Let Retinol Work For Your Skin By Knowing All These Facts
“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”- Coco Chanel
Retinol is primarily Vitamin A1. It is a dietary supplement that was discovered in 1909 but made into a formulation in 1947. It is included in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, which simply means that retinol is classified as effective and safe in the health system. Retinol, which is available over-the-counter and as a generic medication, is effective in treating Vitamin A deficiency. Over the years, retinol has been known to act as a good source of vitamin for the skin, particularly because of its anti-aging properties. Since a lot has been said and written about Retinol, we now look at the facts concerning its use, so you can dismiss all other myths about this vitamin. The following information is based on the expert opinion of Dr. Adam Friedman of George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Retinol included in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, which simply means that retinol is classified as effective and safe in the health system.
Fact 1: Retinol peels but doesn’t thin the skin.
Don’t be afraid about the skin-peeling result when you use retinol. What the medicine does is to simply remove the outermost layer of the skin which is our dead skin cells. This allows the skin to breathe and prevent clogging of our skin pores. Follow it up with moisturizer so that the newly formed skin layer is hydrated and more supple.
Fact 2: You can still enjoy the sun.
While it is true that retinol thins the skin and tends to increase its sensitivity, you cannot and should not avoid being under the sun. Don’t restrict yourself from going outdoors, especially if you need to be, but just make sure that you put a proper amount of sunscreen. Basking in the morning sun is also advisable for better absorption of vitamin D for your bone health.
Fact 3: You can use it around the eyes.
As we age, we develop crows feet and wrinkles around the eyes. Retinol can, therefore, be a preventive measure against skin aging. Care should just be taken when applying retinol around the eyes since the skin area is thinner than the other parts of the face, and too much retinol may irritate the skin. As an added precaution, make sure to apply moisturizers to your damp skin and use sunscreens to protect the eye area.
Fact 4: You will see results within three months.
Though it is sometimes referred to as a “miracle product,” retinol does not do its wonders as quickly as we’d want it to be. It takes an average of three months to start seeing results. By using the product religiously and patiently and taking other steps to protect your skin, you’ll soon see changes in a few months.
“The finest clothing made is a person’s own skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.” – Mark Twain
Fact 5: Retinol can be used even on wet skin.
There are retinol preparations that can be used while you’re in the shower. The only advantage of applying it on dry skin is that the absorption in the skin is better regulated, and therefore skin irritation is lessened. If you have very sensitive skin, the safest course to take would be dry skin application.
Fact 6: Retinol exfoliates but in a gradual manner.
Retinol is unlike the scrubs and feels that you use on the skin which, if you’re not careful, can cause abrasion if done regularly. The exfoliating job of retinol happens gradually, over the course of weeks, until you see your “skin reborn” after a few months.
These easy-to-remember truths about retinol should encourage you to try using one in your daily regimen, especially when you can already feel the telltale signs of aging starting to creep in. Here are the suggested retinol preparations that you can sample.
Night Cream
Before going to bed, wash your face (for the ladies, remove your makeup first) and put on some retinol night cream. The cream will penetrate your skin as you get your beauty rest, and once you wake up, you can wash away all the dead skin cells that fell off during the night.
Serum
Serums with retinol are in liquid form usually, and a little amount on the fingers to be gently rubbed and distributed on the face will work to smoothen and lighten the skin.
Natural Alternative
For those who are hesitant to try retinol, there is a natural alternative that gently smoothes and plumps the skin. The recommended product for this is the Kypris Beauty Moonlight Catalyst Refine & Renew. It’s quite a handful to remember and a bit pricey, too. But if you are the all-natural-type of person, then this one is best for you.
Resurface
Celebrities favor this product because using it removes blemishes and scars and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It must be true because many women celebs keep on using it.
If you are on retinol, then these facts should reassure you that you have made the right decision in including retinol in your beauty regimen. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of trying it, then you need not worry about its effects just so long as you follow the advice of the dermatologist.