Vitamin A stands for ACTION.. Action means being proactive and taking charge of a situation. Be it, getting hold of your life, relationships or just self-care! As the famous quote goes “Stop trying to make every happy, you are not retinol.” Retinol is essentially a fat-soluble Vitamin in the Vitamin A family. Do you know what exactly is Vitamin A?! Vitamin A boosts the activities of the WBC, better known as white blood cells, it also regulates cell regeneration and growth. Retinol repairs our skin, by creating new skin cells thus rejuvenating your skin and giving it a healthy feel and look. It also reduces your signs of ageing by effectively diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. It also stimulates the making of blood vessels, which results in improving skin tone. Retinol also helps lighten dark spots and works to smoothen rough skin. 

 

Studies show, that having a rich Vitamin A diet, which includes loads of fresh vegetables and fruits, helps prevent, protect and fight many diseases. Vitamin A improves your body’s immunity and helps your body combat various infections and illnesses. If there is one thing, the pandemic has taught us, it is that prevention is better than cure. Taking precautions and your vitamin boosts, are always better than trying to cope with the repercussions later. Skincare is no different! 

 

Retinol is best applied at night and is to be infused in your night skincare regime. It doesn’t have to be used on a daily basis, using it two to three times a week is enough to work effectively. When one is in their mid-20s, elastin and collagen production slows down, and our skin needs a helping hand to prevent the early signs of ageing. 

 

When you initially start using Retinol your skin gets a little, worse for wear. Worry not! It’s a normal reaction, it’s more like when things fall apart, they are simply falling in place. After your skin flakes and your dead skin sheds, you can see an obvious difference in your skin. It is smoother, firmer and clearer. 

 

There are two types of retinoid creams available, prescription and OTC (over-the-counter). The concentration of retinoid is much higher in the prescription medication than the OTC ones; thus making the prescription creams, far more effective than the ones available on the counters. But these creams are not recommended without proper physician guidance. 

 

There are various kinds of retinoids available to treat wrinkles. A few of them are-

 

Retinaldehyde - This OTC retinoid is more powerful than retinol and easier on the skin too. If you are one with dainty skin but are interested in this vitamin A miracle, this is a good option for you.

 

Retinol – The most easily available ingredient in OTC retinoid products.

 

Retinyl palmitate – If you have sensitive skin, this is the cream your looking for, as it is the mildest form of OTC Retinol. It is a great treatment for mild acne and boosts collagen production.

 

Adapalene - Looking for a pocket-friendly retinoid cream, without a prescription? This one’s for you! This FDA-approved, over-the-counter formula is an answer to all your acne issues. It reduces acne and promotes healthier, clearer skin.

 

Tazarotene- This topical formula is prescription only. If your skin can handle a stronger dose of retinoid, and you're looking for speedy results, then this is what you’re looking for. It is an effective treatment for psoriasis and acne.

 

Scared about how to start a retinol cream routine?? Fear not! Here are some handy pro tips to keep in mind, before you go for this medical marvel.

 

  • Wash your face clean, remove the day’s grime and cleanse that makeup.
  • Pat your face dry completely.
  • Your skin is precious. Invest in quality products only.
  • Sunscreen is a necessity, as any retinol cream, makes your skin a little extra sensitive.
  • Small steps, please. Don’t go all out, by layering up that retinol cream. Do a patch test first.
  • Use it as a base layer. Apply other night regime lotions and gels over it.
  • It works best when you snooze. It is most effective at night, as the sunlight breaks down the retinoids.
  • Don’t forget to include Vitamin C in your routine. Retinol when combined with Vitamin C is a power-packed combo!
     

Let’s follow the mantra used by the beauty gurus, Let’s age like fine wine, not milk. Buy that retinol and wear that gorgeous skin with pride!