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In this day and age of “influencers”, people tend to focus more on how they look, physically. Of Course, what more will people see other than the largest organ in our body – skin? Well, most especially the face. Retinol here, retinol that. This is often what people tell you if you are asking for an effective serum for maintaining a younger-looking skin.
According to Science Direct, retinol, retinoic acid, and retinal are the biologically active forms of vitamin A. Retinal is the free alcohol form of vitamin A that can be converted by enzymes in different tissues to retinal, which is the active form of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is classified as a retinoid and is one of the fat-soluble compounds. That group consists of compounds other than retinol that share structural similarities and retinol’s biological characteristics. Because the compounds’ biological activities vary, they are presented as retinol equivalents for standardization’s sake.
In the cosmetic world, retinol promotes the growth of skin cells. It aids in pore cleaning. In addition to exfoliating your face, retinol boosts the synthesis of collagen, which helps minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves your skin looking more youthful and plumper.
Like an extra-strength loofah, retinoid therapy does more than remove the outermost layer of your skin cells. They cause your body to produce more collagen, which is a protein found in your bones, muscles, and skin.
Your skin remains firm and elastic because of it. Less wrinkles result from this. Although retinol begins to act on your cells immediately, it will take a few weeks before you notice a change in the texture and appearance of your skin. As you become used to the new routine, your skin condition can first appear worse.
Retinoids are available as liquid, gel, and cream. Gels are routinely suggested for acne since they are generally stronger than creams, foams, and liquids. For skin that is ageing, creams are typically a suitable option. There are three distinct strengths of retinoids available: 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. While stronger solutions perform better, they may have greater adverse effects.
Unlike many other lotions designed for older skin, it doesn’t eliminate dead skin cells. Rather, retinol’s tiny molecules reach your dermis, which is located far below your skin’s outer layer, the epidermis.
Once within the dermal layer, retinol aids in the elimination of free radicals. This promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which has the “plumping” effect that helps lessen the look of delicate outlines, creases, and enlarged pores.
Now, besides lessening wrinkles, retinol can be used to treat other skin ailments too! Studies show that retinol can treat acne, acne scars, and stretch marks. Retinol works by unclogging pores thus preventing breakouts caused by acne.
With continued use, you can see clearer skin. Inflammation and damage are the causes of acne scars. These weeks-long, pink, red, or dark spots on your skin may develop as your acne heals.
Furthermore, popping or picking at zits causes extra damage to the skin and may result in long-lasting scars. Topical retinol treatments can help stop more breakouts and lessen the swelling and inflammation that accompany them. Although it takes months and can irritate your skin, some people find that topical retinol lightens their skin spots.
An uncommon malignancy that can strike those with compromised immune systems is called Kaposi sarcoma. Individuals who have Kaposi sarcoma frequently get bumpy or flat, with dark-coloured spots or blotches. They could be purple, pink, red, black, blue, or black. One retinoid that can reduce the growth of Kaposi sarcoma cells is alitretinoin.
Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, may aid in the fading of melasma patches.
People with psoriasis suffer from a skin condition marked by inflammation that accelerates the growth of new skin cells. The accumulation of new cells results in a pink or red, thick, scaly rash. Topical retinol may ease the rash by reducing inflammation and slowing the formation of new skin cells.
Stretch marks can be less obvious with the use of topical retinol. Stretchmarks are caused by abrupt and over-stretching of the skin that the collagen production cannot keep up.
Some issues are being raised about using retinol, especially for first-time users. It is identified that retinol can cause drying of skin and itchiness, others experience “purging”, the temporary aggravation of acne when using retinoids for the first time.
This occurs because of increased skin cell turnover, which can clear clogged pores and result in more spots than before. There are theories on how retinol causes dry skin.
Research indicates that retinol may promote dryness in your skin by weakening the bonds that hold keratinocytes, the skin cells together, which might make your skin more prone to flakiness. Although research hasn’t confirmed this notion yet, dryness is also thought to be caused by retinol-reducing oil production.
Since retinol affects the production of collagen there have been arising questions if retinol could be used if you are young since collagen is at its peak at this age. The answer is, yes. You can still use retinol but with a prescription and regulated amount. It is still best to use sunscreen rather than putting excessive amounts of retinol.
Though it is always advised to take a pea sized amount of retinol if you are just starting with it. After which layer up your skin with moisturizer and sunscreen when doing skincare if you have started using retinol or retinoid on daily basis. One of the reasons to do so is every skin has its own tendency to handle the effect of retinol and can certainly make your skincare dry and easily prone to sunburn and tanning if not taken measures on after effect of usage.
