Retinol is a term thrown around loosely together with Anti-Aging, but what is the significance of this agent and its relationship to the skin?
Retinol is one of many different types of retinoids ( a cover term for all vitamin A derivatives, including retinol). Most antiaging formulas contain either Retinyl Palmitate (the weakest of the retinoids), or it could contain retinol (the next strongest and most tolerable), retinaldehyde (even stronger, less tolerable), or adapalene (the strongest over-the-counter option that’s also specifically formulated to treat acne, but not so tolerable). Or, you could ask your dermatologist to prescribe you even stronger retinoids, like tretinoin or tazarotene, which work faster and more effectively, but can also be extra irritating.
In previous studies, Retinoic acid ( retinol ) and vitamin A derivatives have been shown to improve the aged-appearance of skin.
Topical retinol shows remarkable anti-ageing effects through three major types of skin cells: epidermal keratinocytes, dermal endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Topical retinol significantly increases epidermal thickness by stimulating keratinocytes proliferation. In addition to epidermal changes, topical retinol significantly improves dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment; increasing dermal vascularity by stimulating endothelial cells proliferation and ECM production (type I collagen, fibronectin and elastin) by activating dermal fibroblasts. In studies it has been shown that 0.4% topical retinol achieved similar results as seen with topical retinoic acid, the biologically active form of retinol, without causing noticeable signs of retinoid side effects. Retinoids increase the cellular turnover rate of skin cells and thus cause skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of flakiness, dryness, irritation, and/or breakouts, until your skin gets through the adjustment period. Luckily, there are a few factors you can consider to reduce the effects.
FIRSTLY! start slowly—apply it just one night a week for one week, two nights a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, and then every other night (for sensitive skin) or every night (for “tough” skin) indefinitely. It is most beneficial to use the night cream most nights of the week to get long-term benefits. It is important to understand that your skin is changing, and if you don’t use them routinely, your skin will go back to baseline.”
Still, that doesn’t mean you should load up on the night cream to speed up the process. Instead, use a small amount on clean, dry skin at night. Use just enough to cover your face in a sheer layer of cream. If you are using our retinol serum, apply a pea-size drop over the entire face, wait 20 minutes for it to absorb, and then apply your usual serums and moisturizers on top of it.
You may use our acne-fighting products (i.e 2% salicylic acid serum on the nights you don’t use a retinoid, unless you want to play fast and loose with irritation. Don’t worry—retinoids inherently fight breakouts and oily skin, so you won’t suddenly turn into one giant zit.
Retinoids are the gold standard in wrinkle-preventing and line-smoothing treatments, but they’re also excellent at turning your face into a bright little marble. Because retinoids stimulate cell turnover, which increases collagen and elastin production, they’ll also help plump up your skin, clear and shrink pores, and fade dark spots and redness. And we’re not just talking a little bit of improvement, either. Because retinoids work on a cellular level, not just a topical level like most skincare products do, they’re able to deeply resurface your skin, which can completely transform your complexion over time. Retinoids really are the key to perfect-looking skin. Great news!! RAO evening matrix night cream not only contains retinol but other antiaging gems that work synergistically to ensure an optimal antiaging result!
