Here are How Retinoids Help with Aging

Does Retinol Permanently Reduce Wrinkles?

     Topical vitamin A-based products known as retinoids (often-used anti-aging compounds) can help reduce your wrinkles and fine lines. Tretinoin, is the first retinoid, with the brand name Retin-A. It was used as an acne remedy in the 1970s, but later studies found that it also fades actinic keratosis spots, evens out pigmentation, and speeds up the turnover of your superficial skin cells.

Retinoids reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in your skin, thereby improving your complexion. Its other benefits include fading skin age spots and softening rough areas of skin. However, it takes 3 to 6 months with normal use, before there is a visible improvement in wrinkles, and good results will take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

Because retinoids can trigger skin dryness and irritation, dermatologists often recommend using them only daily at first, and then gradually working up to nighttime application. Wear sunscreen during the day, as retinoids increase the sensitivity of your skin to sun exposure. This product must be used continuously in order to maintain its effectiveness.

Retinol vs Retinoid

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin-A within the broader category of retinoids. When applied topically, this product converts to retinoic acid through specific enzymes found in your skin. Retinoic acid can be applied topically, it's tougher than retinol creams or retinol serums, because it doesn't change naturally over time.

Retinol was first approved in the 1970s for use as a treatment for the problem of acne. This helps promote cellular changes and prevent clogging of pores. It supports blemish protection, as well as improves the way skincare products penetrate the skin. In addition, it will advance your overall skin care routine and maximize results.

Retinol is found in many different beauty and skin care products, which you can buy at a cosmetic store. You may also find a cosmetic provider that prohibits retinol. Retinol can make skin look and feel light, smooth and glowing. This will help reduce wrinkles and fine lines while increasing the production of collagen.

Retinol comes in a number of advantages. Doctors recommend starting with 0.25 to 0.5 strength, and using it 2 to 3 times a week. If the skin is not irritated, then you can go up to use it 4 nights a week. Make sure to use retinol products, not Retin-A products, which are much stronger than retinol.

How does Retinol Work?

What does retinol do for aging skin? Retinol is a type of retinoid and is made from vitamin A. Rather than eliminate your dead skin cells as many other anti-aging and acne products perform, the small molecules that make up retinol go deep under the epidermis (outer layer of your skin) to the dermis.

Once in this middle layer of the skin, retinol will help neutralize free radicals to increase the production of collagen and elastin. This creates a “thickened” effect which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores. Simultaneously, retinol has an exfoliating effect on your skin's surface, which can further improve skin texture and tone.

Retinol helps treat acne, as well as associated scars. It helps keep pores from becoming clogged by developing comedolytic agents to help prevent the formation of blackheads or blemishes. For severe acne, a dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic in conjunction with a retinol medication. Keep in mind that it may take up to 6 weeks to see improvement in the pimple.

Finally, retinol has also been shown to balance the hydration levels of the skin. The gentle exfoliating effect helps remove dead skin cells that can lead to moisture loss. It can even benefit oily skin by managing excess sebum production in pores. (healthline.com)

Retinol is an Anti-Aging Treatment

Retinol acts as an anti-aging treatment in 3 main ways. Retinol reduces the appearance of wrinkles, helps with sun damage, and reduces dark spots.

Collagen is a protein made by the human body which keeps your skin looking smooth. Wrinkles and fine lines are triggered by the overproduction of collagen. Retinol works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by increasing blood flow to your skin, which increases the production of collagen. It helps to increase the appearance of your wrinkles, by thickening the inner layers of your skin.

Retinol helps with UV damage and dark spots by promoting skin cell turnover, allowing you to shed discolored skin cells. But retinol also makes you more prone to UV damage. This is why retinol-based products should only be used at night, along with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, even when you're indoors.

A 2000 study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, studied the impact of using retinol on aging skin in 53 participants aged 80 years and over. Researchers observed that taking retinol for 7 days caused a reduction in collagen breakdown and an increase in collagen production. They concluded that this suggests that retinol should be effective as an anti-aging treatment.

If you apply retinol correctly you will actually thicken the skin, Really?

The thought that retinol thins the skin is wrong. Dermatologists point to many clinical studies that refute the idea that retinol can thin the skin, but there's nothing wrong with applying retinoids if you safely add them to your skincare routine.

Retinol will not reduce the skin barrier if used in the right dosage. In fact, it can actually do the opposite: Since retinol is a collagen and elastin enhancer, it can actually support thickening of your skin over time if used properly. If your skin barrier is being compromised by taking retinol, you are taking too much, and the dose is too strong. That's why it's important to find the right dose of retinol under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Retinol should only trigger irritation during the first few weeks, as the skin adjusts, which isn't enough time for skin thinning to develop. If you are experiencing constant irritation from retinol, then you will need to switch to a lower strength, and reduce the frequency of use. (Signs that the skin doesn't tolerate retinol include redness, itching, flaking, dryness, and peeling.)

Even if you have a darker skin tone, and therefore naturally thicker, you still have to be careful.

If the retinol you are using is too strong for the skin that triggers inflammation, darker skin tones may be at risk for discoloration or hyperpigmentation.

Dermatologists suggest starting with 0.3% or 0.5% retinol. Applying higher levels of retinol right off the bat can irritate your skin, particularly if you have thinner (and therefore more sensitive) skin. Doctors recommend that women start applying retinol 2 to 3 times a week initially, and increase nighttime use if your skin can tolerate it.

As your skin gets used to using a lower strength retinol, you can slowly increase the retinol percentage to maybe 1%, or switch to prescription Retin-A.