Retinol – a proven anti-ageing skincare ingredient

 
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Retinol – a proven anti-ageing skincare ingredient.

In recent years, skincare companies have released many products advertising the benefits of retinol.
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products such as fish oils and liver. It is also manufactured in the form of retinoids, tritonin, and retinyl palimitate.
Retinol was first used to treat acne but is now frequently used to treat signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarge pores, blemishes or acne scarring.

Retinol is an anti-oxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer by neutralising free radicals. It increases cell production in the top layer of skin, so new skin cells begin to grow underneath and push their way towards the surface of the skin, resulting in the cells looking smoother and the skin looking younger.

It also has a positive effect on collagen production, because skin uses retinoic acid when it produces collagen. As a result, skin looks plumper. Additionally, it helps to reduce pigmentation that occurs with sun damage.

Retinol is an excellent product to use because it works simply by repairing and improving the overall health of your skin.

Anti-ageing creams contain varying amounts of retinol, so check the label before buying. Most High Street beauty products that state they contain retinol may only contain a very small amount and generally will not state how much. With Cosmeceutical products, you will find high/optimal levels of retinol together with a good delivery system, so the retinol stays effective in the bottle and penetrates deep into your skin when you use it.

The strength of retinol your skin needs depends on your skin type, skin concerns, and your skin’s tolerance. Start by using a lower dose and slowly increasing the strength as your skin acclimatises (e.g. low doses for skin rejuvenation & higher doses for sun damage & scarring).

Side effects
Because the turnover of skin cells is higher, the cells at the surface are younger and more vulnerable to sun damage, so you should always wear a daily sunscreen even if it’s not sunny.
Retinol should not be used during pregnancy.

Applying
Retinol needs to be applied at night. It can cause irritation, so start by building up retinol use slowly to help skin to adapt. Use a retinol cream every third night for a week, then alternate nights for a week before going for nightly use. If burning, stinging and skin peeling persists then discontinue use. It can take about 12 weeks to notice the full effects of retinol, so do not be discouraged if you do not notice any changes at first.

Can I use glycolic acid with retinol ?
To give you even more exfoliation, AHA's or BHA's can be used alongside retinol, but it can be too much for some people.
If you experience drying, redness or sensitivity, consider alternating your retinol product with your AHA or BHA exfoliant to find the right balance for your skin.

Retinol isn't for everyone:
If you prefer an alternative to a retinol cream but want similar anti-aging effects then using glycolic acid would be a great choice. It has similar benefits and is less irritating to sensitive skin than retinol, so you could start by using this product alone and gradually adding retinol to your skincare routine. Glycolic acid has been found to increase the effectiveness of retinol by enhancing the penetration. Also using a Vitamin C will reduce environmental skin damage and enhance collagen production. By using Retinol, Glycolic Acid & Vitamin C together, they will all do something different to contribute towards rejuvenating the skin.