Abstract
Most of the people know about the retinol, most of us have seen retinol in the drug stores, on TV and generally women talk to their friends regarding the retinol for skin care. The hype of the retinol is real. But just tell me do you know everything about the retinol? What is it? Why is it considered as a magic for skin? Do we really know how to use or apply the retinol? Let us discuss what Retinol is. How useful retinol is for controlling the aging process and keeping the facial skin glowing and firm? And what are natural Alternatives to Retinol?
Introduction
Retinol is the best ingredient for skin care. Retinols are the derivatives of the Vitamin A mostly act as anti-aging products and acnes. Carotenoids are the alternative which is converted into retinoids by your body naturally. These are present naturally as gentle soothing ingredients without causing any side effect to skin.
How It Works?
Retinol is made up from the vitamin A. It not only removes the dead skin cells like other anti-aging and anti-acne products but the molecules of retinol that are small in size go deeply in the epidermis i.e. outermost layer of skin up to the dermis. Retinol is helpful in neutralizing the free radicals of the middle layer of the skin to boost up the production of collagen and elastin which creates a “plumping” effect causing reduction in the wrinkles, appearance of fine lines, enlargement of pores etc. Retinol has very good effects on the skin’s surface as it improves the tone and texture of the skin.
Retinol is helpful in treating severe types of acne and scarring. It is also very effective in keeping our pores unclogged because it creates comedolytic agents in order to prevent the making of blemishes and comedones. In case of severe types of acne, one should go for retinol treatment. Retinol is useful in balancing the skin hydration and removing the dead cells from the skin which can lead to loss of the moisture from the skin. This retinol is also very helpful for oily skin because it also controls production of excess sebum in the pores.
Uses of Retinol
Retinol is highly useful in treating the various skin conditions such as:
- Fine lines
- Acne
- Age (sun) spots
- Freckles
- Wrinkles
- Any kind of sun damage called as photoaging
- Uneven skin texture
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Large pores due to oily skin, acne, collagen loss
Retinol can be used regularly for achieving the best results as a skin product daily. It can also take several weeks to show improvements.
Retinol Slows Down Aging Process
In our skin cells changes occur every 28 days in our early 30’s forming a fresh layer of pristine and untouched skin. But after the age of mid 30s our skin cells start showing regeneration slowly and occur every 50-70 days which cause our face to look dull, dry, and wrinkled. This is called aging. Retinol when absorbed by the skin causes the cell turnover very rapidly forming the skin looking smoother, fresher than before. Skin starts looking younger than the before or you can say skin looks younger than your age. With the use of retinol regularly it reduces the dark spots, acne, fine lines etc. within a few months. It also contains moisture-retaining ingredients to help prevent redness and irritation.
All Retinol are not Same
There are different types of retinol available in the market. Some types of anti-aging formula contain retinyl palmitate the type of weakest reinol, or it could contain retinaldehyde retinol which is stronger and most tolerable or adapalene the strongest one. According to the skin type it is being used.
Retinol doesn’t Cause Irritation
Retinol forms skin shed faster than the normal, so a person will face dryness, flakiness, irritation, breakouts for a few weeks after using the retinol because skin takes some time for adjustment. But these are not for long term they vanish itself and make skin smooth, wrinkle and acne free. But it doesn’t mean that you should load up retinol in the skin it can cause burning of skin too in excess.
Alternatives To Retinol
Beta-carotene-rich ingredients like seaweed extract, mango butter, chicory roots and sunflower seed oil are the best alternative for the retinol. These are plant-based carotenoids and are safe as these don’t cause any type of burning, redness etc. You can use it for Facial daily routine.
More Alternatives To Retinol
All the natural ingredients don’t convert vitamin A into retinol, some mimic like retinol. If you want any alternative for the retinol then go for the products which are rich in the following:
- Lycopene– Lycopene works as Sun Hydrating Vitamin Serum which is present in the tomatoes, red fruits and many vegetables. It is very effective in reducing skin roughness when applied and also inhibits collagen breakdown which is helpful in keeping skin firm, without causing any side effects like retinoid dermatitis. It also acts as a strong antioxidant.
- Immortelle Oil– Immortelle oil boosts up the protective barrier of the skin, this oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, strengthens and softens the skin. This oil is also helpful in soothing the fine lines and promoting the collagen production. It is very effective in improving the scars damaged skin as it has rejuvenating properties.
- Black Elder– Black elder has the property of antioxidants that’s why it is highly effective in warding off the skin aging. It also has anti-edema properties, so it can fight with puffiness also. Black elder consist of elderberries helpful in boosting the immune system.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Vitamin B3 helpful in reducing the dark spots from the skin. It is one of the best skin cares, and also helpful in reducing wrinkles like retinol.
- Squalane– Squalene is very effective in preventing the moisture loss from the skin. After the 30’s squalane production in the body gets slower. It acts as an antioxidant and also has antibacterial properties so it is useful in reducing the wrinkles and the dark spots. Human beings and animals both produce squalene but generally it is taken from the shark livers. For vegetarian persons it can be taken from the olives.
Conclusion
Retinol has very good and effective results in both aging and various skin problems like acne, wrinkles, dark spots etc. Retinol is also a good choice for people with sensitive skin. It is useful in improving the skin texture, skin tone and also smoothen the skin too after using the retinol for a few months.
Author’s Bio:
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an Expert Ayurveda Consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world. He is CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic text books to restore health and save human beings from the worst side-effects of chemical-based treatments. Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com