There has been increased confusion surrounding the use of retinol and whether or not it should be incorporated into topical skincare products, usually because people are unfamiliar with retinol and how it should be applied. Retinol is one of the main forms of Vitamin A. It is an essential vitamin needed for new cell growth, and the health and maintenance of tissues and skin cells and plays an integral role in anti-aging skin care. While using retinol and other topical products is only part of an effective anti-aging routine, Dr. Murad, MD and founder of Murad skincare, shares his knowledge and thoughts on its importance.
Benefits of Retinol
- Exfoliates:
As skin ages, cell production slows. Retinol has exfoliation properties that gets rid of dead skin cells and allows new ones to grow. Regular use of retinol can help restructure the skin and encourage cell regeneration. When retinol converts into retinoic acid, it induces exfoliation which allows skin cells to function normally and continue regular cell renewal. This is effective in treating wrinkles as well as acne.
- Aids in Production of Collagen:
Skin loses elasticity over time, which causes the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol will reverse this by encouraging the production of collagen, one of the essential building blocks of youthful skin. As collagen is replenished and old skin cells are shed, hyperpigmentation disappears, fine lines recede and skin begins to reveal a brighter, smoother texture. Collagen production may slow down as a person ages, but retinol helps to ensure that new collagen continues to form, and has been shown to reduce wrinkles and increase skin texture.
- Fights Free Radicals:
Retinol is an antioxidant, which means it helps to neutralize substances called free radicals that destroy healthy skin cells. By neutralizing free radicals, retinol calms the skin, decreasing stress factors that may damage the skin.
With its numerous anti-aging and antioxidant benefits, Vitamin A is a key ingredient in many skincare formulas. When looking for it in your favorite products, keep in mind that it may be used in several forms, including Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate and Beta–Carotene.
Here are some of the top options to consider :
RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment ($27.99 for 1 oz) – Diminishes the appearance of multiple signs of aging and reveals new, younger looking skin with the exclusive fusion of pure retinol and antioxidants.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum ($29.95 for 1 oz) – Supercharged blend of retinol and potent antioxidants helps repairs wrinkles and sun damage and also builds skin-firming collagen.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Night) ($12.99 for 1.4 oz) – This budget-friendly anti-wrinkle formula with retinol, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Murad Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles ($65 for 0.5 oz) – Murad’s triple-action, wrinkle-fighting treatment combines encapsulated retinol, Matrixyl synthe’6, (anti-aging peptide), hyaluronic acid and ceramide-3 to help rebuild damaged collagen and diminish the appearance of deep wrinkles by increasing cell turnover. Time Release Retinol will be available from March 1st on Murad.com, Sephora, and Ulta.
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