Tips on Using Retinol Skin Care Products

Retinol skin care products are becoming increasingly popular to help those with aging skin to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They work by helping to increase the oil levels in the skin, especially for those of us who middle aged or more. As they are mild they are particularly useful for people with sensitive skin who find other preparations too harsh and irritating. Another use for retinol skin care products is for those whose skin is damaged from cystic acne. They are a good alternative to using chemical peels which can often leave the skin flaky, red and dry.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is another name for vitamin A and is a member of the chemical group, retinoids. This group of compounds also includes tretinoin which in lotions and creams not available OTC as it is a good deal stronger than retinol. All of these compounds are tiny, so small in fact that they can permeate the skin's upper layers to get through to the collagen and elastin that support the skin from below. Vitamin A is a fundamental constituent of collagen and elastin.

Over the years environmental damage takes place to these structures the outcome of which is less skin support which results in wrinkles and lines. Retinoids, when they have reached the lower layer, set about repairing the collagen and elastin, which results in a more elastic, smoother skin and fewer lines.

Research Studies on Retinol Skin Care Treatments

Many research studies are concluding that retinol certainly has a useful effect on aging skin. A recent study at the University of Michigan tried out retinol containing lotions on 36 elderly, healthy people, most of them around 80 years old. For 6 months they used the lotion on a small area on their upper arms. After the trial skin biopsies showed marked reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. If this can work for an eighty year old's skin then it can certainly help a younger skin to recover or retain a young-looking appearance! Unfortunately the effect is only temporary as eleven of the test participants noticed that their skin had begun to go back to its previous condition after a further six months with no retinol treatment.


Acne Treatments Using Retinol

Retinol skin care products are excellent exfoliating agents and can also effectively clear pores. This action makes them helpful products for use if you have acne.

Retinol for Dry Skin

Anti wrinkle products containing retinol skin are very good for the treatment of extremely dry skin as they efficiently moisturise the skin.

Do They Have Any Side Effects?

When you first use a retinol skin care product you may possibly observe some mild redness, irritation, itching or stinging. It is usually temporary and is perfectly normal. If it doesn't go away you need to stop using the preparation.

Retinol Increases Sun Sensitivity

It is best to use retinol skin care products just before bed. They make the skin slightly more sensitive to the rays of the sun so if you do apply them during the day be careful to use a sunscreen as well.

Popular Retinol Skin Care Products

One of the bestselling products at Amazon is RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. It is cheap (under $15 for a 1ounce tube) and, according to the manufacture, effective in 12 weeks. In fact many users found that they saw a significant improvement in less time than this.

Retinol skin care products are becoming increasingly more popular as people become aware of their numerous benefits. Particularly for older people who's skin may be sensitive or very dry they can be a useful addition to your beauty routine and make a marked difference in the appearance of your skin. They also have a place for those who suffer from acne as they can greatly improve the condition of the skin.

You can read more information at Retinol Skin Care Products or Retinol Products Information.

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