Does retinol really bring back your skin time? Find out how these skin care ingredients can help

Aging is a process that no one can ignore, but certain skin care ingredients such as retinol can help you deal with skin problems. It is a one-stop solution that can help improve your skin and its texture. Even the ability to prevent wrinkles, remove thin lines, and treat pigmentation, this derivative of vitamin A has many advantages. It is also a popular treatment for acne, for other skin conditions such as psoriasis. However, it is not possible to do it casually, as it can lead to some serious side effects. Below are some of the best ways that retinol can help you with your skin and how to safely use it.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a type of vitamin A used in skin care products. It is known for its anti-aging, acne-fighting, and regenerative properties of the skin. Vitamins are part of the retinoid family and have both a more powerful and milder version. “Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A used in skin care products to promote cell turnover and skin renewal,” explains dermatologist Dr. Kalpana Sarangi. In addition to this, it also helps to promote collagen production and reduce thin lines and wrinkles. Other benefits of using vitamins include their ability to interfere with pores, and their ability to prevent and treat acne. It also helps with hyperpigmentation and sunlight damage.

The advantages of retinol

This vitamin A derivative can bring wonders to our skin. Here are some ways to help your skin feel healthy and radiant:

1. Anti-aging properties

Retinol is known to work at the cellular level and reduce thin lines as well as wrinkles. A study published in the Journal of Aging Clinical Intervention observed that 12 weeks of regular use of retinol preparations significantly improved fine wrinkles in participants. It also helps discolor the skin.

2. Cell’s departure

This means that retinol helps to promote cell renewal. It can also brighten up pigmentation. This cell conversion leads to the removal of pigment cells. These dark spots will peel off, and bright skin will replace them. Therefore, it is a good treatment for hyperpigmentation. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology states that retinol is used for many pigmentation disorders, such as melasma. It has also been proven to be successful in reducing hyperpigmentation in colored skin patients.

3. Collagen production

It helps stimulate collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that makes the skin firm, plump and youthful. Collagen has many benefits, including the ability to improve skin elasticity and provide some degree of hardness. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging. However, retinol helps to restore it by activating fibroblasts, cells involved in the production of collagen and elastin. In addition to this, it also helps block enzymes (MMPs) that break down collagen in the skin.

4. Acne Treatment

When it comes to acne, this is a general treatment choice. “It can help break down pores, reduce acne and prevent future breakouts,” says Dr. Sarangi. Because it is a derivative of vitamin A, it works by targeting the root cause of acne. Thanks to its ability to promote cell turnover, it helps to drain dead skin cells and prevent them from clogging. This can reduce acne, white head, and acne. In addition to this, it also helps to control excess oil production, which is one of the main causes of acne.

5. Moisturizes the skin

It also helps keep your skin hydrated. It promotes strengthening the skin’s protective barrier and improves moisture retention. Retinol also increases the production of ceramides. This helps to strengthen the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss. It helps to remove dead skin buildup. This allows the hydrating product to penetrate more deeply. This can also be combined with other hydrated ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness and irritation.

Types of retinol

Today, various types of retinol are available in serum and cream forms.

• Retinol (OTC): This is retinol used in skin care routines. This is gentle and suitable for beginners and people with sensitive skin. This must be converted to retinoic acid in the skin before the skin becomes active. This gradual transformation results in less stimulation, but also means it takes longer to show results.
• Retinoic Acid (Prescription): This is the most potent type of retinoid used for more serious skin concerns and vitamin A. This does not require any conversion and works quickly. It helps to provide faster and more dramatic results for acne, aging and pigmentation.
• Retinyl palmitate (fair): This is the mildest form of Vitamin A and is used in sensitive skin products. Used in anti-aging creams, serums and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin and beginners. Retinyl palmitate must be converted to skin retinol and function gradually and gradually. It’s not strong, so it’s great for people who can’t stand sensitive skin or stronger retinoids.

How to use retinol?

This derivative of vitamin A has many benefits, but it must be used in the correct way. This is what you have to do:

• Make sure your face is beautiful: It is important to wash your face thoroughly using a gentle and moist cleanser. Try to avoid severe peeling. Once your face is clean, tap your skin completely.
• Apply a small amount: Use a solution with a small pea size amount throughout your face. These areas are very sensitive so avoid the eye area, nostrils and lips. Applications in these regions can lead to stimulation. “We start with low concentrations (0.25%),” explains Dr. Sarangi.
• Moisturizing: It’s important to follow up with moisturizers now. This helps prevent drying and peeling. If you have sensitive skin, apply a moisturizer first, then a retinol, then another layer of moisturizer.
• Don’t forget to have sunscreen: The application can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and follows up with a broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning, Dr. Sarangi explains. Apply SPF 30+ every morning.

Side effects of retinol

There are several risks associated with using retinol on the skin.

Notes to keep in mind

Retinol can help the skin in many ways, but there are several precautions that need to bear in mind.

• If you have sensitive skin, start with low concentrations.
• Should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Be sure to use a wide range of sunscreen with SPFs of at least 30 or more.
• It should only be used twice a week and gradually increase the frequency.
• Do not mix this with other harsh activities such as benzoyl peroxide, AHAS & BHAS, Vitamin C, etc.
• It is very important to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. If no irritation occurs, apply it to your face.

With acne breakouts, wrinkles, and thin lines, retinol is a very effective solution for your skincare needs. However, while there are many benefits, the application also comes with a considerable number of risks. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor and perform a patch test before use, and to check the sensitivity of the skin.