Retinol Skincare
When we start looking at anti-ageing skincare, Vitamin A or Retinols seem to be a predominant reoccurring theme. And according to Dr. Ranella Hirsch, M.D., president-elect of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, who said, “We have beautiful, profound data that shows if you use [retinoids] for 20 years, you’re going to look a lot better than someone who doesn’t.” It is clear to see why. But what is a Retinol and how does it work?
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and seems to be more commonly known than the other types. There are in fact various forms of Vitamin A, all carrying a degree of variation in the strength. Retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene are the different forms. Below indicates starting with the strongest and working down to the weakness this degree of Retinoid strength:
- Isotretinoin / Tazarotene – Prescription only
- Tretinoin – Available through a precription from a ZO Stockist
- Adapalene
- Retinaldehyde (or retinal, vitamin A aldehyde)
- Retinol
- Retinyl palmitate
Over the counter brands tend to contain the lowest form Retinyl Palmiate. Even though some skin care products are labelled as “retinol”, there actually only contain retinyl palmitate as an active ingredient and no actual retinol ingredient.
Cosmeseucital brands more commonly contain Retinol and Retinal as well as having the correct delivery systems to drive them into the deeper layers of the skin.
When considering a Vitamin A Skincare, it is worth considering the type of ingredient being used and its strength.
The benefits of Retinol skincare
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair damaged skin, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin. Your pore size is set by your genetics, but retinoids such as retinol can help improve your pore’s shape and size, according to Begoun*. This may be due in part to its exfoliating, which removes debris that may stretch your pores open. Vitamin A is also a form of acne treatment, it works by unplugging your follicles and exfoliating your skin cells to keep pores clear. As well as helping to eliminate bacteria that cause pimples
So Retinol is an all round good ingredient to have in your skincare with anti-ageing, acneic, brightening, exfoliation benefits alongside helping to reduce pore size.
Any Side Effects?
It is a NO-GO whilst pregnant or breast feeding. Retinoids can cause dryness, redness, and flaking and this is why gradual use is recommended. So we advise our clients to start using the product 1-2 times a week and monitor any skin changes. If no irritation to increase to 3 times a week for a few weeks and again monitor any changes. If no irritation to increase to 4 times a week and so on. To use the product at night as Vitamin A is sensitive to sunlight.
Which products contain Retinol at Medifine?
ZO Skin Health
- Daily Power Defense
- Ossential® Growth Factor Serum Plus
- Ossential® Advanced Radical Night Repair
- Wrinkle and Texture Repair
- Ommerse Renewal Creme
- Ommerse Overnight Creme
- Skin Brightener – 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%
- Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair
Julia Hunter
- Maximal Strength Vitamin A Plus
Truth Treatment Systems
- Retinol 1% Gel
- Retinol 5% Gel
Skinbetter Science
- AlphaRet Overnight Cream
- Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Osmosis
- Renew
- Correct
- Calm
- Clarify
Sente
- Bio Complete serum
- Intensive bio complete serum
Why not arrange a skin consultation or email us on info@medifine.co.uk or call 01132253938 for more information about our skincare products.