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What is Retinol?
Retinol is a type of Vitamin A, which is very beneficial to humans.
It is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin. It is considered to be essential
for proper vision and bone growth. Another helpful property of Retinol
is that it is very successful when used as a treatment for acne and
skin ailments.
Vitamin A Benefits
Vitamin A is found mainly in foods, which are derived from animal sources
like beef, calf and chicken. It is also found in dairy products like
milk, butter and cheese. The body converts beta-carotene, found in fruits
and vegetables, into Vitamin A. Green vegetables and orange fruits contain
beta-carotene and increase the supply of Vitamin A in your body. Vegetables
like carrots, sweet potatoes and cabbages, as well as fruits like mangoes
are good sources of beta-carotene.
Research
The University of Michigan conducted extensive research on Retinol.
Studies found that the efficacy of Retinol was because of skin receptors
for retinoic acid. These receptors are known as Retinoic Acid Receptors
and are found on the outer membrane of cells. Retinoic acid was found
to aid the reproduction of cells and also helped in proper functioning
of cells. Though Retinol is widely used for the treatment of acne, it
is also used to combat skin damaged due to the sun.
Retinol is available in cream form. It modifies the abnormal formation
on the superficial layer of the skin (keratinization) near hair follicles.
Large pimples with pus fill the hair follicles along with an increase
in the superficial skin cells. Retinol detaches the excess cells thereby
clearing the way for the shedding of these excessive cells from the
base of the follicles. Once these cells are emptied, there is a reduction
in the formation of comedones (pus filled pimples).
Regular application of Retinol will make the skin smooth and soft.
pores on the skin will be less visible. Aging signs due to wrinkles
in the skin will decrease. Retinol also stimulates collagen production.
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Retinol Side Effects
Application of Retinol has some side effects, which need to be taken
into account. With Retinol, the skin getting warm or red in color or
a mild sting may occur. These are normal and should go away once the
skin adjusts to the medication. However, if the symptoms persist or
if they keep bothering you, a visit to the dermatologist is advised.
Application of Retinol may increase sensitivity to the sun's rays and
hence staying indoors is advised after applying Retinol on your skin.
Some people may feel itchiness on the applied area and the skin may
experience some scaling. If these symptoms are severe, the dermatologist
should be visited immediately. Excessive application of Retinol might
sometimes cause itching and scaling.
It is advisable to wear proper sunscreen and clothing which protects
your skin. Retinol should be used during pregnancy only by the advice
of a dermatologist. Always use mild soap when washing your face. Retinol
has been found to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture,
tone and color. Retinol, in short, rejuvenates the skin totally.
Other Treatments
Other more common treatments include the use of Benzoyl Peroxide, whose properties make it extremely useful in the
treatment of mild to moderate acne. The anti-inflammatory properties
will reduce swelling in infected papules and pustules,
allowing a relief from the soreness that often accompanies acne outbreaks.
The oxidizing factor dries out the thickened sebum or fluid within
the acne and helps to alleviate the plugged pores, so that acne may
heal without trauma to the area caused by popping the acne. To be
most effective, one should use a Benzoyl Peroxide exfoliator. To read
more about this particular form of treatment, click here.
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