What is Retinol? Is it Safe and What Are Its Benefits?
Skin Care Skincare What is Retinol
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Retinoids are primarily available as topical treatments, such as creams and lotions, although some prescription medications may also contain them. They are often recommended for use by dermatologists, because they are absorbed by the skin's cells. Some of the better-known retinoids include tretinoin (oxapro), adapalene (Retin-A), and retinaldehyde (Retin-B). These products containing retinol are available over the counter. However, if you have severe acne, or if you suffer from photoaging, you should consult with a dermatologist before taking any of these medications.
Dermatologists often prescribe retinol to patients who need stronger solutions to their acne. These products not only penetrate the epidermis, but they can also help reduce wrinkles and improve fine lines. If you have an older appearance due to photoaging, retinol can improve the texture of your skin. By keeping pore trapping materials like dead skin cells, collagen is produced and elasticity is improved. By keeping the epidermis moist and not clogging the pores, the risk of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne is lessened.
Retinol is one of the ingredients that have the most benefit for people who wish to have skin that is wrinkle-free and that is also more youthful looking. While using retinol, the wrinkles around your eyes will be less visible, and dark circles around the mouth will become less apparent. If you choose to use products containing this ingredient, try to avoid the ones that contain large amounts of oils, as this can make the skin to dry out. The skin can become irritated when this happens.
Unlike vitamins A, C, and E, retinoids cannot be purchased over the counter. They must be obtained through a process that involves injections of the vitamin into the skin. Like all vitamin A derivatives, retinoid molecules are easily washed away with soap and water. In fact, they tend to lose their effectiveness when exposed to light.
One of the most popular types of over-the-counter retinoids is retinaldehyde. This compound is derived from Vitamin A and works by binding with free radicals in the skin. Once bound, retinoids smooth and even out the skin, as well as reducing puffy or uneven skin tones. These retinoids work well for those with older, sun-damaged skin, as well as for those with acne, rosacea, and other skin imperfections. As an added bonus, retinoids may help to protect your body's cells from damage by harmful UV-A rays.
There are other ingredients that are useful in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and preservatives such as Vitamin E. All of these ingredients help to protect the skin from further damage caused by exposure to the sun. However, as people get older, exposure to the sun increases especially their chances of developing wrinkles. For this reason, many people turn to sunscreen in order to avoid the sun's damaging effects. Whether or not you choose to use an over-the-counter sunscreen, using a good moisturizer after applying sunscreen will help to keep your skin hydrated and looking smooth and radiant.
To counter the appearance of wrinkles, many wrinkle creams contain collagen. Collagen has been shown to promote cell turnover, which works to make skin appear younger and more elastic. So far, studies have shown that collagen is absorbed much better into the skin than the form of retinol found in retinoid creams. While retinol and collagen are both important in reversing the signs of aging, finding a product that contains both types of protein is best if you want to see the best results.