There are a multitude of skincare products and ingredients that are out there claiming to reduce wrinkles and the signs of ageing. However there is only one ingredient that has been proven and approved by dermatologists. Yes, you guess it Vitamin A or otherwise known as retinol, retinoids or retin-A. Vitamin A mainly targets specific skin conditions thus benefiting the skin.
So, what is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A (or also known as retinoid) is an anti-aging ingredient that is present in many skincare products today. It is also naturally present in your body. This vitamin helps improve your body's immune system, it repairs damaged tissues and is good for your eyes. The word 'Retinol' is a term that stands for both retin-A and retinol. Retinol is a much weaker form of Vitamin A. If you have seen retinoic acid or tretinoin mentioned on your products then you should know that they belong under this category.
The anti-ageing effects of this ingredient were discovered by accident in the 80's. The ingredient Tretinoin was developed to treat acne. This not only helped improve the acne complaints but their skin was also visibly younger. This however was done by using the correct dosage and concentration.
Vitamin A works by stimulating the dermis layer (the bottom and deep layers of the skin). It encourages the collagen production, create new cells and remove the old cells out to give you new and younger looking skin.
But why is this ingredient important to have in your skin care routine?
Our skin sheds out dead skin every 30 days. But retinoids help to speed up this process to 14-21 days. When our skin sheds it allows the newly created cells to start on a blank and clean slate. The enables Vitamin A to benefit the skin in a number of ways. This includes improvement in pigmentation, dark spots, reducing wrinkles and reducing acne.
When should you start using retinol products?
Since retinol is mainly helpful for anti-ageing and acne reducing, so it is best suited for those with mature, adult acne skin with early signs of ageing. Once you hit your late 20's you should start introducing retinol in your skin care routine. This will help your skin to appear youthful and glowing.
Most retinol products out there have different percentages. So, be careful to check out the percentage if you are a first time user. The highest you can go to is 2% while the lowest is in the range of 0.01% to 0.025%. Though it is not important for most brands to disclose the retinol percentage, so make sure to carefully check that label.
There are also some side effects to some Vitamin A products. Vitamin A products such as retinoids or roaccutane can have negative side effects. It can affect you liver, blood and mental health. So make sure to carefully monitor yourself when using them.
Then there is Tretinoin which is a prescription drug and cannot be bought over the counter. Which is why cosmetic companies are searching for other forms of Vitamin A that can be used in anti-ageing.
Therefor I conclude that Vitamin A is a very effective ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing. But there is still a need for further research and development of retinol and other forma of Vitamin A.
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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II