The popularity of over-the-counter retinol products is well-founded: They can minimize the look of aging and enhance the overall appearance of skin in addition to aiding with acne control. They “are perfect for evening tone, improving texture, reducing pore size, and building collagen,” according to Dr. Rana Mays, a double board-certified dermatologist in Newport Beach in California. But using them might be challenging. Products containing retinol are available in a wide range of brands and formulations, and therefore they should be used carefully—especially when initially applying, as they can cause irritation, peeling, redness and sometimes allergic reactions.
Some Facts About Retinol:
Retinoids, which are all derived from vitamin A, are the group of chemicals that include retinols. Since the 1970s, prescription-strength retinoids have been accessible, and they are present in acne treatments like Accutane and Retin-A. Retinol – is a gentler retinoid derivative and can be purchased over-the-counter.
Retinol has a variety of effects on the skin. It promotes skin cell turnover, “which causes a natural exfoliation.” This can help treat acne and stop flare-ups in the future by unclogging clogged pores. Retinol also promotes the skin’s synthesis of collagen, a protein that improves suppleness and firmness. According to the aging studies, we start to lose about 1% of our skin’s collagen per year beginning in our 20s.” Retinol acts to reverse the sagging and wrinkles that result from that. Furthermore, retinol helps minimize dark patches. “Retinols have the potential to mitigate melanin excess, especially in regions where it is concentrated and resulting in discoloration.
Retinol – Backed by science
According to a 2015 clinical trial, using a retinol product on a daily basis for a year decreased skin discolouration by 84% and the appearance of crow’s feet by 44% for women between the ages of 40 and 55. A 2009 clinical experiment found that using retinol every day for 26 weeks decreased the appearance of deep and fine lines in women between the ages of 40 and 60.
When and how to use retinols
Even though you can buy retinol products at almost any drugstore or department store, it’s advisable to see a dermatologist first to make sure retinol is right for you. This is especially important if you have rosacea or other sensitive or inflammatory skin conditions.
Dermatologists typically recommend using a moderate formulation initially in order to minimize irritation. Dr Mays suggest encapsulated medical grade retinol to start and then builds her patients up to stronger prescriptions strength retinoids. The precise amount of retinol stated on the label isn’t very important because different manufacturers use different retinol compounds. For example, a product with 1% retinol may be nearly identical to another with 0.3 %. In addition, different skin types and conditions respond to retinols differently. For this reason, Dr. Mays recommends always consulting with a board certified Dermatologist prior to starting any retinol product.
