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There are a lot of buzzwords in the skincare industry, and it’s easy for these terms and ingredients to become household names without really knowing what they are or what they do.
If you are serious about skincare, then it’s a good idea to really know what you’re putting on your skin. One common ingredient in skincare products is a substance known as retinol. But how much do you actually know about retinol? Here are eight quick facts about the ingredient everyone loves to recommend for skincare.
1. It’s a Form of Vitamin A
Retinol is a powerful derivative of the vitamin found in many veggies. This form of vitamin can prompt significant improvement in the health and beauty of the skin by repairing and preventing damage.
2. It’s a Cell “Communicator”
Retinol “communicates” with cells to help them repair and restore over time. This is why the ingredient is able to help repair damage and prevent it simultaneously, making it a powerful tool in the anti-aging arsenal. Retinol aids in collagen production and helps cells to renew themselves.
3. It Helps Fight Wrinkles
Because of its ability to help cells repair themselves and stimulate collagen production, retinol is great for fighting the formation of new wrinkles and softening existing lines. This improvement is not as significant as with a professional skin treatment or surgery, but with continued use, retinol can produce noticeable improvement in wrinkling.
4. It Can Improve Pore Size
While retinol can’t help with genetically large pores, it can improve large pore size in some cases by helping to keep pores clear and unclogged. Clearer pores eventually begin to shrink for a more even skin tone.
5. It Can Fight Acne
Because retinol helps unclog pores and prevents dead skin from forming future clogs, continued use of retinol cream can help fight acne. Some people even take retinol pills to aid in this benefit.
6. It Takes Time
Like most skin treatments, retinol products don’t start working overnight. It takes weeks, even months of faithful use to see the effects of retinol. After a while, the effects will begin to wane, and you may need a higher dose of the product. It’s an ongoing treatment option, and you should be in communication with an expert about your use to help reap the best benefits.
7. It Can Cause Irritation
As a powerful anti-aging ingredient, it can also be too powerful for some skin types. Many people also react negatively to retinol when beginning treatment, but see improvement over time as the body gets used to the treatment. This is why it is best to have your skincare supervised by a dermatologist—he or she will be able to tell you what is and isn’t normal.
8. It Can’t Do It All
Retinol might be a powerful asset in your skincare routine, but it simply can’t carry the full weight of your skin’s beauty, health, and youth. Aging is an ongoing process, and one that is difficult to predict and control. It is not possible to stop aging altogether, but retinol combined with additional measures can slow down the process and help skin remain supple and beautiful for longer. If you need tips and treatments for better skin, then you’ll need to seek help from a qualified dermatologist. He or she can prescribe stronger retinol products, give you advice on skincare, and administer anti-aging treatments. Popular procedures range from Botox® and soft tissue fillers to skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and Ultherapy® (for sagging skin).
Whichever skin treatments you choose, you should always go to a board certified specialist for help. A qualified cosmetic dermatologist will be able to assess your skin and recommend treatments, as well as help you develop a skincare plan that suits your needs. If you’d like to speak with a true expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, then come meet with acclaimed specialist Dr. Diane Walder. Dr. Walder and her associate, Dr. Stacy Chimento, offer the best in skincare in the Miami area. For more information, and to schedule a consultation, call (305-866-2177) today.
