Ingredient Spotlight
RETINOL
Ingredient Spotlight
Can an ingredient described as ‘ liquid gold ’, ‘ the biggest breakthrough in skin care ’ and a true ‘ miracle worker ’ really live up to such bold and headline-grabbing claims ? Every issue , we put one of the most popular skin care ingredients under the spotlight to determine whether it really is worth the hype . Next up , it ’ s Retinol .
We have a secret to tell you . It ’ s true , Retinol is the best anti-aging ingredient currently on the market and it works for all but very sensitive skins . This antioxidant derivative of Vitamin A is essentially a gateway to powerful anti-aging and complexion rejuvenation , without having to visit a clinic for an expensive treatment or beg your doctor for a prescription .
Most creams and serums that contain Retinol use it as the main component because , really , Retinol is all you need to keep the skin looking and acting youthful . It has the unprecedented ability to significantly increase cellular turnover at the surface of the skin , gradually brightening dark spots and smoothing uneven texture , while interrupting free radicals before they can inflict everlasting damage on the skin ’ s collagen and elastin stores . In fact , it can even stimulate collagen production within the lower layers , plumping fine lines and wrinkles from the ground up .
Once absorbed by the skin , Retinol is converted into a substance known as Retinoic Acid – the most potent type of Vitamin A that is recognised by the cells – and it is this substance which does all the amazing stuff that gets beauty editors and skin care experts feeling all giddy . The only problem is the way the skin reacts to such an ingredient .
Yes , there had to be a catch . Most ground-breaking ingredients come with a warning and Retinol is no different . New users and anyone applying a product with a Retinol percentage too high for their skin will be well versed in these common and totally normal side effects : extreme dryness , inflammation , and heightened sensitivity to UV rays . All of which make Retinol a tricky ingredient to get to grips with .
But when you do , the results far outweigh the niggles : smooth , glowing skin that is free of damage and major wrinkles is a given for Retinol devotees . Once you have pushed past the acclimatisation period , it ’ s good skin days all round . Now just try and keep this secret to yourself .
ISSUE # 03 | 2017 | SkinHealthMagazine . com 23