Retinol skin care products are helpful for diminishing wrinkles and fine lines and for promoting the level of oils in the skin for those of us who are over 40. They are also successful in improving the the skin’s condition for those with cystic acne. Additionally they} are especially useful for those with sensitive skin who are not able to use harsher products. A number people have experienced flaky, dry, red or scaly skin after they have used a chemical peel and for these people a more suitable choice would be applying a retinol cream daily.
Studies of Retinol Skin Care Products
Increasing numbers of research studies are discovering that retinol most certainly has a useful effect on aging skin. A recent survey at the University of Michigan tried out retinol containing lotions on thirty six quite elderly, fit people, the majority in the region of eighty years of age. For 6 months they used the lotion on the skin on their arms. Skin biopsies at the end of the trial showed significant lessening of fine lines and wrinkles. If this is effective for the skin of an eighty year old then it can unquestionably assist a younger skin to regain or maintain a youthful appearance! However the result is only temporary as 11 of the test participants noticed that their skin had started to return to its previous state after six more months 6 months with no retinol application.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is another name for vitamin A and is one of the retinoid group of chemicals. This group of compounds also includes tretinoin which is often present in lotions and creams not available OTC as it is much stronger than retinol. These types of compounds are small, so tiny in actual fact that they are able to permeate the outer layers of the skin to get through to the collagen and elastin that hold up the skin from beneath. Vitamin A is a vital component of elastin and collagen. Over time damage from the environment takes place to these structures the outcome of which is a lessening of skin support and hence lines and wrinkles. Retinoids, after penetrating to this layer, begin repair of the collagen and elastin, the outcome of which is a smoother, more elastic skin and reduced lines.
Retinol Use in the Treatment of Acne
Retinol products are very good exfoliating agents and can also effectively unblock pores. This makes them helpful treatments to use if you have acne.
The Use of Retinol For Dry Skin
Retinol skin care products are very good for the care of very dry skin as they are very good moisturisers.
Do They Have Any Side Effects?
When you first use a retinol skin care product you could notice some mild irritation, itching or stinging. It is generally very temporary and is normal. If it lasts longer than a few days you would be advised to stop using the product.
Take Care in the Sun After Using Retinol
Retinol skin care products are best used in the evening or before bed. They do make the skin more susceptible to the sun so if you use them during the day be sure to apply a sun screen as well.