There are so many beauty products such as lotions and creams on the shelves containing a substance called retinol as the active ingredient. There are also products like serums where retinol is the main ingredient. But what is retinol and why is it good for your skin?
What is retinol?
Retinol is another name for vitamin A which is a fat soluble vitamin.
Why is retinol used in beauty products?
Retinol plays an active part in making new cells in the body, especially for the skin. Retinol is essential for the maintenance and optimum health of your skin.
Retinol helps clear acne and has an anti-ageing effect on the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Retinol prevents free radicals which cause damage to the skin attacking the layers of your skin. This will increase the elastin and collagen in your skin giving a younger appearance.
Retinol is also a good exfoliator for your skin.
Retinol can help with hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin tone, sun-damage and chloasma.
Retinol is generally marketed for mature skin so can a young person use a product containing retinol?
Yes they can. Retinol can be very effective on mature skin but it also has a beneficial effect on younger skin.
Can you use a product containing retinol or a serum containing it everyday on your skin?
You must always follow the instructions of the packaging of any product you use. If you are concerned then you can ask your GP or therapist and get their advice.
That said, yes you should be able to use a product with retinol everyday on your skin.
What is usually the best time to use a product containing retinol or a retinol serum?
The best time is usually before bedtime so the retinol can work on your skin during the night. However, you must always follow the directions on the packaging
Does retinol have any side effects?
Some people can experience the following when they use a product containing retinol:
- Itchiness of the skin
- Redness
- The skin can start peeling.
- The skin can come up in blisters and there can be some swelling.
- The skin can sting
- Retinol could make your skin sensitive to ultraviolet light.
If this happens contact your GP, therapist or the manufacturer of the product.
If you would like to share your experiences with retinol please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
