Retinol is one of the most used ingredients in anti aging creams: It can be found in more than 350 cosmetics products!

What is Retinol?

In the early seventies, the first retinoid was used to get rid of acne. Dermatologists and patients soon noticed incredibly anti aging properties. These acne treatments speed cells turnover and not only cleared the skin but also make it smoother, brighter and less lined.

Retinol is a retinoid, a derivative compound of the vitamin A family, available in over-the-counter skincare formulations.

Tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), its prescription counterpart, is another “more efficient” retinoid – Tretinoin formula creams has been shown to reduce fine lines, boost collagen, smooth skin texture and help normalize pigmentation in a short period of time, sometimes in as little as four weeks

If you don’t want to go to the dermatologist to get a prescription Retinol creams are less potent but you can find them everywhere. It takes longer, about 12 weeks before seeing results, but many find it less irritating. It’s a good way to begin with a retinoid anti aging skin cream

Why is Retinol it so popular?

Dermatologists frequently recommend the use of retinol to prevent and reverse the signs of aging, because it is the only non-prescription ingredient with scientific research to back it up. And it works…

Over all what gives Retinoids their reputation is the ability to minimize the appearance of wrinkles by not only slowing the breakdown of collagen but boosting its production.

Collagen is a protein forming the structural grid that holds other skin structures. It gives the skin its strength and durability.

As we age our cells produce less and less collagen and our skin wrinkles, sags and loses fullness. Regular use of a retinoid product can increases the amount of new collagen formed and help to repair the damages due to repeated sun exposures.

Retinoids are also efficient to lighten brown spots.

If Retinoids are so effective, why isn’t everyone using it?

The problem with retinoid creams, depending on the concentration of the retinoid component, is that it first may make skin look worse before it gets better. To get faster results, some people use too much cream, too often and they experience negative side effects such as redness, flakiness, dryness and peeling and finally they give up too soon.

But you can avoid this problem by using no more than a pea-size dab for the entire face and following a progressive procedure until your skin works up tolerance for vitamin-A. You have to be careful the first month, depending on your skin you can for example use your retinoid cream every third night the first two weeks and then if your skin isn’t irritated, every other night for two more weeks before going for it every night. In every case, patience and common sense are required.

It is recommended to use an efficient sun protection while using a retinoid cream.

It’s never too early to start using a retinoid product it is generally recommended that you start in your 30s, by your 40s, it has to be part of your night care routine. But People with skin problems such as rosacea or eczema shouldn’t use retinol. You also must not use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Remember also that changing the look and feel of skin is about more than just applying a cream. Healthy, youthful skin starts with a healthy lifestyle, healthy eating and exercise. tazarotene cream