Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is one of the body’s important nutrients for increasing skin cell turnover. Continue reading.

As people age, their skin loses suppleness, thins, and lines or wrinkles form. However, studies have shown that applying vitamin A to the skin can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as you age. It is also thought to assist promote the formation of skin-building chemicals. In fact, a research at Stanford Medical School in Palo Alto, California, found that using a lotion containing 0.4% retinol, a kind of vitamin A, three times a week for 24 weeks greatly decreased the appearance of age-related wrinkles. The study’s subjects were all approximately 87 years old. Skin biopsies also demonstrated a considerable increase in glycosaminoglycan and procollagen synthesis.

As people age, their skin loses suppleness, thins, and lines or wrinkles form. However, studies have shown that applying vitamin A to the skin can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as you age. It is also thought to assist promote the formation of skin-building chemicals. In fact, a research at Stanford Medical School in Palo Alto, California, found that using a lotion containing 0.4% retinol, a kind of vitamin A, three times a week for 24 weeks greatly decreased the appearance of age-related wrinkles. The study’s subjects were all approximately 87 years old. Skin biopsies also demonstrated a considerable increase in glycosaminoglycan and procollagen synthesis.

But, before you start taking retinol, you need know what it is and how it might assist you. We contacted Dr Bhagyashree, Clinical Cosmetologist, to have a better understanding. According to her, retinol is nothing more than a vitamin A derivative, which is one of the body’s critical nutrients for increasing skin cell turnover. It is now used in topical skincare treatments to enhance skin regeneration, lighten skin tone, minimise acne, and increase collagen formation. In this article, she covers the fundamentals of retinol, as well as other retinoids such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate.

When And Why Should One Begin Taking Retinol?

Introduce retinol into your beauty routine in your mid-20s or early 30s to cure wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, crows feet, and even acne.

How can one incorporate this in their beauty routine?

Retinol should be applied slowly and gently in your regimen since it may be quite irritating if the formulation is too powerful for your skin or if you use it too frequently.

• Begin with a pea-sized quantity of a lesser percentage, such as 0.025%.
• It should be used twice a week.
• Avoid the area surrounding your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If the skin barrier has been corrected, gradually increase the proportion.
• escalating any irritation
• Retinol should only be used at night.
• Because retinol may be irritating and drying to the skin, apply a moisturising moisturiser and sunscreen first thing in the morning to protect it.

What Ingredients Can One Use And Not Use With Retinol?

Retinol should not be used in the same regimen as –

• C vitamin
• Benzoyl peroxide (until combined in a formulation)
• BHA (lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid) AHA BHA
• The acid kojic
• Tranexamic acid is a kind of acid.
• Exfoliants such as alpha arbutin.

Retinol can be combined with –

• Niacinamide Ceramides
• Peptides.
• Other substances that are hydrating.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Mild inflammation, dryness, and sun sensitivity may occur in certain persons.

• Other common adverse effects include minor flaking, redness, and mild burning as your skin adjusts.
• Before using it on skin, those with sensitive skin or disorders such as rosacea or eczema should visit a dermatologist.
• Retinol and other retinoids should not be taken or applied to the skin if a woman is attempting to conceive, pregnant, or nursing, since they may harm the unborn child.