Benefits Of Adding Retinoids To Your Skin Care Routine
Most of us have heard about the word – Retinol, but very few of us know what retinol is. One of the many members of the retinoid family is Retinol.
In this article we will be discussing the following points:
What is Retinol?
In the 1970s Retinol was first approved for the treatment of acne. It is the synthetic derivative of Vitamin-A and is converted into retinoic acid when applied topically with the help of specialized enzymes that are present in the skin.
Retinol helps to prevent the clogging of the pores and also helps to promote the cell turnover process. This also improves the penetration of the skincare products into the skin and helps defend against the blemishes.
Retinol decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving the production of collagen making the skin smoother, softer and providing a radiant glow to the skin.
Retinol generally comes in a variety of concentrations starting from 0.25 strength and can be used 2-3 times a week. If your skin is not irritated one can use it 4 times a week.
What is retinoid?
Retinoids are chemically derived from Vitamin A, and therefore are the derivatives of Vitamin A. Retinoids speed up the intercellular communication that allows signals to the nearby cells by binding the nuclear receptors, resulting in the regulation of the epithelial cell growth and rate of proliferation.
The most common over the counter topical retinoids include:
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
- Retinol
- Tazarotene
- Bexarotene
These come in gels, creams and liquid forms. The medication should be applied about 20-30 minutes after cleansing the face once a day.
Benefits of Retinol
1. Retinol and acne
Retinoids can help in moderate to severe acne. Retinol clears the skin and prevents the further outbreak of acne by unclogging the pores also decreasing the acne scars. One of the plus points of the retinoids are they enhance the efficacy of the other medicated creams or gels that you are using, and you will get the maximum benefits of the treatment. Pills containing retinoids treat inflammation, excess production of the oil and bacteria that cause acne.
2. Retinol can help even the skin tone
Retinol exerts its exfoliating effect by stimulating the cell turnover making the skin brighter, newer and more even-toned skin, loaded with an increased level of elastin and collagen. The thicker skin has fewer overall imperfections but the thicker skin is smoother and stronger. Therefore even the problem-free skin experiences radiant effects from retinol.
3. Retinol fights signs of aging
Retinol is one of the most widely studied and most used anti-aging cream ingredients in the market. Retinoids increase the collagen production and therefore reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also invigorates the formation of new blood vessels in the skin, which leads to improvement in the skin colour.
Retinol also softens the rough patches of the skin and fades away the age spots. Tretinoin has proved considerable anti-aging effects. It generally takes six months of regular use and best results can take up to 12 months.
Myths about retinoids
1. Retinoids thin the skin
Skin starts peeling when you start the use of retinoids, and many of us assume that it is the side effect of retinoids as their skin is thinning, but it is not true. Retinoids thicken the skin stimulating the production of collagen and this is natural as thinning of the skin is one of the natural signs of getting aged.
2. The younger generation cannot use retinoids
There is no age restriction on the use of the retinoids but one should take care of the skin condition that is being treated. Retinoids are the best preventive ingredient of anti-aging cream after sunscreens. The original purpose of the retinoids is actually to treat acne and is prescribed to many young people.
3. Retinoids exfoliate the skin
As we know retinoids are the derivatives of Vitamin A, so they are considered as antioxidants. They are the cell-communicating ingredients which means that they communicate with the cells of the skin and uplifts the younger and healthier cells towards the surface of the skin. Retinoids are not able to dissolve or clear the dead skin cells on their own.
4. Retinoids cannot be used on sensitive skin
Retinoids are generally considered as harsh ingredients as they are a little combative on the skin but still people having sensitive skin can use it with a little bit of moderation.
For sensitive skin start using retinoids with once or twice a week application. Retinyl palmitate is of the retinol product and is least irritating to the skin. Also, retinoids can be mixed with a pea sized amount of moisturizer before applying or you can layer it on top of your moisturizer.
Therefore Retinoids can improve the skin tone, pigmentation and also the skin texture. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids allow better penetration of the retinoids and also increase its efficacy.
Vitamin C serum and retinol serum or cream can be used on alternate days. These two products are very important for glowing and healthy skin. A broad-spectrum SPF- 50 sunscreen can be used to prevent photo-aging.
FAQs
What does Retinol do to your skin?
Retinoids can help in moderate to severe acne, it also plumps out the skin by boosting the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin resulting in decreasing the fine lines and wrinkles. It also evens the skin tone and reduces the rough patches present on the skin.
Should I moisturize after retinol?
Applying moisturizer after retinol not only hydrates the dry skin but also reduces the risk of irritation from retinol. Dermatologists sometimes also recommend mixing retinol with moisturizer to dilute it.
Can I use retinol every day?
To get used to retinol always, start with a lighter dose of around 0.05 per cent and one can increase the dose gradually as the skin becomes adjusted. Retinol is a powerful antioxidant and yes, it can be used every day in your skincare routine.
When should you start using retinol?
The Mid 20s is the best time to start the retinol use. Also, there is no age restriction on the use of the retinoids but one should take care of the skin condition/ skin type that is being treated.
