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What is Retinol and how does it work?

Retinol

Retinol

Retinol is listed as an ingredient in many skin care products. But what is retinol, and is it safe to use? Retinol is another name for a fat-soluble vitamin A that can be obtained naturally from animals or synthesized. Initially used in the treatment of acne, scientists have tested retinol and found that it also improves the overall appearance of the skin of people tested, leading to its widespread use in anti-aging treatments and other skin care products. Retinol should be used with caution as it can cause side effects in some people.

Here are the benefits of Retinol:

reduces wrinkles and lines

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that can combat the effects of aging such as wrinkles and lines on the skin. In addition to preventing the development of fine lines, retinol is also used in over-the-counter anti-aging creams and is designed to soften existing ones by increasing collagen production.

Acne removal

The first use of retinol in skin care products was to treat acne. When retinol is used to treat acne, it gently exfoliates the skin and unblocks pores. It also acts as an antimicrobial agent to combat the bacteria that cause acne. It also has an effect on skin rejuvenation, thinning of acne scars, so it is a very effective treatment in very severe cases of acne, and doctors often prescribe it for this use.

Reduces pores

Although pore size is determined by genes, a person’s pores often appear larger than normal because they are partially blocked by dead skin and other impurities. Retinol can improve pore size and shape by removing pore debris and swelling and tightening the skin.

Fades skin blotches

Retinol is very good for treating skin dark spots and other types of blemishes to soften skin tone. This is due to its ability to support the growth of new skin cells and collagen, as well as its exfoliating properties, which remove the top layer of skin cells to reveal the healthier skin that is underneath.

Retinol is rapidly absorbed.

Due to its molecular structure, retinol is very quickly absorbed by the skin, where it stimulates the production of collagen and various compounds that support the growth of new skin cells. It also has a very immediate effect, so you can usually feel the benefits of retinol within couple of weeks.

Rejuvenates dry and cracked hands

You can also buy hand creams containing retinol, which are very effective in treating dry and cracked hands. Retinol is found in several of the best moisturizing products thanks to its ability to soften and smooth the skin. Retinol, when used on the hands, also helps to strengthen the nails.

Reduces crow’s feet around the eyes

The skin around the eyes is so thin that the first signs of aging are often seen in the form of lines, called crow’s feet. Eye Rejuvenation Creams, which contains retinol, are specially formulated to smooth out lines and wrinkles in sensitive areas and reinstating some of the skin’s lost elasticity.

Caring for dry lips

A very effective lip balm can also be obtained when used on very dry lips. Over time, lips can not only dry but also become thin, and retinol lip balm and creams can be used to restore and beautify lips. A moisturizing treatment and retinol for the lips will make your lips much smoother.

Use Retinol carefully

If all this seems too good to be true, there are some reservations to mitigate all these good news. First of all, retinol creams and lotions come in different strengths. Use only retinol preparations from reputable brands and apply them as recommended. Retinol can cause skin irritation, especially at first, so use the retinol cream very sparingly until the skin gets used to it.

Always use Retinol as a night care product

Dermatologists recommend the use of retinol only as a preparation for the night, because it breaks down in the sun anyway, but more importantly, it leaves the skin vulnerable to sun damage. We also recommend not to use this product in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding.