Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A.
Naturally vitamin A is in carrots, tomatoes and red vegetables. In skin
care products, retinol and other derivatives know as retinoic acid,
retinaldehyde, and retinal are synthetic compounds developed for their amazing
effects on the skin. As a class, they are known as Retinoids and they work
by increasing cell turnover, decreasing sebum (oil content of the skin), and decreasing bacterial content. These effects help improve acne,
however retinoids have also been proven to increase collagen production in the
skin which also visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles.
Retinoids, however, can be very difficult to use.
Over-use of the product can lead to redness, irritation and scaling of
the skin. Many people say they are "allergic" to retinoids
because they have used them either in too high a quantity or too often and have
gotten a red, irritated reaction. These products need to be used in small
amounts very infrequently with a slow upward titration. I often recommend
a pea size amount mixed in with your night moisturizer once a week and slowly
increasing the frequency if there is no redness or peeling.
They are wonderful
products and provide amazing anti-aging benefits if used correctly!
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