Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is one of the prominent names you will see in many anti aging products in the skin care market of today. In fact, before the peptide and the Matrixyl 3000 craze, retinol was considered the top honcho of skin care’s consumer-grade and over-the-counter anti wrinkle products. This article will discuss why this has been so and why retinol facial skin care products are still a great option for most.
Retinol, or more commonly known as Vitamin A, is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in many food and fruits. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is an integral need in biological processes like the process of seeing with the eyes. I am pretty sure that you have heard the saying that vitamin A is good for your vision. Well, that is 100% true!
Retinol is actually one of the many forms of Vitamin A and it is derived from hydrolysis of two other forms of Vitamin A: retinyl esters and retinal.
Today, one of its main uses is in the field of skin care. It is one of the main ingredients in many anti aging formulas and wrinkle reduction systems. This is because retinol, or its derivative, retinoid, is a substance that has the capability to get absorbed deeply into the skin when incorporated in a cream, serum or lotion preparation.
When absorbed by the skin, it is capable of stimulating the skin into producing new collagen which is one of the main components of the skin connective tissues that give it that full and plump look which you will see in young men and women. The net effect usually is that skin will be optimally tight and, hence, would be resistant to skin wrinkles.
Unfortunately, collagen can be destroyed both by natural and unnatural causes. The number one natural cause is aging while unnatural causes include exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun and unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits.
By using retinol facial skin products, you will have a fighting chance against the natural causes of skin aging and you will be able to slow down the process of the natural causes like aging.
However, there is one drawback as there are reports that a certain fraction of users can have a bad reaction to this substance as some are experiencing skin irritation to vitamin A. Hence, it is good to use a little caution when you are just starting to use this product. You will want to try a cream on a small portion of the skin first and see how your skin will react.
Or better yet, consult a dermatologist first to learn your complete set of options.
