Article from PaulasChoice.com
There are dozens of remarkable “heroic” skincare ingredients that have numerous benefits for skin, but retinol stands out as one of the best of the best. Why? Established research shows it benefits skin in a number of ways, including stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkles, fading discolorations, helping treat acne, and more. But that begs the question—How does this “sounds too good to be true” ingredient actually work on skin? Let’s start with what retinol is…
What is Retinol?
Retinol is another name for the entire vitamin A molecule, and vitamin A—in all its forms—is what is known as a “cell-communicating” ingredient. By cell-communicating, we mean retinol can actually “tell” a skin cell to behave, and even to act like a normal, healthy, younger skin cell. When you have sun-damaged or breakout-prone skin (many people have both, especially in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even beyond), this communication is incredibly beneficial because improving the behavior of skin cells means an improvement in the condition of sun-damaged and breakout-prone skin—even pore size can be improved with retinol!
How Retinol Functions in Skin
Before retinol can successfully go to work in skin, it must be converted into its active form—all-trans retinoic acid. Once retinol has been applied to skin, enzymes in the skin break it down into all-trans retinoic acid, which then goes on to help regulate skin-cell function. For example, this “teamwork” between retinol and damaged skin cells can help regulate inflammation and the shedding of dead cells, resulting in fewer breakouts.
Retinol also promotes an increase in the amount of substances that enhance skin’s structural elements, and also has been shown to stimulate collagen production. What does that mean for skin? An improved barrier and firmer skin!
Prescription-Strength Retinol
The term “retinol” is used most often to refer to the non-prescription version that you can buy over-the-counter, in varying strengths. When dermatologists talk about “prescription retinol” or “retinoids,” they’re referring to various forms of vitamin A that appear only in prescription medications due to their potency. The technical names of the prescription forms of retinol include tretinoin (found in Renova or Retin-A), adapalene (found in Differin), tazarotene (found in Tazorac), and a few others.
In the world of skincare products, retinol (the non-prescription version) stands out because it functions similarly to, and some researchers say identically to, the prescription versions. Generally, pure retinol is considered more effective than retinol derivatives, but retinyl palmitate (a natural substance found in skin) and retinaldehyde are acceptable and helpful in skincare formulations.
Why does the retinol found in the cosmetics world work like the prescription versions? It’s because once it absorbs into the skin and converts to all-trans retinoic acid, you’re getting the same active ingredient and results as the prescription form, but delivered in a way that’s better tolerated by skin.
In other words, the retinol used in cosmetics has the same potential for improving signs of aging and other skin concerns, but is less likely to cause irritation than the prescription versions.
Products to Pair with Your Retinol Treatments
Whether you choose an over-the-counter or prescription retinol product, daily use of a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 25+ is critical! Even the most effective, research-proven anti-aging ingredients won’t work as you want them to if you’re not diligent about sun protection. After all, sun damage created most of the problems that you’re now trying to correct!
For best results, no matter which form of vitamin A/retinol you use, you should use it in addition to other anti-aging products containing rejuvenating ingredients, such as antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients, and cell-communicating ingredients. Keep in mind that despite retinol’s superstar status, treating signs of aging is far too complex for any one ingredient—no matter how good it may be—to address!
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Here at Glow we are proud to carry Revision’s Retinol Complete, the only water-based Retinol on the market which means more penetration, more hydration, and more efficacy. Not only does it have a time-released Vitamin A, meant to distribute the product evenly over your skin reducing the risk of irritation, but it has bakuchiol, a broad-spectrum anti-oxidant that can shut down ALL free radicals, has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, and won’t break down in the sunlight. These products combined can double your production of collagen, leaving your skin firm, youthful and glowing!
