What is Retinol and Why it is important to add it to your skin care

4 Unique Uses of Retinol

Retinol has been on a market for a long time. It was first approved by FDA as an acne treatment in 1971 (wikipedia).

Since then many researches clearly showed that retinoid has numerous astounding benefits for skin.

(Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.  That means that if you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you).

What is retinoid and retinol?

Retinoid and Retinol are vitamin A derivatives.

Vitamin A is a powerful anti-oxidant when taken orally.  Doctors also prescribe it for treatment of measels, acne, and dry eyes. In skin care Vitamin A is famous for anti-wrinkle, acne, warts and psoriases treatments.

Retinoid is very strong form of Vitamin A and your doctor has to prescribe it.

Retinol is milder form of Vitamin A and you can easily buy it over the counter .

In this post we will explore 4 unique uses of retinol and retinoid.

1.  Retinol use for wrinkles and age spots

Let’s first talk about collagen because it is very crucial in our body and responsible for many functions including support skin’s elasticity.

Collagen is a peptide that floats in abundance in our muscles, blood, skin, bones and etc.  In skin collagen promotes elasticity and youthful look.  With age production of collagen declines causing skin to loose its tone, firmness, become saggy and wrinkly.

Retinol stimulates collagen production in your skin thus improving skin elasticity, thickness and reducing appearance of wrinkles.

Retinol also stimulates turnover of cell production causing old skin cells die rapidly and new cells to form.  That is why when you use retinol, your skin looks brighter and glowing and age spots seem to fade.

One major thing that frustrates many people who start using retinol is that they need patience ! You need to use retinol creams for 3 to 6 months to see the improvement of wrinkles.  However, best results happen between 6 to 12 months of use (it is a long time, I know, but it is worth the waiting).

If you are interested in anti-aging and what 11 skin care ingredients can help you keep youthful and glowing complexion, then read this article 11 Anti-aging Ingredients in Skin Care. 

 

2.  Retinol use for acne

Let’s first see how this annoying acne develop.

How Retinol treats acne

Retinol assists in treatment of light to moderate acne. When you apply retinol to your skin, it can unclog pores, allowing other medicated creams and gels to work better. It also reduces acne outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging pores. By clearing acne and reducing outbreaks, retinol may also reduce the formation of acne scars.

Some studies showed that up to 75% of people who suffered from acne, showed decrease in acne formation and improvement in overall skin look.

Keep in mind that it takes up to 6 to 8 weeks for retinol to show you any results, so don’t give up after 1 or 2 weeks after starting using products with retinol.

3.  Retinol use for psoriasis

When somebody has psoriasis, his or her skin makes skin cells too quickly.  Excess of cells piles up and makes red patches or spots on the skin.

Retinoids can slow the growth of skin cells in patients with psoriasis.  Often doctors prescribe a combination of retinoid with steroid creams for enhanced effect.

The type of retinol that is used to for medical reasons is not the same type of retinol that we use on our skin to get rid of wrinkles.  However, I just wanted to mention that Vitamin A has many useful uses. 

4.  Retinol use for warts

For those who have warts retinoid containing cream could also be an answer. 

Retinoid cream will disrupt cell growth and minimize warts’ growth.

Side effects of using retinoid and retinol

As with any product, especially with such strong one as retinol, there are side effects to be aware off.  They include the following:

•Dryness and irritation.  I notices some skin flaking when I started using 2.5% strength retinol; it went away soon

•Skin colour changes

•Sensitivity to sunlight – meaning that your will burn easier under direct sun when using products with retinol

•Redness, swelling, crusting, or blistering (very extreme and rare side effects )

Things to consider when using Retinol

1.  NEVER use retinoid or retinol creams in the morning before going out.  Retinoid will not cause you to have sunburn but can cause skin discolouration and age spots.  Always use creams containing SPF 20 or more before going outdoors in the sun when you use retinoid containing products.

2.  Use a moisturizer along with topical retinoids. Doing so will reduce skin drying without interfering with the product’s effectiveness.

3.  Pregnant women or women who are planning on becoming pregnant should not use retinoids.

Recommended Products with Retinol

Retinol for Body

Retinol containing body products work on tightening and firming your skin. They also hydrate and moisturize your body as well as fight age spots.

Rosen Apothecary Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion – this retinol body lotion will also help to boost collagen production. It contains caffeine for further firmness.

Retinol Face Wash

Skincare LdeL Cosmetics Retinol Face Cleanser – This mild retinol containing face cleanser will gently wash your face preparing it further for other skin care regimen. It removes dirt, gently exfoliates your skin. And at the same time your skin gets all the benefits of retinol.

Retinol For Stretch Marks

The Ordinary Retinol and Retinoid

The Ordinary is very affordable and yet very effective brand of skin care products.

One of the signature retinols by The Ordinary is Granactive Retinoid. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid is much stronger than simple retinol. And yet, it does not dry skin as much as retinol.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion – This treatment visibly reduces the signs of aging without irritation. It diminishes the look of wrinkles and fine lines, brightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and smooths and refines the skin’s texture.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2 in Squalane   – a high strength, zero-to-low irritation serum that’s been proven to soften fine lines, improve pigmentation problems and revitalize skin, causing it to look fresher and more youthful. 

Retinols and retinoids became respected by many people and cosmetic companies for their clinically proven benefits.  Incorporate them into your skin care routine and watch signs of aging disappear.

Stay beautiful!!!!!