New product in my cabinet: Skinceuticals 1% Retinol treatment cream. I’ll be using this on the parts of my face that are showing signs of aging.
RETINOL is a form of Vitamin A. And in skincare, Vitamin A is one of the main weapons against aging. Why such a grand title? Because it can do these things:
1⃣ reduce fine lines
2⃣ increase skin thickness (skin thins with age, unless you have sun-damaged skin, in which case skin actually gets thicker)
3⃣ reduce pigmentation
4⃣ improve the texture of skin (smoother)
5⃣ neutralize free radicals (when it’s in beta carotene form)
Vitamin A exists in different forms. The most effective one is the acid, which is called TRETINOIN (this is in Retin-A). It has substantial research behind it and is clinically proven to reverse the signs of photoaging. But it can be quite irritating (dryness, flaking, peeling are common side effects). It also requires a Rx.
RETINOL is the next best form and is much less irritating. And it doesn’t require a Rx. It is an ingredient found in better anti-aging treatments.
Retinol comes in different concentrations. Max is 2%. If you have sensitive skin, retinol may be too strong for you. There are less irritating forms, such as Retinyl Palmitate (but weaker).
All About Vitamin A and Its Derivatives (this article also goes over important precautions about Vit A)
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