Retinol has proven to be a very effective treatment to prevent aging. It is also useful to improve the tone and texture of the skin. On the other hand, there are also many myths surrounding its effectiveness and how it works.
What’s the real secret to using this skin-healthy vitamin? and Can it be used at all times? Here are ten retinol benefits that most women overlook.
The origin of retinol
Learning more about the origin of this viable source of vitamin A is essential because it is vitamin A1 . The difference between these two types of vitamin A is critical because the chemical composition of A1 and A2 is different.
Vitamin A is generally found in animal meat sources. At the moment in which a deficiency of this vitamin is observed, it is best to carry out a supplementation. Dermatologists stress the importance of this unique vitamin as it helps promote beautiful skin, especially for those who are deficient.
People who live in poorer countries are at risk for low levels of vitamin A. Those at highest risk for deficiency should receive large doses of it for the sake of their health.
Another important aspect of health to consider is the production of tears in the eyes. Many commercial preparations claim to alleviate the “dry eye” problem. However, when someone cannot produce tears, it could be related to a lack of vitamin A. Although there is also a vitamin A2, there are three active forms of it.
- Retinol
- Retinal
- Retinoic acid
The body will take this form of vitamin A and convert it into the other two forms, retinal and retinoic acid. Some rich sources of this vitamin that promote healthy skin, nails, and body include fish, certain types of meat, and some dairy products.
This connection is the reason why many doctors insist that patients who want to improve the appearance of their skin eat foods that can be converted into retinoic and retinal acid.
10 retinol benefits that many women don’t know about
Many women know that retinol is good for the skin. However, they may not fully understand specifically how it can benefit them. These are the top ten benefits.
Vitamin A and its derivatives are among the most effective substances that slow down the aging process. Retinoids regulate cell apoptosis, differentiation, and proliferation. The anti-wrinkle properties of retinoids promote keratinocyte proliferation, strengthen the protective function of the epidermis, limit transepidermal water loss, protect collagen against degradation, and inhibit metalloproteinase activity. [¹]
1. Reduces wrinkles
Vitamin A is converted to retinoid once inside the body and is used to reduce wrinkles . Once vitamin A1 is converted to retinoids, it will produce collagen, which in turn will have this rejuvenating benefit on the skin.
2. Create new healthy blood vessels in the skin
Topical creams and lotions are known to help in the development of healthy new blood vessels, and the main culprit is this derivative of vitamin A. When blood vessels are abundant and functioning, they can bring a healthy color to the skin.
Think of it as the circulation standard for your face. Once you start thinking this way, you will realize that since it stimulates circulation, it is essential for a healthier skin and face .
3. Improves pigmentation
Although vitamin A1 converts to retinal and retinoic acid, it is the topical product that you can use on your skin that helps make it more colored. This fabulous vitamin A1 is known to improve skin pigmentation.
This means that the skin color will eventually appear more uniform, rather than appearing blotchy or uneven.
4. Reduces the appearance of sun spots
What are those spots on the face and arms that are not age spots? They are called “sun spots.” These spots can make your face look darker than it should.
Thanks to retinol, cells go through a process called “cell renewal.” This is important because it will be promoting the change of your skin. Cells that are renewed will create a smoother and more refined look.
5. Firms your skin
Did you know that retinol also makes the skin firmer? It’s no big surprise that this is the number one skincare agent added to some of the best skincare products in the world.
The production of collagen makes the natural fibers of the skin and tissues more flexible and firm. This is another great benefit that those concerned about the aging process can take advantage of.
6. Retinol offers protection against contamination
The skin is always exposed to external elements of all kinds. It is impossible to fully protect your skin from the weather, air pollutants, and other elements that we face on a daily basis. As long as we coexist in an industrial and urban environment, this form of vitamin A will always be necessary.
7. Fight acne
While it appears that most of the hype for this miracle skincare ingredient is to fight the signs of aging, it also works to fight acne.
It’s important to keep your skin healthy, and that also means keeping your skin acne-free. People using it for this purpose have reported a noticeable difference in just three weeks.
8. Acts as a protective barrier when applied after moisturizer
Moisturizer isn’t necessarily the only barrier you can put on your face or body. When you add retinol to your face after applying moisturizer, this can create a barrier to prevent irritation.
Everyday external elements could cause irritation to the skin of your face. Especially during the winter. Cold weather and wind can make the face red and chapped.
9. Prevents crow’s feet
Crow’s feet begin to form over time as the body ages. Generally, women tend to notice this change around their eyes in their late thirties and early forties.
This miraculous ingredient is able to soften the skin and help mitigate the appearance of crow’s feet. There are several types of serums and lotions available for this use.
10. Promotes cell renewal
Last but not least, this skin care compound promotes cell renewal. This means that the cells that are on the surface will die and new ones will be generated.
Every day you lose skin cells. This is because the skin is constantly shedding old cells and healthier ones develop. This process slows down as we age.
Creams and lotions derived from this component help the skin to remain clean and renewed by causing the skin cells to regenerate.