Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is one of the most common ingredients in skin care products.
This includes over-the-counter and prescription treatments. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that Accutane,differs in,tretinionand retinoids are variations of vitamin A.
I received several questions via email and on the GoodGlow facebook page about various brand name products containing retinol, so I decided to write a post specifically about vitamin A and its use cases.
While my favorite long-term acne-clearing strategy is to make dietary and lifestyle changes (as detailed in my guideunmask acne), retinol can be used to effectively clear acne and other skin conditions in some people.
Retinol can be very effective for certain skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and sun damage. However, the type of retinol you use plays a big role in how beneficial retinol is for the overall health of your skin. Saying that retinol is good for the skin is like saying that meat is good for the heart. There's a big difference between grass-fed beef and a Big Mac.
To enhance your skincare routine and add retinol for additional benefits, you need to understand the substance. Below I have a detailed guide on retinol, its benefits and potential risks for pregnant women.
Index
What is retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that is actively promoted as an exceptional skin care agent. It is found in many beauty products and treats acne while enhancing your attractive image.
Skin care products like anti-aging creams, anti-wrinkle lotions, and moisturizers contain retinol in abundance. But how does retinol work?
Retinol comes from a compound called a retinoid. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A with different characteristics and properties.Retinol Isn't Technically An Exfoliator(it is an antioxidant), it can be used to accelerate cell renewal.
One of the biggest benefits of using retinol is that itincreases collagen production. Collagen is a natural supplement that improves your body in many ways. Improving the condition of the heart, increasing muscle mass, and reducing joint pain are some of the basic examples. However, the focus of our audience should be on the most useful benefit:Preserving youth in your skin.
Over time, collagen production decreases due to age, causing stretch marks on the skin and increased elasticity on the face, leaving wrinkles all over the body. Increasing the amount of collagen in your skin is one of the fastest ways to get rid of acne scars, redness, and possible skin discoloration caused by sun damage.
How Collagen Helps Your Skin
Retinol works by increasing the production of collagen and elastin. Unlike most beauty regimens, this compound penetrates the skin to reach the middle layer and increases collagen production along with improved elastin.
In addition, Retinol works by reducing the formation of cysts and pores, removing dust, dead cells and excess oil from the skin. It can also unclog pores and increase cell turnover to allow for a refreshed appearance to your face.
These steps minimize skin inflammation, acne scarring, and pimple formation. Additionally, the necessary balance of collagen and elastin allows your body to maintain its youthful spirit by preventing skin cells from needlessly sagging or stretching.
Because collagen production is so important for clear skin, many people actually use it.Collagen serums as an alternative to retinolto try to stimulate collagen production.
How to choose the right dose of retinol
While it has numerous attractive benefits, it's important to remember that retinol is a delicate chemical that requires precision and care. You can not pour it on a towel and rub it into the skin. Also, if you want to take retinol in pill form, you should start with a low dose and gradually increase it.
Patience is the key.Your body must slowly get used to the change in beauty regimen and thus constantly introduce the new product. Start using retinol once a week at night.
Before you start taking retinol, you should talk to a dermatologist, especially if you are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
As retinol can be harsh on those with sensitive skin and has potential complications for pregnant or lactating women, I recommend using Clearstem Skincare.Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer. Hydraglow is formulated withBakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol. I have very sensitive skin so I have been using this moisturizer almost daily for the past few months. Since I started using Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer, I have recommended it to several friends and readers who have had positive results. If you have clogged pores or acne scars, this product is a great way to improve your skin without the hassle of dealing with the usual retinol side effects.Clearstem Skincare Review. They are a quality brand and many of our team use their products personally.
HYDRAGLOW Stem Cell Moisturizer
- This expertly crafted stem cell moisturizer contains bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol), plant stem cells, and olive squalane.
- The bakuchiol in your moisturizer is your secret weapon for collagen production, training your skin to look younger while you sleep.
Remember to stop using retinol immediately if you experience any of the side effects below.
Although completely optional, I prefer to use retinol before bed as it increases the skin's response to the sun and its harmful rays.
It is not necessary to use the substance every day, as you can overdo it and increase your body's tolerance. The best dosage range is two to three times per week, tested on small patches of skin before moving to the entire face. (But always read the label of the product you use and consult your doctor.)
It is recommended to consult your doctor or dermatologist before changing your skin care routine for effective results.
While retinol serum has been shown to be beneficial for acne and other skin conditions, we cannot ignore its inevitable shortcomings. Some of these side effects go away after a few retinol sessions, while others can cause permanent damage.
Potential retinol byproducts may include:
- Irritation and itching in exposed areas
- skin scrub
- Shooting pain and redness
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
- body dryness
- birth defect
These are the immediate side effects of retinal use and are known to go away with regular retinol use. They are a sign that your skin is getting used to the new substance. Unfortunately, if they don't stop, you will have to change your health care system.
People have brought some of the symptoms to the attention of experts after experiencing them firsthand. The most common signs of side effects caused by retinol use are itchiness and inflammation of the skin.
Extreme side effects are rare but possible for some users. Retinol can work for both men and women with chronic skin conditions. is known to causeRashes in people with eczema, uneven skin tone, and swelling of the skin.
Pregnant women are strongly discouraged from using retinol.. The substance is dangerous and may compromise the safety of your child due to the presence of a specific retinoid. You should also avoid retinol if she plans to get pregnant in the near future.
Remember to follow the instructions when using retinol as a skin treatment. You may want to start slowly to ensure a safe journey with the product. Rushing only leads to pain and excessive funds that are simply not worth it.
There are other beauty benefits that retinol is known for. While not necessarily well known, these are unsung heroes working in your favor!
In addition to acne, retinol may work for these other skin conditions:
- Hyperpigmentation:reduces pigment release
- skin discoloration:Evens skin tone and texture
- To fold:fewer wrinkles and fine lines
It may take some time and effort to visualize these changes and improvements. Therefore, you should use retinol consistently for at least three months and maintain a regular routine.
It is safe to say that retinol is very effective in treating acne and other skin conditions. However, due to the list of possible side effects, it is not recommended for all users.
The most appropriate approach is to test the use of retinol on a small patch of skin and observe the reaction.If it works, be glad!However, you may also need to slow down your application to allow your skin to get used to the substance before making it a permanent part of your life.
As always, the best way to lighten skin long-term is through diet and nutrition, not beauty products (although some beauty products do have a place in every skincare routine). I describe the diet plan and lifestyle changes I followed to get rid of my hormonal acne in my book.unmask acne. If you are looking for a long-term solution to lighten your skin and reduce inflammation, give this a try.