Over the Counter Retinol Products
A popular and fast growing group of products on the market for treating the signs of aging that we all experience are the Vitamin A derivatives – retinol, retinoids, Renova and similar. Do over the counter retinol products work? Are they worth the money? Let’s look at some of these products. the claims for them and the evidence that they are more than just a new marketing hype!
As we get older skin loses its elasticity and support from below resulting in sagging, loose skin and wrinkles. We can’t avoid this completely but we can do a lot to slow it down. Two of the worse things you can do to accelerate this effect is to smoke and to expose the skin to sunlight. Too much sunbathing can have a harmful effect on the skin as well as increasing the risks of skin cancer so always wear a sun screen and don’t overdo the sunbathing!
Inevitable, even if we look after our skin, the effects of aging will begin to be seen on our faces. We would all like to reverse the effects of time but that’s not possible. However with the many different anti aging creams and lotions on the market is it possible to repair some of the damage?
The most popular of the anti aging wrinkle creams are those containing retinol as they do work although they take some time, you won’t see miracle results overnight, and the lines and wrinkles will return slowly if you stop using the product. So how does retinol work to reduce wrinkles? First of all we need to understand why wrinkles occur as we get older. The skin is supported from below by a substance called collagen. This is a large, stiff protein that serves as a framework for the skin and keep it firm. As we age, or through environmental factors like the sun or smoking, collagen becomes damaged and the support it gives becomes diminished. Skin also contains a substance called elastin which gives the skin it’s elasticity. This too becomes damaged over time. The result is a less elastic skin with poor support from below which results int he sagging, loose skin and wrinkles we are all so familiar with.
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How does retinol work to reduce wrinkles?
Retinol is a small molecule that has the ability to penetrate the top layer of the skin and make it’s way down to the layer containing the collagen and elastin. Once it penetrates to this layer it begins to repair the damaged structures. This results in more elastic skin and a firmer support so overall an improvement i seen in the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Do collagen creams work?
If damaged collagen is the cause of wrinkles why not just use a collagen cream? This sounds fine but remember that collagen is a large molecule. Putting collagen on the skin is, in fact, not going to do any good as collagen cannot penetrate the skin. Any creams that claim to repair the skin and reduce wrinkles because they contain collagen are a waste of money.
Over the counter retinol products
Retinol is an ingredient in many OTC anti aging products but make sure you buy a well known brand as cheaper brands often do not have enough retinol in to have any affect.
How to use retinol anti wrinkle products
It is best to use these at night, before bed. if you do use them in the day take care to use a good sunscreen as retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Do not use too much as they can be irritating and avoid using them at the same time as benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acid products. Also take care when exfoliating or waxing and don’t overdo it as this can cause your skin to be more likely to be irritated by retinol creams. Don’t store retinol containing products for a long time before you use them as the retinol can degrade over time.
Conclusion
Over the counter retinol products are effective at diminishing fine lines and wrinkles when used regularly but may take a few months before you see complete benefit.
You may also be interested in these products:
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, 1-Ounce TubeWe keep our promises. Visibly reduces expression lines and deep wrinkles. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is an intensive anti-wrinkle ... Read More >
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, 0.5-Ounce TubeClinically Proven To:
* Smooth wrinkles around the eyes
* Visibly reduce crow's feet
* Improve skin's elasticity
Ro... Read More >
RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment, 1-Ounce TubePure RoC Retinol and antioxidant concentrate. RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment provides a comprehensive anti-aging solution to visibly diminish the... Read More >
Anti-Aging Elixirs & Smoothies, 112 Delicious Anti-Aging Smoothie RecipesHow to Get Smoother, Younger Looking and Feeling Skin by Consulting the Fountain of Youth in Your refrigerator. This is the largest recipe compilation... Read More >
Escape Aging with Great Skin Care Tips, Products and Techniques!Skin care tip, products and techniques to help prevent and reverse aging skin.
I am a 46 year old man who just started to use your products. I work outside construction and used to smoke a little. I have scince given that up because i have noticed some crows feet starting. I hope your product works. How long before i might see results. and what can i expect. thank you.
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