By Srijita Poddar
Hi my beauties,
How have you all been? One of the first and foremost signs of beauty is a clear and flawless skin. Over the years we have all become more conscious of our skincare especially with the blazing sun, dust and pollution. All we want is a magic ingredient which can help solve all our skin problems. However, you should be happy to know that one such magic ingredient does exist and it is retinol. Here is a comprehensive guide on retinol and why you can bank on the best of them.
What is retinol
Retinol is one of the animal forms of Vitamin A. It is a diterpenoid and an alcohol. It is one of the key ingredients used in cosmetic and skincare as well as medicated creams to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and contains anti-aging properties.
How does retinol work
⦁ Retinol is a chemical compound that acts directly on the DNA in skin cells. It boosts all the cell functions that slow down once one hits 30. This makes retinol an anti-ageing agent which reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
⦁ Retinoid also increase cell turnover and, therefore, the skin continuously replaces damaged cells and healthy skin is what you see on top. This enhances radiance.
⦁ Retinol also thins the top layer of the skin, while thickening the smoother second layer, making the skin look luminous and firm.
⦁ It also boosts the production of collagens. Collagens are one of the skin’s primary structures. Retinol prevents its breakdown as they work their way deeper into the skin layers.
⦁ Retinoid foster the creation of glycosaminoglycan. These are substances that are found in the body that help to keep the tissues hydrated.
⦁ Retinoid help to clear dead skin cells, oil and debris from pores, leaving them less distended.
⦁ Retinol even decreases oil production and hence helps in the control of acne. It’s a boon to those who are prone to breakouts.
⦁ Retinol works as antioxidants which prevent free radicals and, in turn, prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
How to incorporate retinol into your skin care regimen
⦁ Use it as a night treatment
If you use retinol in your night cream or night time skincare routine, it is going to turn out to be your skin care messiah. It will help you with all the good properties and nighttime is the best time for cell healing and no one can do it better than retinol. Some options easily available in the Indian market are Pond’s Age Miracle Overnight Repair Dream Night Cream, L’Oreal Revitalift Anti Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream, Ranbaxy Yugard etc.
⦁ Use it as a serum
Retinol serums are ideal for those who find direct retinol too harsh on their skin. These help to activate the retinoid receptors on the skin which prompt to create new cells and produce collagen.
⦁ Anti-wrinkle cream
Retinol is the anti-aging miracle and there are no worse signs of ageing than wrinkles. Therefore, anti-wrinkle creams with retinol in them will be your best bet. For example, the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream is armed with retinol and all the other good things like aloe vera.
⦁ Retinol concentrate
For those looking for a stronger dose of retinol which gets directly placed into the skin, you might want to opt for retinol concentrate. Retinol concentrate is available over the counter as well as it’s available as a prescription product. You can choose one according to your skin type and skin needs.
How to use retinol
⦁ To find a product with retinol in it, look for Vitamin A listed as retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl aldehyde which is sometimes termed as retinal or retinaldehyde.
⦁ Retinol creams are highly effective but may sometimes cause irritation, peeling or redness which is temporary.
⦁ It should not be used daily. First start using a very thin layer two days a week. Gradually start using every alternate day.
⦁ After cleansing the face, use a good moisturiser before you apply retinol. It makes the skin less sensitive to retinol and prevents dryness, flaking and irritation.
⦁ Since skin becomes more sensitive to the sun during this time, due to the exfoliation of upper layers of the skin by retinol, always use the best sunscreen during day times.
⦁ It is advised to use retinol products during night times.
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