Retinol is one of the best known and most demanded cosmetic active ingredients. But if you still have doubts about what exactly it is and what it is for. In addition, we tell you what you should take into account before using it to take advantage of all its benefits.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is part of the retinoids, a group of substances derived from vitamin A whose main characteristic is that they are capable of transforming the skin. retinol is vitamin A, a precursor to retinoic acid. Much scientific work has been done studying the effectiveness of retinoic acid This molecule, through certain complex mechanisms that occur in the nucleus of cells, can modify the functioning and growth of skin cells.
Among other mechanisms, retinoids reduce the formation of MMPs, enzymes of the dermis that when activated damage the collagen of the dermis. Retinoic acid manages to stop its activity. In addition, it reduces skin pigmentation and accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis.
What is Retinol Used for?
Retinol is the most effective ingredient for delaying and correcting wrinkles and other signs of ageing, according to experts. It is one of the assets that are in fashion, along with vitamin C.
Retinol is, above all, an active ingredient that helps delay skin ageing and treat the signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. It accelerates epidermal turnover, favours dead cells to be eliminated more quickly, improving the texture, and appearance of the skin. In addition, it increases the production of collagen and elastin, reinforcing the pillars that give structure and support to the skin and improving wrinkles and expression lines”.
In short, retinol is used to treat wrinkles and delay them, improve spots that can appear due to the sun or age, balance oily skin, improve acne and make open pores less visible.
Things to keep in mind when using retinol
Now that we know what retinol is and what it is for, it is important to take into account certain aspects to use it correctly. Retinol is a magnificent ally to taking care of the skin but you have to know how to apply it and be constant.
- Always use it at night. It can be used during the day, but only if a dermatologist has recommended it. To avoid unnecessary risks, apply retinol in your night routine. And during the day do not forget to always use sunscreen.
- Incorporate it into your routine progressively. Your skin must get used to retinol. Introducing it little by little into the skincare routine, applying it two nights a week and increasing the frequency according to the tolerance of the skin”. If your skin responds well, there will come a time when you can use it daily, but you have to be patient.
- Retinol can have side effects. You must know it so that you take it into account. One of the most frequent effects at the start of retinol treatment is the feeling of tightness, as well as redness, which is why the use of creams containing ceramides, is recommended to reduce these effects.
- If you are pregnant, do not use retinol. Experts do not advise using retinol during pregnancy and also during lactation. Pregnancy and lactation are very delicate moments for the skin that can suffer hormonal fluctuations and it should not be sensitized”.
