Retinol, an over the counter retinoid, has gained wide attention in the media as a wrinkle treatment. Mainstream beauty magazines recommend skin products with retinol as the active ingredient.
Oprah.com has referred to retinoids as “Your Skin’s New Best Friend.” Also Dr. Oz lists retinol and retinoids as essential antiaging ingredients.
What Is Retinol
Retinol is a compound within the family of retinoids. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and include prescription strength names like Retin-A, retinoic acid, tretinoin, retinyl propionateand retinaldehyde. Retinol is milder in strength, which is why it is used in over the counter beauty products.
How Retinol Works as a Wrinkle Treatment
UV rays cause oxygen molecules within the skin’s surface to lose electrons and become very unstable. As free radicals they act as scavengers, trying to regain their lost electrons at the expense of other cells.
This is how wrinkles from sun damage occur.
Retinol and other members of the retinoid family work to neutralize these oxygen molecules.
Retinoids in general have an exfoliating effect. They facilitate the rate of cell turnover, promoting the emergence of healthy new skin. They also increase the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. In addition, they promote the formation of new blood vessels, a process referred to as angiogenesis.
As an over the counter wrinkle treatment, retinol has an overall milder effect compared to prescription strength retinoids.
Research on Retinol
A 2007 study published by the Archives of Dermatology tested the effects of retinol on 36 elderly patients (average age:87 years) for a period of 24 weeks. There was a significant improvement in the appearance of fine wrinkles. Also the researchers found an increased concentration of collagen and glucosaminoglycans, which is a carbohydrate that binds and holds water in the skin.
The Effectiveness of Retinol
“If you’re looking for a facelift in a bottle, you probably won’t find it in over the counter creams.”- Mayo Clinic
Although retinol can help improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, it is not a substitute for a realistic skin rejuvenation program.
It is important that you work with a board certified dermatologist to correct the signs of aging on your skin. Beauty products that contain retinol as an active ingredient could then be used to help maintain the results.