Retinol (Vitamin A) For Skincare – Does It Work?

A good skincare routine is essential to ensure healthy skin. Skincare products used consistently can help to keep your skin looking young and radiant. Vitamin A (Retinol), is one of the most well known of the skincare powerhouses. It has been shown to dramatically reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and to build essential collagen reserves thereby helping to keep your skin more youthful.

What Is Retinol?

You might have heard people talk about the benefits of Retinol serums and how Retinol has done wonders for their skin. Retinol is basically derived from vitamin A. It is a chemical component consisting of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. This compound helps to increase the production of collagen in your skin.

Collagen is a type of protein that forms part of the building blocks of our skin and connective tissues. Collagen is what helps to keep skin looking young and supple. HIgher collagen levels in youth make younger skin look and feel more elastic. Collagen helps to retain the texture of your skin and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, however, collagen can become depleted in our bodies.

Are Retinol And Vitamin A The Same Thing?

Vitamin A is the parent compound from which Retinol is derived. Vitamin A consists of two parts: Retinoids, from which pure Retinol is extracted and carotenoids, which have beta carotene in them. The Retinol which is extracted from retinoids is the purest form of vitamin A. Retinol is used in skincare products like serums, creams and moisturizers. Retinol is used in small amounts in skincare products as it is a very potent compound.

The most common skincare product in which Retinol is found is in anti-aging creams. Retinol is a great anti-aging agent. Retinol reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to prevent premature aging and skin sagging.

Retinol creams are part of any good skin care regime. Some of the most common causes of skin deterioration which Retinol can assist with are outlined below.

  1. Age

Age is a huge factor which causes the depletion of collagen in your skin. Slowly, over time, the amount of collagen produced by the body is reduced which can lead to the skin becoming less supple. Aging skin becomes less elastic and leads to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

  1. Dehydration

When skin loses its natural moisture it can appear more aged. Adequate hydration is essential to healthy looking skin. Having overly dry skin can be a sign that your body is not getting the hydration it requires. A well hydrated body is reflected in the appearance of your skin. Dehydrated skin can appear dull and lifeless. It loses its radiance and elasticity. Inadequate hydration also depletes collagen production, which in turn can lead to premature aging and sagging of the skin.

  1. Using the Wrong Products

Even if you are diligently following a skincare regimen, using the wrong products will do more harm than good. Some skincare products may serve merely to dry out your skin, cause acne breakouts or contribute to excessive exfoliation. For best effect, you should only use products that are suited to your skin and that have a proven track record of being both safe and effective. Because Retinol has been in use for a long time and has a substantial body of research behind it, it meets both of these requirements.

How Is Retinol Good For Your Skin?

  1. It Helps Reduce Acne

Retinol is known for its amazing benefits to the skin. First and foremost, it is very well known as an effective treatment for Acne. Acne impacts many people and can contribute to feelings of embarrassment and shame. Retinol has been shown to help control Acne breakouts and to even reverse the lingering scars resulting from severe cases of Acne.

  1. Retinol Prevents Premature Aging

Not only does Retinol help to reverse the signs of aging, but it can also prevent further destruction of skin cells. While the process of aging is natural, there are steps one can take to reduce premature aging, including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinol helps to moisturizes your skin from the inside out by way of increased collagen production. It also gently removes dead skin cells, thereby promoting cell growth and skin cell turnover. This allows new skin to shine, free from blemishes, age spots or scarring.

Retinol serums and night creams act as concentrated concoctions that help to retain the skin’s elasticity. Serums that contain both Retinol and collagen work together as a powerful combination to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.

  1. Retinol Keeps Your Skin Soft

Retinol is also a natural skin softener. Retinol may initially cause some dry patches to form on the skin and/or some mild flaking, but this is part of the process of renewed collagen production. It is best to begin slowly and use Retinol before bed. Retinol is best used at night as sunlight tends to destroy some of the components in Vitamin A and the retinoids are rendered less effective.

  1. Retinol Reduces the Appearance Dark Spots

Retinol promotes production of new skin and cell generation, which means that the older layer of the skin is removed. This leaves behind new and fresh skin which has been unaffected by the sun. This process reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation also known as age spots, is caused by excessive and prolonged sun exposure over time. A consistent Retinol skin routine will help minimize the appearance of these signs of age.

Which Foods Have Retinol/Vitamin A In Them?

Below is a list of some foods that contain vitamin A which you can include in your diet alongside your skincare routine.

 

  • Carrots have high quantities of vitamin A and beta carotene in them. Carrots are a superfood, which can help to flush the toxins from your skin and help to make your complexion look brighter and healthier. Carrots also improve your eyesight and bring a healthy flush to your skin.

 

  1. Eggs are a great source of protein and contain Retinol. Eggs are nature’s biggest single cell and the benefits of eggs are virtually endless. They are high in protein thereby helping to keep you full for longer and they increase collagen production in your skin.

  2. Liver and lean meats are also good sources of vitamin A and Retinol. Liver, in particular, is abundant in Retinol. Liver also increases the levels of hemoglobin in your body and prevents anemia.

  3. Milk and dairy products are also an abundant source of calcium and phosphorus as well as vitamin A and Retinol. Milk is full of essential fats and minerals which keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Milk also helps to keep your complexion fresh and keeps your skin moisturized at all times.

  4. For those who prefer less dairy and meat, almost all fruits and vegetables also have a combination of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and Retinol, which will help to keep your skin healthy. Dark leafy greens in particular are great for healthy looking skin and can help with collagen production.

There you have it! Vitamin A is a great way of bringing back elasticity and radiance in your skin. Using Retinol alongside a healthy diet will help to keep your skin looking young and healthy for longer.


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