Skin Care with Retinol: The Best Kept Secret in Skin Care

Retinol is another name for Vitamin A and is an essential ingredient for good skin health and is an ingredient in a wide range of skin care products. It is a small molecule which is able to pass through the outer skin layer and affect the collagen and elastin in the inner skin layers. As it can penetrate so deeply into he skin it is effective at smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and also improving the elasticity of the skin As the skin is smoothed out from within it gives a more youthful appearance and signs of premature aging begin to disappear.

Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen which is necessary for a youthful looking skin. It is also an anti-oxidant and has been used in acne treatments as it can help to clean the pores. Skin care products containing retinol have long lasting beneficial effects on the skin.

Retinol skin care products are becoming increasingly popular to help those with aging skin to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They work by helping to increase the oil levels in the skin, especially for those of us who middle aged or more. As they are mild they are particularly useful for people with sensitive skin who find other preparations too harsh and irritating. Another use for retinol skin care products is for those whose skin is damaged from cystic acne. They are a good alternative to using chemical peels which can often leave the skin flaky, red and dry.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is another name for vitamin A and is a member of the chemical group, retinoids. This group of compounds also includes tretinoin which in lotions and creams not available OTC as it is a good deal stronger than retinol. All of these compounds are tiny, so small in fact that they can permeate the skin’s upper layers to get through to the collagen and elastin that support the skin from below. Vitamin A is a fundamental constituent of collagen and elastin.

Retinol Skin Care Treatments:

Retinol is another name for vitamin A and is one of a group of chemicals known as retinoids. This group of compounds also contains tretinoin which is found in prescription only creams and lotions and is much stronger than retinol. All of these compounds are very small, so small in fact that they can penetrate the upper skin layers to reach the elastin and collagen that support the skin from below.

Vitamin A is a vital component of elastin and collagen. Over time environmental damage occurs to these structures resulting in less support for the skin and hence lines and wrinkles. Retinoids, once they have
penetrated to this layer can then set about repairing them resulting in a smoother, more elastic skin skin and reduced lines.

Working of Retinol Skin Care Products:

Our skin has a supporting layer of collagen and elastin fibers within the skin surface. As we grow old, these fibers get damaged by factors like sun exposure, environmental pollutants, and prolonged use of cosmetics to neme a few.. Asa result, the skin loses it elasticity and develops wrinkles and fine lines.

Retinol is a small molecule that penetrates the skin surface and repairs the damaged collagen and elastin fibers. When the collagen and elastin levels of the skin are revitalized, the skin regains its vitality and elasticity. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and supple. Wrinkles and fine lines also get diminished and the skin looks younger.

Tips for Using Retinol Skin Care Products:

The best time to apply retinol based skin care products is in the evening or at night before going to bed. This minimizes the risk of undue sun exposure as these products tend to increase the sensitivity of the skin to sun. If at all you need to use Retinol skin care products in the day time, make sure you wear a sunscreen along with it.

Never overuse or use more than the prescribed quantity of Retinol based skin care products, especially the prescription strength ones. Overuse may cause irritations and lead to burning sensations on the skin.

Avoid using Retinol skin care products when you are using other skin care products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide. If you combine Retinol with these, it may fail to be effective.

Advice:

• Retinol based anti aging skin care products are generally very safe to use. However, there can be slight itchiness and skin redness in some people. This is perfectly normal and just shows that the product is working. These side effects will subside in a couple of days as the skin gets used to it.
• One thing that you should note is that Retinol increases the skins sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore avoid prolonged sun exposure. Also, make sure you wear sunscreen when you venture out in the sun.