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Skincare - Why use Retinol?
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What is Retinol?
Retinoids are a family of compounds that are Vitamin A derivatives. There are several forms of retinoid products from over the counter to prescription retinoids in topical and oral medication form. These include retinyl esters, retinyl palmitate and plant-based retinol alternatives.
Retinoids help improve the skin by reducing the signs of aging, protecting against environmental damage, and treating issues like dull, tired and acne-prone skin. This ingredient is a useful tool to deliver a healthy glow and improve skin radiance. It also helps to make your skin firmer and can help to repair damage from the sun.
What are the benefits of Retinol?
Vitamin A may modify the skin's appearance and restore any cell damage. It may result in smoother skin since it may enhance epidermal thickness, making it effective on lines and wrinkles.
Key benefits include:
- Improves the skin's natural cell renewal process. Which slows down as we mature and causes dullness, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Boosts collagen formation, which helps to give skin that is sagging a tighter appearance and reduces the appearance of large pores.
- Assists in reducing the development of pigment and results in brighter skin. Making it a perfect substance for people with hyperpigmentation, age spots, uneven skin tone, and dark spots.
- Exfoliate to remove debris, dead skin cells, and oil from pores. This may help acne patients avoid the creation of pimples and even acne scarring.
Which Retinol suits my skin best?
Retinoic acid is a type of vitamin A that is only available with a prescription. It is prescribed by doctors for patients with severe acne and other skin conditions. It is a common treatment option for those who are under a doctor's care.
However, there are other forms of vitamin A that are readily available over the counter. These products, when used properly, may significantly improve the appearance and feel of your skin.
Beginners Retinol cream
It takes a bit of dedication to incorporate retinol into your routine. Explore entry-level products and see whether your skin improves before you fully commit.
The Retinol Boost range from Neutrogena includes both day and night creams. They have a smooth texture and are a good choice for beginners because they offer good quality at a reasonable price. You can keep using it if you're satisfied with the outcomes or switch to a stronger formulation.
Retinol for those with Acne
Retinol is a great addition to the skin care regimen if you struggle with breakouts, spots, blackheads, and acne scarring. If you suffer from acne, it is important to use a cream that is light and won't clog your pores. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the product is suitable to use on skin that may be inflamed. It is crucial to note you should never use it on broken skin.
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum protects the skin's barrier and reduces the presence of visible pores and post-acne blemishes. This serum contains vitamin A to rejuvenate while also containing niacinamide to soothe skin and will refine skin texture and improve smoothness. This product is good for people with acne or sensitive skin because it has ceramides. Ceramides help to strengthen the skin's barrier and prevent more breakouts.
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum 30Ml | LloydsPharmacy Ireland
Retinol For Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive, you may think about not using retinol to avoid irritation. But don't worry, if used correctly, retinol is not something you need to be scared of. There is an opportunity to incorporate it into your routine for all sensitive skin types.
La Roche-Posay created Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum for people who have dry skin, want to improve their skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. A product which additionally includes glycerine and vitamin B3 to help calm sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum 30ML | LloydsPharmacy Ireland
Retinol for Damaged Skin
Vitamin A is a powerful component that functions as an antioxidant to aid in the healing process of skin damage. Free radicals damage our collagen and elastin. Two essential proteins that keep our skin appearing youthful and fresh and prevent premature ageing. Retinol works to counteract these free radicals.
Skingredients Skin Protein Anti-Ageing Retinoid Serum is intended to improve overall skin tone. It promotes brighter skin, and significantly diminish wrinkles and creases for a youthful, healthy appearance.
This product contains Beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A with antioxidant benefits. Clinically-proven pro-collagen peptide: reduces the depth and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother and plumper skin. Vitamin C + vitamin E: potent antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage. Rooibos tea extract & green tea extract: an extra serving of potent antioxidants to defend the skin from damaging free radicals and Sunflower seed oil: a hydrating ingredient rich in fatty acids.
Skin Protein Parent | LloydsPharmacy Ireland
Retinol for dry skin
Including retinol in our beauty regimens can often increase dryness, irritation, and discomfort. This might frighten people with dry skin and prevent them from using it. However, we can get all the benefits of Vitamin A without any negative effects by combining it with oils that are rich in omega fatty acids.
Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-intensive night cream is an optimal restoring skincare product containing 4 active ingredients: Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Haritaki. A real protective night care cream, its delicately scented texture brings comfort to the skin, without leaving an oily finish. Wake up to your skin looking and feeling smoother.
Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-intensive night cream | LloydsPharmacy Ireland
Retinol for wrinkles and fine lines
If you want to make your skin look young and healthy, retinol is a proven anti-aging ingredient. It will make your skin look brighter and healthier, while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles and signs of sun damage. It will also help prevent new wrinkles from forming by boosting collagen production and shrinking pores.
Skingredients is a lightweight, anti-aging vitamin A, C, and E serum that will revolutionise the way you approach skincare. Skin Protein grants three wishes—tighter, brighter, and smoother skin. It's a moisturising, creamy serum that you should apply to your face, eyes, neck, and chest.
Skin Protein Parent | LloydsPharmacy Ireland
Important tips when using retinol products:
- Retinol is best used at night because it loses its effectiveness when exposed to UV light. Try to look for topical retinoids in the form of a night moisturiser, light serum, or oil.
- Retinol should be introduced slowly. Use it once a week or start with a small amount on your skin until it gets used to it. Gradually increase the amount until you apply it every other night.
- When using retinol, avoid using any other active ingredients. Avoid using acids that exfoliate like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid on the night you're using retinol. Use those exclusively on the nights when you don't take retinol.
- If you use retinol in your skincare routine, make sure to wear SPF sunscreen during the day. If you don't use UV protection, your skin can get burned and irritated because it becomes more sensitive to UV light.
