Retinoids are a group of compounds, either derived from Vitamin-A or mimic the functions of it. They are found to be very effective in the treatment of skin aging and work by promoting cell turnover, collagen synthesis, reducing wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone. Retinol on the other hand is one of the examples of Retinoids which is precursor of retinoic acid however, performs similar functions. Proven Benefits of Retinoids and Retinol in Skin Aging are shared below.
What Is Skin Aging?
Skin aging is the result of both intrinsic factors such as thinning of skin, loss of elasticity, decreased cell turnover, reduction in sebum production and extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, pollution, stress, etc. As a result of this, you may notice wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, hyperpigmentation, sagging of skin and dryness etc.
Furthermore, photoaging, caused due to prolong sun exposure, is more common cause of skin aging which has shown to reduce the level of Hyaluronic Acid in your body which is an importance substance produced by your body and is responsible for overall health of your skin. Read more about Hyaluronic Acid.
How Do Retinoids Help In Skin Aging?
Retinoids, as briefed above, are compounds which directly contribute to mitigating the signs of skin aging but how do they do this? Well, they achieve this through four main mechanisms which are discussed below.
1. Regenerate New Skin Cells.
Cellular Turnover is the process where our body regenerate new skin cells and replaces dead skin cells with new ones in about 30-50 days. Retinoids are very good at achieving this. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots which can make your skin look clearer and provide a youthful complexion, a Korean like skin you can say.
2. Stimulate Collagen Production.
Collagen is a protein which provides your skin with strength, elasticity, and structure. As we age, collagen production in our body naturally decreases leading to sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines etc. Retinoids, apart from regenerating new cells, stimulate collagen production in your body thereby improving skin firmness while reducing wrinkles and fine lines, making you look young.
3. Neutralize Free Radicals.
Free radicals, at high concentration, may generate oxidate stress that can damage all cell structure which may further lead to the development of chronic conditions such as cancer, arthritis and of course, premature aging.
Contrarily, retinoids have antioxidant properties that, in the middle layer of your skin, neutralize free radicals and therefore prevent premature aging, reduce oxidative stress and help with various skin related conditions such as acne, whiteheads, hyperpigmentation etc.
4. Regulate Skin Pigmentation.
Melanin, a substance responsible for the color of our skin. The higher the melanin your body produces, the darker your eyes, hair and skin will be, which is also one of the reasons of hyperpigmentation.
Retinoids, apart from cell regeneration, collagen production and acting as antioxidant, also helps in regulation of melanin production in your body which can further reduce hyperpigmentation, even out your skin tone while making your skin look more uniform and aged like Korean skin.
Benefits Of Retinoids And Retinol In Skin Aging
Improve Skin Texture and Tone
As a result of increased collagen production, enhanced cell turnover, retinoids help in providing skin a smoother texture, and even out skin tone while making it softer.
Enhance Skin Hydration
While retinoids directly do not contribute to hydration of skin, they improve it by strengthening the skin barrier function and therefore providing a more plumber skin.
Protect Skin From Sun Damage
As explained above, retinoids promote cellular turnover and collagen synthesis which helps in repairing sun damaged skin cells while strengthening skin’s natural defense system.
Increase Skin Thickness
Apart from stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkles and regulating melanin production, retinoids also help in increasing thickness of dermis layer of the skin.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Using Retinoids?
Regardless of its unbeatable benefits to the skin, it still has following drawbacks:
- It can cause skin irritation such as redness, dryness and peeling.
- It may increase sensitivity to the sun.
- Initially, it may also worsen the acne.
Key Considerations While Using Retinoids
- As it can increase sun sensitivity, don’t forget to apply sunscreen when you go out.
- Use a moisturizer as it can cause dryness, skin irritation and redness.
- Consult a dermatologist when it seems necessary or feel the need to use prescription-based retinoids such as tretinoin.
- Initially, start with the lowest consideration possible and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
Conclusion
Despite of its drawbacks, retinoids are stuffed with benefits no other ingredients can offer. It literally has the capacity to regulate melanin, regenerate skin cells, stimulate collagen production and neutralize free radicals which can make you look young however, patience and consistency is must in order to achieve this.
