Retinol is right up there with sunscreen when it comes to aging, or rather anti-aging. No one disputes that wearing sunscreen is absolutely vital if you want to age well. The benefits of retinol are numerous, it’s the gold standard when it comes to collagen and elastin production, cell turnover, and a plump, dewy complexion. If you’re over 30, this post is for you.
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Retinol, Retinoids, And Retin-A
Retinoids: Retinol and Retin-A are both retinoids, or naturally-occurring vitamin A derivatives in the skin. Human skin contains receptors for retinoids. Differin gel, or adapalene, which you’ve likely heard of is another type of retinoid used for acne because it reduces inflammation beneath the skin, while stimulating cell turnover. Accutane is the best example of an oral retinoid.
Retin-A: Retin-A or retinoic acid, is a synthetic or pharmaceutical form of vitamin A that has been used for years to treat acne, and is now used extensively as an anti-aging product. In fact, the FDA approved its use over 40 years ago. It can be purchased by prescription only under the generic name, tretinoin.
Retin-A is a much stronger retinoid than retinol. It has a powerful effect on skin cell differentiation, which is responsible for many of the side effects associated with Retin-A. It’s sold in concentration levels of 0.01% to 0.1%.
Retinol: Is a precursor to the active ingredient tretinoin in Retin-A, and is converted to retinoic acid via an enzyme in the skin. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A that is much less irritating to the skin than Retin-A, making it a better choice for many people.
Retinol delivers phenomenal results minus the annoying side effects, and it can be bought over-the-counter in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%. What retinoid product you choose to use will depend on various factors, including the reason you’re using it, your age, how sensitive your skin is, and your skin type.
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The Benefits Of Retinol
Retinol has antioxidant properties, making it highly beneficial for treating free radical damage, which shows up as deep wrinkles in the skin. It’s also a keratolytic, meaning it softens the keratin (a protein in skin cells) to gently exfoliate the top layer of skin,
This gentle exfoliation reveals healthier, younger-looking skin, resulting in a smoother complexion, while reducing the appearance of age spots and other pigmentation.
- collagen production
- prevents and treats acne
- reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- makes the skin stronger
- treats photoaging
- brightens complexion
- unclogs pores
- fades age spots
- stimulates cell turnover
- diminishes pore size
- eliminates blackheads
- thickens the skin
- decreases the development of melanin
- prevent a build-up of dead cells in the pores
Over-The-Counter Products With Retinol
You can buy some really great over-the-counter retinol products. They’re effective, yet non-irritating, making them safe enough to use every day. You may or may not need a moisturizer, depending on your skin type. Always wash your face before applying.
Some people like to use retinol every other night, or a few days in a row, with a couple of days off. Set a schedule that works for you based on how your skin reacts to the product you’re using. When purchasing a retinol product, make sure that vitamin A is listed as one of the first five ingredients. This will assure that it will work as intended.
[Read More: What Is The Best Skincare System?]
Following are some great 2.5% retinol products. I always go for the highest strength I can find. And by the way, if these products are good for women’s skin, they’re also fantastic for men:
What About Contraindications?
Sunscreen and retinol go together like a hand in a glove. You should be wearing sunscreen as a matter of course anyway, but particularly when you’re using strong retinoids like Retin-A. Retinol can be used every day or a few times a week. How often you use Retin-A will depend on your skin type and how irritating it is to your skin.
Retinoids are contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and shouldn’t be used in conjunction with products that contain alpha hydroxy acids or benzoyl peroxide, which would compound the drying effect. Unfortunately, once you stop using retinol, the benefits stop as well.
[Read More: The Benefits Of Glycolic Acid]
Fortunately, there are retinol alternatives that are safe to use for pregnant and lactating women, just make sure it says “phyto retinol” on it. Check out this phyto retinol serum.
Key Points
Retinol is a beloved superstar in terms of anti-aging skincare. It’s been an indispensable tool in my complexion rejuvenation toolkit for years. A little dab will do your entire face, so a tube or jar will last a long time, making it extremely cost-effective. You’ll start to notice positive changes in your skin in just a few weeks. What are you waiting for?
Have you used an over-the-counter retinol or prescription Retin-A? Let me know in the comments:)
I have always used coconut oil, I didn’t know about retinol and its benefits. I think I will start using them now. Just one question though, why is it not recommended for pregnant or lactating women?
If you stop using retinol, the benefits will stop, but the improvements on your skin will remain, won’t they? What are the natural sources for retinol and retin-a? I’m just curious.
Hi Christine,
Coconut oil is great. Retinol stimulates collagen and elastin, two primary proteins that make of the matrix of the skin. It’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers because skincare products can enter the baby’s bloodstream.
Retin-A, specifically, is a synthetic and pharmaceutical form of vitamin A so would be more of a concern than retinol. It’s best to be safe when pregnant.
Yes, unfortunately, the benefits will not continue if you stop using retinoids. You’ll still retain the benefits you’ve gained, however. Retinol is a natural derivative of vitamin A.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!