Retinol creams: what you need to know

Retinol creams have long been used in clinics to treat aging skin.

In fact – you probably already know that retinol (sometimes referred to as Retin A, Vitamin A or retinoic acid) is an effective active anti aging ingredient – something that actually works. 

But not all retinol creams are the same and it’s good to know a bit more about retinol before you splash out on an expensive retinol product.

\Here’s some background information and tips on buying a retinol product that works.

Retinol has been shown to work in scientific studies and clinical tests.  One major scientific study undertaken by the University of Michigan showed beyond doubt that topically applied retinol creams reduce wrinkles and reverse the signs of skin aging.

Retinoic acid is a form of Vitamin A which is active in the body and which is proven to have anti aging effects on the skin.

Before the Michigan study – previous trials were all carried out on Tretinoin which is short for trans-retinoic acid. Tretinoin based creams are proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate the production of collagen.

For many years Tretinoin was the only retinoic acid used on aging skin and only by prescription because of the high risk of severe irritation. It was also commonly used for treating acne and other skin disorders.

Recently cosmetic scientists have started developing less irritating forms of retinoic acid to achieve the anti aging effects of Tretinoin without the downside of skin redness and burning.  These retinol and pro-retinol compounds allow retinoic acid to be delivered more slowly to the skin and thereby reduce irritation.

Nowadays – ingredients to look out for in wrinkle cream formulations as well as Retinol include: Retinyl Actate and Retinyl Palmitate – both pro-retinol compounds.

You need a reasonable amount of retinol in the face cream or face serum to get results.  If the retinol ingredient is listed way down the bottom of the packaging it may mean it’s only present at a minute level which won’t have any effect at all. 

Ideally – go for a retinol product that tells you how much retinol you’re going to get. Skinceuticals retinol products carry this information – as do other top quality dermatologist level skin care products.

As a starter you could try something like the amazingly successful Afirm 3X which ticks all the boxes for a good retinol product and is reasonably priced.

Remember that retinol can still have an irritating effect on the skin especially if your skin is at all sensitive – so if you’re not sure – work up to higher levels over time.  Afirm 3X comes in three strengths to let you do just that.

Don’t forget – retinol treated skin is more sun sensitive.   You should up your level of sun protection – at least SPF 30 – and wear a moisturizer on top of your retinol serum to increase hydration.

Sensible use of a retinol cream will do a lot for your skin.  Expect to see a reduction in skin discoloration, less lines and wrinkles and smoother, brighter skin tone.

And if you buy something like Afirm 3X it won’t cost you a fortune!

Related Articles:

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• A retinol cream you can afford