Caring For Your Skin With Retinol Cream

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products such as fish oils and liver. It is also manufactured in the form of retinoids, tritonin, and retinyl palimitate. Retinol is an anti-oxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer by neutralizing free radicals. Basically, it stimulates cell growth and reproduction, which is beneficial in many ways, particularly for skin cells. The most effective way to improve the appearance of skin using retinol is to apply it directly in the form of a cream or lotion. If you want to improve your skin from the inside out, you can also ingest retinol orally in supplements, but be sure to monitor your dosage because high levels of retinol can be toxic.

Retinol was first used to treat acne but is now frequently used to treat sun damage and signs of aging. Because it works underneath the surface of the skin, retinol creams can help fix deep wrinkles and damage that traditional moisturizers and creams cannot do much to improve. After a few weeks of use, skin will gradually begin to feel firmer and softer. Complexion will improve, and wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots will be reduced. Dead cells will be sloughed off as new cells begin to grow underneath and push their way towards the surface of the skin. Pigmentation will begin to look more even. Retinol has also been found effective in the treatment of acne scars, rosacea, warts, and dermatitis. It takes about 12 weeks to notice the full effects of retinol, so do not be discouraged if you do not notice any changes at first.

Retinol works because it is one of the few reparative substances that is able to pass beneath the upper layers of the epidermis to the layers of skin containing collagen and elastin. Elastin is a protein that helps retain skin's elasticity, and collagen does the opposite by maintaining rigidity. Unfortunately, elastin is no longer produced after puberty and one can only hope to keep what fibers they have in good shape by avoiding damage and promoting repair. The greatest cause of damage is the sun, which can greatly accelerate the effects of aging. Chemicals, such as second-hand smoke and pollution, also work to harm sensitive skin tissues. Retinol stimulates cell growth and production and helps misshapen skin cells to grow back to their proper form to help repair this damage. Retinol is an excellent product to use because it works simply by repairing and improving the overall health of your skin.

Creams containing retinol can be applied daily to any exposed area of the skin. It can cause irritation, but you can remedy this be applying a moisturizer or anti-inflammatory lotion to the area. Retinol may also cause increased sun sensitivity, so you should wear sun screen while using any product containing retinol. Because retinol affects cell growth, it is known to cause birth defects and therefore should not be taken during pregnancy.

Anti-aging creams contain varying amounts of retinol, so check the label before buying. Also check to see what other vitamins and chemicals are listed with beneficial claims. Glycolic acid has been found to increase the effectiveness of retinol. It has similar benefits and is less irritating to sensitive skin than retinol, so you could start using this product alone and gradually add retinol to your skin care routine. Hydroxy acids have also been shown to work similarly to retinol by promoting cell growth in collagen. Soy and tea extracts and vitamins C and E may also work to help repair skin damage, but claims on many other vitamins and acids are speculative. Don't pay extra for expensive creams containing lots of exotic ingredients that may possibly be ineffective. Retinol is one of the few substances that has been proven to actually work in reducing the signs of aging.