Posted by Bleu Beaute

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is widely found in skin care products due to its various properties such as a stimulating collagen, reducing hyper pigmentation and hydrating skin. Retinol helps in repairing skin and keep aging at bay by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant, and works to protect your skin from free radicals, generates cell growth, and repairs damaged cells. Additionally, it also helps unclogs pore and clear acne and hyper pigmentations which makes skin looks fresher and clearer. Topical vitamin A derivatives that boost collagen to reduce fine lines and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth skin.

 

In the most basic terms, retinol is the whole vitamin A molecule, which is one of the best vitamins for your skin. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant, and works to protect your skin from free radicals, generates cell growth, and repairs damaged cells. In technical terms, it belongs to a family called retinoids, and is one of the only substances that is small enough to penetrate the outer layers of your skin and work its way down to the lower layers where collagen and elastin reside. Because of its potent nature, retinol is often found in serums and anti-aging creams. While you can absorb vitamin A through foods such as carrots, kale, and sweet potato, applying retinol straight onto your skin instantly speeds up the process. If you’re looking to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skin’s texture, and protect against dryness and redness, then look for a cream or serum that contains this special ingredient.

 

Retinol, regardless of the formulation, is the workhorse of any anti-aging regimen is an extremely effective cell-communicating ingredient that has the ability to connect to almost any skin cell receptor site and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell. That in itself has tremendous impact for improving skin. It also functions an antioxidant that can interrupt the free-radical damage process that causes wrinkling and other signs of aging. Moreover, it has been shown to increase collagen production, help fade discolorations from sun damage, and there is emerging research pointing to its potential for building elastin.

Along with retinol's proven anti-aging benefits, it also shows promise for helping mitigate acne. In fact, because retinol breaks down into all-trans retinoic acid once it is absorbed into the skin, some researchers say it functions identically to prescription version retinoids, which have a proven track record as anti-acne treatments.

 

How to apply Retinol:

  1. Wait 10 minutes after washing your face. (The act of washing your face can be a little irritating)
  2. Start with applying one to two pea-sized amounts being careful to avoid the corners or your eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as the upper eyelids. Apply twice daily. (Preferably in the morning and at night)