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What is retinol?
Retinol is a type of vitamin that is a member of the retinoids family of vitamin A derivatives. This anti-aging ingredient is widely used and has been studied extensively. It works to minimise wrinkles, fine lines, enlarged pores, and other signs of age. Low-concentration retinoids such as retinol can be easily acquired over-the-counter without a prescription.
What does it do?
Vitamin A derivatives are used to make retinol. They function by scavenging free radicals that can harm collagen – one of the ingredients required for glowing, healthy skin. The body starts to create less collagen and elastin as we get older and may even start to break down collagen, elastin, and fat reserves. More wrinkles may develop as a result of the skin being thinner and sagging.
Retinol reduces lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and preserving collagen reserves. They help to enhance skin tone by encouraging the growth of new blood vessels in the skin. This can assist in reducing the visibility of existing wrinkles and preventing the development of new ones.
Are there any side effects?
A considerable risk of side effects is associated with retinol medicines with high concentrations, like retin-A and accutane. Irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling are side effects of utilising retinol, especially when you initially start using the cream. Aside from that, using various anti-aging products simultaneously increases the risk of negative effects.
Retinol usage might result in sunburn. You can also be susceptible to age spots over time. Put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to lessen this undesirable effect. Retinoids should not be used by women who are nursing or pregnant.
How should I start to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine?
To acclimatise your skin to the retinol, it’s recommended that you start using it twice a week (every three days) in the evenings. If you aren’t experiencing any redness or flakiness the next day, you can bump it up to every other day—and then even every day if your skin can handle it.
How long will it take to work?
Products containing retinol are not a magic solution. Retinoids with a high concentration can work in just a few weeks, but low concentration products can take up to six months to show significant effects. Results for acne-prone skin disorders can be seen in 12 weeks, but it may take considerably longer for sun damage and ageing symptoms to fade. Having said that, if you have patience, the results can be significant and well worth the wait!
Which are the best products containing retinol?
Maskology Retinol and Vitamin C Professional Under Eye Mask is the perfect solution to tired or ageing eyes. The retinol formula will brighten dark circles, improve the appearance of pigmentation and smoothing the skin’s texture.
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR is a lightweight intelligent retinol (vitamin A) serum. Designed to complement skins nightly regenerative cycle, the serum resurfaces while you sleep to rejuvenate skin and restore radiance.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is a fast-acting serum that combines 3 retinol technologies and hyaluronic acid to reduce the look of wrinkles in just 2 weeks.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 is a concentrated facial cream with pure retinol that improves the appearance of visible signs of ageing and pores while improving skin tone.
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 0.5% is a concentrated customisable night time Retinol treatment cream that accelerates skin renewal and helps reduce the appearance of skin ageing. It is suitable for drier/prematurely-ageing skin.