All About The Benefits Of Retinol
Acts against deep facial wrinkles and sagging skin, a pure active ingredient, it is one of the star molecules in cosmetics. Yes, retinol, sometimes referred to as retinol-A, since it comes from vitamin A. Very powerful, it is an effective ally in delaying the effects of aging and providing the skin with a smooth and firm touch. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of retinol.
Origin of retinol
Retinol is one of the three available forms of vitamin A. It owes its name to the essential role it plays in the functioning of our vision and in particular in the ability of our retina to adapt to darkness. This active form of vitamin A you can find naturally in our food: fish, butter, eggs. Retinol is part of the large family of retinoids, just like tretinoin, a drug prescribed by dermatologists against acne.
Like beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A present in particular in orange fruits and vegetables, retinol is a substance people frequently use in care against aging. But where beta-carotene benefits from its antioxidant properties, retinol acts on the firmness of the skin and the regeneration of skin cells.
The benefits of retinol for the beauty and youthfulness of your face
Retinol mainly focuses in the treatment of deep facial wrinkles and sagging skin. There are two main benefits of this molecule:
- A firming and anti-aging action: retinol boosts the production of collagen and elastin to activate cell renewal. The skin regains its firmness and elasticity. It is also smoother!
- Antioxidant power: retinol intervenes in the prevention of skin aging by fighting against oxidative stress, responsible for the appearance of the first wrinkles.
- An anti-blemish solution: the exfoliating effect of retinol unclogs the pores of the skin and regulates sebum production, but also retinol reduces residual marks such as acne marks.
- Anti-dark spot efficacy: by helping to regulate the production of melanin, itself responsible for the color of dark spots.
How to use retinol and what are its dangers
Retinol is used as an active ingredient in a cream or in a serum for the face or the body. It is dosed at 0.2% at least for effective daily use, and it is dosed at 1, 2 or 3% for occasional use. You should never ever use a treatment containing more than 3% retinoids without medical advice.
Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV. You must therefore use any active care in the evening, because the product is photosensitizing as soon as it contains vitamin A or its derivatives. The skin is more likely to react to the sun if it is applied in the morning. However, you can put a face sunscreen on top if necessary.
Other dangers of retinol are severe skin irritation and redness and flaking. A phenomenon of “purge” exists with certain treatments highly dosed in retinoids. The skin peels, is red and tight for a few days. It must be moisturized with soothing treatments in addition to the retinoid treatment. This is the result of the “rejuvenating” action of the product. It fades with time and hydration. Be careful though, if the skin reacts too strongly or for too long, stop or immediately lower the dosage!
What Are The Natural Alternatives To Retinol?
No natural extract contains pure retinol, but many vegetable oils contain retinoids which will have an effect quite comparable to retinol. These are mainly oils of sea buckthorn, rosehip, and to a lesser extent argan.
Tips for using retinol
- It is photosensitizing: it is not recommended to expose your skin to the sun after applying pure retinol. This is why it is preferably used in the evening.
- Apply 3-4 drops to cleansed, dry skin in the evening before applying your moisturizer. Always use a treatment with a minimum SPF 30 the next morning.
- Retinol can cause redness, stinging or dryness. Your skin needs time to get used to this powerful ingredient, so it’s important to use it gradually.
- Avoid the eye contour, oral mucous membranes & altered, damaged, injured areas
- Do not combine it with other AHA/BHA treatments, Salicylic Acid 2%, Citric Acid 26%, Glycolic Acid 10%
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I hope you now know all about the benefits of retinol. Comment down below what you think, do you agree, or share with us your own experience if you use it in your skin care routine .
Looking forward o reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!
