What is Retinol Used for?
Retinol has been used as a major active ingredient in skin-care products since the late 1990s. Retinol represents the topical, natural form of vitamin A, which the skin needs to function properly and look its best. In addition to food sources of vitamin A, skin-care products also offer Vitamin A's derivative, Retinol, to benefit the skin with its anti-aging and rejuvenation properties.
Uses
From eye creams to all-over night creams, anti-aging cosmetic products that advertise Retinol as the main ingredient claim to repair skin discoloration caused by sun damage, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Some anti-acne products also boast Retinol as the main ingredient.
Misconception: Retinol and Retin-A
Often used interchangeably, Retinol and Retin A are not the same. Retin A, or retinoic acid, is the active metabolite conversion of Retinol. One might assume, then, that applying Retinol to the skin will ultimately provide the same effect as applying a Retin-A or retinoid product, since Retinol will convert to Retin-A. It seems logical; however, the conversion rate is low, due to the degradation of Retinol that occurs in air exposure and during storage. Other forms of Retinol and vitamin A will read on ingredient lists as retinal and retinyl palmitate.
Effectiveness
Applied topically, Retinol's effect on the skin greatly depends on its concentration in the product, as well as the quality of the skin-care product. The purity and stability of the vitamin A in the products are crucial to its effectiveness. Since any vitamin will oxidize and degrade immediately upon exposure to the air, packaging is, then, as important as the concentration of Retinol. If the Retinol is pure, the concentration is high, and the packaging air-tight, diminished sun damage and fine lines are attainable goals. However, Retin-A, as the converted enzyme, produces more dramatic effects for anti-aging, as retinoids are able to turn over dead cells quickly, and stimulate collagen growth, thus, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration more rapidly than its relative, Retinol.
Benefits
Incorporating either Retinol or Retin-A (or both) into an anti-aging skin regimen is beneficial in reversing and preventing the signs of aging. Retinol, being gentler on the skin, is often ideal for patients with sensitive skin---and patients who wish to incorporate the new products into their daily skin regimens gradually. Retin-A works harder and faster on the skin, can penetrate it immediately, and, therefore, can also produce more undesirable side effects, such as redness, itching, and overall skin irritation. The lower biochemical activity of Retinol may be preferable, even if it takes longer to achieve desired results.
Considerations
Always consult a dermatologist before incorporating a new skin-care product into your beauty routine. Both Retinol and Retin-A have particular "rules of use" contingent on skin type and condition, and many dermatologists warn against such things as using Retin-A in the morning, and using Retinol or Retin-A in conjunction with other products, including those with alpha-hydroxy acids. Confirm these facts with your dermatologist (and NOT through online skin care articles) to ensure safe and effective use of Retinol and/or Retin-A products.
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