Contents
- What is retinol in cosmetics?
- How does retinol work on the skin?
- Benefits of retinol for skin
- How to choose a cosmetic product with retinol for the face?
- How to use cosmetics with retinol?
- Retinol Facials
- Night face serum “Revitalift Laser”, 0,2% pure retinol, L’Oréal Paris
- Intensive concentrated anti-aging care Redermic Retinol, La Roche-Posay
- Gel-cream against wrinkles, bags and dark circles under the eyes Redermic Retinol, La Roche-Posay
- Intensive anti-deep wrinkle serum to even out complexion and skin texture Retinol B3 Serum, La Roche-Posay
- Anti-Aging Retinol Daily Serum, Kiehl’s
- Anti-aging day cream Revitalift, L’Oréal Paris
- Summary results
It fights wrinkles and age spots, acne and post-acne. But many people avoid face creams with retinol, fearing some kind of “side effects”. What scares us and are these fears justified?
What is retinol in cosmetics?
In cosmetics and cosmetology, retinol began to be used not so long ago – because of its capricious nature. The active form of vitamin A easily enters into chemical reactions with other substances. In its pure form, this ingredient can oxidize, lose its beneficial properties and even provoke irritation. In cosmetics, retinol and its derivatives are of synthetic origin, which in this case is a plus, because it allows you to ensure the stability of the ingredient and the consistently high quality and effectiveness of retinol facial products. Achievements in the cosmetics industry have led to a real “retinomania”, and now we are seeing the regular appearance of new serums and face creams with retinoids. Some use a stable form of retinol (eg, retinol acetate, retinol palminate, retinoic acid for facial skin). In others, there are synthetic analogues: for example, adapelene – it is often introduced into products for problem skin. To understand if your product contains retinol and its derivatives, check the ingredients on the package. Look for names like RETINOL (retinol), RETINYL PALMITATE (retinol palmitate), RETINYL ACETATE (retinol acetate), and RETINYL LINOLEATE (retinol linoleate).
Retinol is often added to products for problem skin.
How does retinol work on the skin?
But for the same reason, cosmetics with retinol should be used with caution. Even in a meager concentration, it can cause allergies, provoke irritation, dryness and peeling. In addition, retinol increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet light. Yes, the same retinol that fights age spots can contribute to their appearance! Therefore, it is necessary to use retinols for skin care in parallel with sunscreens – so that retinol in cosmetics brings only benefits.
Benefits of retinol for skin
increases the production of collagen, which means it makes the skin more elastic and elastic;
promotes its natural renewal;
reduces wrinkles;
exfoliates dead skin cells, so that the skin becomes smoother and looks brighter, younger;
tightens pores and is effective for acne;
fights pigmentation, evens out tone.
How to choose a cosmetic product with retinol for the face?
The presence of soothing and moisturizing ingredients. Vegetable oils, squalane, hyaluronic acid perfectly complement the action of retinol, reduce the likelihood of dryness, discomfort and flaking.
Mode of application. Most cosmetics with retinol are intended for use at night. However, there are tools that can be used in the daytime.
Retinol does everything to make the skin really rejuvenated and prettier.
How to use cosmetics with retinol?
Knowing how retinol affects the skin, it is easy to build the right relationship with it.
Follow the instructions carefully. If the serum or cream is intended for a single use, do not be zealous.
It is necessary to integrate such funds very carefully, observing the reaction of the skin. Therefore, follow the instructions for gradually increasing retinol in the “beauty diet”: first once a week, then twice, etc., as recommended by the manufacturer.
When using retinol cosmetics, you should keep products with SPF on hand – otherwise there is a high chance of getting age spots, since it increases the photosensitivity of the skin.
Retinol products are applied to dry (not wet) skin.
Retinol Facials
Night face serum “Revitalift Laser”, 0,2% pure retinol, L’Oréal Paris
Retinol in the company of powerful moisturizing ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin and soybean oil – visibly reduces wrinkles, renews and evens out the skin. The serum makes it beautiful and radiant.
Intensive concentrated anti-aging care Redermic Retinol, La Roche-Posay
Suitable even for sensitive skin, thanks to the optimal concentration of retinol and the neurosensin molecule, which has a calming effect. The cream gives a light exfoliating effect, reduces the number of wrinkles and age spots, reduces skin reactivity.
Gel-cream against wrinkles, bags and dark circles under the eyes Redermic Retinol, La Roche-Posay
It is believed that retinol products are not for the sensitive area around the eyes. But this cream is a happy exception. It includes the so-called progressive release retinol, which acts gradually and in small amounts, without having an aggressive effect on this delicate area. The caffeine helps. The result – wrinkles are smoothed out, puffiness decreases, dark circles under the eyes become less noticeable.
Intensive anti-deep wrinkle serum to even out complexion and skin texture Retinol B3 Serum, La Roche-Posay
Retinol, vitamin B3 and thermal water are the main components of this serum, which is easy to apply, absorbs instantly and works from the first application. The tool visibly evens out the relief of the face, smoothes wrinkles, and most importantly – suitable even for sensitive skin.
Anti-Aging Retinol Daily Serum, Kiehl’s
Thanks to a precisely calibrated dose of pure retinol, the serum renews cells day after day, improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles. Peptides enhance the anti-aging effect, and ceramides protect against discomfort, so the product is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Anti-aging day cream Revitalift, L’Oréal Paris
The anti-aging formulas of the classic Revitalift range are based on a derivative form of retinol called proretinol. In combination with fibroelastil, it contributes to a noticeable rejuvenation of the skin, providing a complex effect on age-related changes. In particular, it smoothes wrinkles and prevents the appearance of new ones.
Summary results
How is retinol used in cosmetics?
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is endlessly helpful for aging skin. Creams and serums with retinol appeared relatively recently, after chemists learned how to obtain its stable forms. But they quickly became popular due to their powerful anti-aging properties.
What does retinol do for the skin?
A lot of things! It exfoliates dead skin cells and thus evens out skin tone and relief, fights pigmentation, promotes active renewal processes, accelerates the production of collagen and fibrin, fights free radicals. Moreover, retinol works great even in a small concentration – 0,2-1%.
What are the disadvantages of cosmetics with retinol?
Products with retinol, like any other, can cause allergies, as well as provoke dryness and flaking. In addition, they increase the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation and require combination with sunscreen. Cosmetics with retinol are introduced into everyday skin care gradually. That is, a conditional disadvantage can be considered the need to observe precautionary measures.
How to use retinol for the face?
First of all – in strict accordance with the instructions, once or twice a day. Usually at night.
A cream or serum with retinol is gradually integrated into care: first, one is applied twice a week, then every other day, etc.
Retinol products should only be used on dry skin.
In the afternoon, against the background of the use of products with retinol, be sure to use sunscreen.