Fine lines and wrinkles are signs of aging and more and more people are trying to eliminate these skin problems using various solutions. The use of retinol has been proven effective in people that start developing fine lines and wrinkles.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles Development
The fine lines and wrinkles develop due to sun exposure and also due to the aging process, which results in reduced skin elasticity and visible wrinkled paths on the skin. Sun exposure can be prevented, but the aging process cannot be reversed. There are, however, a number of products that could improve the skin’s quality.
How Retinol Helps Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Retinol is a substance also known as vitamin A and is normally present in the skin, ensuring its health and elasticity. Retinol is from the group of chemicals known as retinoids. If retinol is supplemented, the vitamin A molecules will penetrate the skin and help the collagen and the elastin in the dermis and deeper layers of the skin. Vitamin A is present in elastin and collagen.
Retinol applied on the skin can repair the damaged and wrinkled skin that is due to the lack of elasticity and collagen. Retinol should be used externally, but some dermatologists will also recommend supplementing the vitamin A intake of the patient for more dramatic results.
The retinol external treatments are available in the form of:
- Serums for serious skin damage and deep wrinkles
- Lotions, helpful for dry skin
- Creams that can hydrate the skin and should be used overnight
Retinol Effectiveness
Retinol is highly effective in reducing fine lines. The solution acts deep in the layers of skin and improves the elasticity of the skin, so that the lines will be diminished. A treatment of at least 4 weeks will be needed for visible results.
As for wrinkles, the effect of retinol on these will vary according to how deep the wrinkles are. In any case, the appearance of the wrinkles will also be diminished with the frequent use of retinol or products containing vitamin A. A treatment of at least 12 weeks with retinol will be recommended for improvement.
The optimal effects of retinol and vitamin A products on the skin will be visible only a few months after starting the treatment, as the collagen formation takes a few weeks and the skin will tighten as well after the collagen is secreted. Another retinoid that has more powerful effects than retinol is tretinoin, which is recommended for people with deeper wrinkles.
Retinol Side Effects
Retinol may cause temporary side effects such as irritation and skin itchiness. However, as the treatment progresses, these side effects will diminish and disappear completely.
Other Uses of Retinol
Retinol is also used in other skin treatments such as:
- Acne removal
- Cleansing of pores
- Reducing bacteria from face
- Excessively dry skin and skin flakiness
