from boosting cell turnover and acne control to fading fine lines and improving elasticity. Dr. Goleria says retinol creams are excellent for unclogging pores and speeding up cell turnover in as little as four weeks to reveal, fresh, clearer skin. “Tretinoin can be harsh but Retinol is much milder and better tolerated by most.”

The given image shows the before and after phases of a person using Retinol. This gives us visual proof of the benefits of retinol.Pros

1. It allows you to skip your appointment with the skin specialist.

 Forget tedious trips to the skin specialist for prescription products. Some retinol formulations tackle different skin concerns from the occasional acne breakouts to the beginnings of pigmentation.

2. It won’t make you skin Sun-Sensitive.

This is one of the biggest myths about retinol creams. Using a retinol cream won’t make your skin any more sensitive to the sun that using a simple facial scrub. Besides, if you go for a day time retinol cream with atleast SPF 30 you don’t have to worry about your skin getting sun-sensitive.

3. It gives you radiant and younger looking skin.

Consistent use of retinol will fade dark spots, blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles and also help you get rid of acne and regulate oily skin.  The reason it helps correct so many skin conditions is because retinols work on a cellular level, rather than just a topical level. This actually means each time your cells turn over, they create a fresh new epidermal layer, which means you’re creating pristine, untouched layers of skin fast and faster with retinol. This prevents premature aging in skin as well as the appearance of fine lines.

4. Once you start, you wouldn’t feel like going back.

Looking at the amazing benefits of retinol that your skin can get from a drugstore product, once you’ve given it a time of about 12 weeks you just wouldn’t want to take it out of your skincare routine.

Cons

1. Cannot be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Pregnant women consuming a higher amount of vitamin A or using retinol creams are at risk for birth defects. Since vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin pregnant women shouldn’t add too much of it in their daily diet.

2. Might cause mild dryness and flaking.

The new-generation retinoid formulations may cause mild dryness and flaking, but nothing that a little dab of makeup can’t hide. The rule of applyting retinol creams to your face is washing and patting dry your face ten minutes before applying a pea-sized blob. If your skin still feels taut, you can use a mild moisturizer over it.

3. Should not be used by people having ultra-sensitive skin

If your skin starts showing redness or feels irritated on application of any retinoid formulations, you should immediately stop it’s use.

Uses of Retinol in cosmetic products

1. Retinol Creams –

   These are used to moisturize and condition the skin making it soft and glowing. They improve dark spots, blemishes, acne, wrinkles and abnormal pigmentation. They are thick in consistency without being oily.

2. Retinol Lotions –

   These products have a thinner consistency compared to retinol creams. Moisturization in their key function. You can apply retinol lotions any time during the day. But, it shows best results when you apply it after taking a shower. You can carry it along and reaply it whenever your skin feels dehydrated or irritated.

3. Retinol Serums –

   You should apply serums once everyday, preferably before bedtime.  They have a greater ability to penetrate the skin and hence are more beneficial to the skin. Serums help in combating deep wrinkles, photo damage to the skin and any other signs of premature aging.

 

Now, that you have a sufficient knowledge of retinols, add this wonderful ingredient to your daily skincare routine to achieve a bright and flawless complexion. Not only does it have astonishing anti aging properties, but, it also helps you flaunt your clear complexion.