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They're the closest thing to a magical elixir you'll find on the market when it comes to keeping your skin young
Retinols have the ability to promote cell regeneration, and reduce collagen degradation while stimulating new elastin production. The results are diminished wrinkles, firmer skin, and improved skin tone, texture and clarity. Retinols can also help with acne by exfoliating and clearing out pores.
Sounds amazing, but this is no magical elixir of youth. It’s actually all quite scientific. Retinols are just one of many different kinds of retinoids (other common types include retinaldehyde, tretinoin, tazarotene, etc.), which are a derivative of vitamin A.
Amy Chen, scientific communication and training leader for SkinCeuticals, confirms that retinols “are one of the most-studied topical agents for anti-aging products. The role of vitamin A in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation [skin regeneration] has been well recognized since the early 20th century.”
Some retinols are only available with a prescription but there are many products now available over the counter. This is powerful stuff and as beneficial as it can be for your skin, it can also be problematic, so it’s best to learn how to read labels.
What you’re looking for are differences between brands, sources (natural or synthetic), types (reinhaldehyde, retinol, etc.), concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, etc.), and formulations (creams, serums, gels, etc.)
There are dozens of retinol products on the market, each with a different combination of the above-listed factors. While it can be confusing, it also means there’s a good chance you’ll find a product that works very well for your skin type; it just may take some trial and error.
Regardless of which product you choose, there are a few general rules you should follow:
When shopping for a new retinol product, ideally you want to get the strongest concentration that causes the least irritation. But if you’re new to retinols, or if you’re switching brands, buy the weaker concentration – if one is available – and then build up. Different brands will have different bases or delivery systems for their actives, and this can affect how your skin type reacts to the product.
Use a pea-size amount and evenly apply a thin layer to your face and neck, avoiding the eyes.
The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate and you don’t want anything running into your eyes that isn’t safe. Retinols can sting and irritate skin in general, so make sure the retinol product you use around your eyes is made for this purpose.
There are increasingly more natural retinol alternatives on the beauty market. They tend to be gentler and rely on plant-based extracts to deliver similar effects as those achieved by using a synthetic retinol. They’re a good alternative for those who find traditional retinol products too irritating or harsh.
Because they’re less aggressive, they’re ideal for those who have extremely sensitive or intolerant skin. With traditional retinol products, the skin is often left in a delicate state, which is why it’s necessary to stop treatment a few days before procedures such as waxing, peels, or lasering. They’re also an excellent choice for women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, since it’s suggested these women should avoid excessive exposure to vitamin A.
Retinols Provide Anti-aging Solutions