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| What are the benefits of retinol for the face and body |
Retinol has many skin-cleansing and anti-aging benefits. It increases the thickness and elasticity of your skin, slows melanin production, reduces inflammation, and prevents clogged pores. In short, it is a revolutionary ingredient that fights and delays skin aging. Here are its benefits and ways to use it:
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has many uses in skin care, including acne treatment and anti-aging effects. It is a topical treatment that is applied to your skin and comes in many forms, including: creams, gels, lotions, ointments, and serums.
What does retinol do for your skin?
Retinol increases skin cell production and helps unclog pores. It also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives your skin a fresh and plump appearance.
How long does retinol take to work?
Retinol starts working in your cells right away, but it will take several weeks before you notice an improvement in the look and feel of your skin. In fact, your skin may seem worse at first as you adjust to the new regimen.
What does retinol treat?
Many over-the-counter retinol products are marketed to improve the appearance of your skin. If these methods don't work, you can consult a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin diseases) about which prescription-strength products are more effective. Studies show that topical retinoids can help treat acne scars and stretch marks. Retinol also has anti-aging effects. Specifically, retinol is beneficial for the following conditions:
Acne Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition. When your pores are clogged with dead skin cells or oils and you can notice an increase in blackheads, whiteheads or other types of pimples. Retinol treats acne by preventing clogged pores and clearing the skin of pimples in the first two months of treatment, then if you stick to it, you will get clearer skin.
acne scars
Acne scars appear as a result of this problem and infections. Pink, red, or dark spots on your skin can appear during acne treatment and may last for several weeks. In addition, picking pimples or messing with them causes more skin injuries and may leave permanent scars. Topical retinol treatments can help reduce the swelling and inflammation that accompany breakouts and help prevent further breakouts.
for dark spots
Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) can appear as a result of sun damage to your skin. If you have light to dark brown patches on your face, hands, neck or arms, the problem is a melanin buildup that gives your skin color (pigment). Also called sun spots, age spots, and liver spots, these spots are painless, but if you don't like the way they look, there are procedures and topical treatments that may help. Some people find that topical retinol lightens skin spots, although it takes months and can be irritating to your skin. It's a good idea to see a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions) if you're concerned about dark spots.
for large pores
A pore is an opening on the surface of your skin that allows body hair and oils to pass through. When these pores become clogged with dead skin cells or oil, your pores become larger and more visible. Topical retinol treats large pores by increasing skin cell turnover - making your skin thicker - and preventing clogged pores from forming.
to treat melasma
Melasma is another common skin disorder that causes dark patches or patches to appear on sun-exposed areas. Exposure to light, heat, and certain levels of hormones increases the amount of melanin you produce, causing these flat spots or freckles that are light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray. Melasma is more common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant you should talk to your healthcare provider before using oral or app medications or supplements. If you are not pregnant, a topical retinoid (tretinoin) may help fade melasma spots.
To treat stretch marks
Stretch marks are scars that appear when the skin is stretched due to pregnancy, weight gain, extreme weight loss, or rapid muscle growth. These markings are pink, red, or purple at first and then gradually fade until they appear silver or white. Topical retinol can help make stretch marks less noticeable but talk to your doctor before using them during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
To fight wrinkles
There are a number of factors that can cause wrinkles in your skin. As you age, your skin cells divide more slowly. The middle layer (the dermis) of the skin begins to thin and it becomes more difficult to retain moisture and your skin has less elastin and collagen. Topical tretinoin and tazarotene can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by slowing the breakdown of collagen and making your skin more elastic. Using topical retinol usually takes several months to notice a difference.
Details about retinol and its use
Is retinol good for the skin?
Retinol is a powerful tool against skin aging and acne, but it is not for everyone. If you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you may want to try skin care products that contain alternative anti-aging or skin-purifying ingredients. Most importantly, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to use sunscreen and avoid the sun as much as possible while using retinol products.
How to use retinol ?
Before using a retinol product for the first time, try a little on a small area of skin (patch test) to see if you have any adverse reactions. If the patch isn't very red or itchy after a couple of days, you can add retinol to your bedtime skin care routine.
To use retinol, follow the directions on the package or your doctor's recommendations for application. In general, here are the steps you take:
- Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do not rub your skin while using retinol products.
- Apply a thin layer of retinol all over your face (be careful not to get it in your mouth, nose, and eyes). You should use a pea-sized dose. For the first two weeks of treatment, apply retinol every other day only.
- Finish with a non-comedogenic (non-comedogenic) face moisturizer.