Retinol cream can get you on your way to clearer, smoother and younger-looking skin.
Whether you are fighting acne or the wrinkling, dullness and discoloration of aging skin, face creams containing retinol can help you achieve clearer, smoother and more attractive skin. Retinol cream is not difficult to use, but it is helpful to know the ins and outs of this widely used facial treatment. Follow the proper application procedures and precautions to achieve the best results possible.
About Retinol
Retinol is a natural derivative of vitamin A. It is closely related to tretinoin, which is a potent synthetic derivative. Retinol is tretinoin's weaker cousin. While you may purchase tretinoin only with a doctor's prescription because of its potency, a number of skincare manufacturers offer retinol creams that consumers may purchase over the counter. Like tretinoin, retinol is used to treat both acne and aging skin. Retinol works by speeding up the rate that your skins sloughs off older skin cells, while at the same time speeding up the growth of new skin cells.
Applying Retinol
The various brands of face creams containing retinol all have their own set of instructions for using their products. However, there are basic, general steps that are likely included in their usage instructions. For example, it is commonly advised to apply the cream to clean, freshly washed skin once per day. Apply the cream to your entire face and neck; avoid using it on the eyelids or very near the eyes. Allow your skin to absorb the cream. When your skin is dry, you may apply makeup or additional skin treatments such as sunscreen or moisturizer.
Side Effects
It is normal to experience some tingling, stinging and peeling when using a retinol cream, especially during the first few applications. If you experience more stinging or peeling than you'd like, use the cream every other day until your skin adjusts to the retinol and the discomfort subsides. If you experience a great deal of stinging, peeling or irritation, stop using the retinol cream and consult your dermatologist.
Sun Precautions
Like tretinoin, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's UV rays. Therefore, it is smart to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day in conjunction with retinol cream. Some retinol creams contain sunscreen for this reason. If you apply retinol cream at night before bed, apply sunscreen in the morning, even if your retinol cream contains sunscreen. In addition to sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses while outside, and stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible.
Pregnancy Precautions
For those with certain stubborn and serious forms of acne, doctors sometimes prescribe a form of retinol that is taken by mouth. This form of retinol is known to cause serious birth defects and should never be used by a woman who is pregnant or could become pregnant. Retinol creams that consumers apply to their skin have not been found to cause birth defects. However, it is wise to consult with your dermatologist or obstetrician if you are pregnant or would like to become pregnant and are using or considering using a retinol cream.
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