Wrestling away wrinkles: the ingredient you need for prevention and treatment
When you hit your 20s, it's like your biological clock starts spinning even faster. Hangovers get worse, body aches last longer and noisy parties just don't cut it anymore. Take a closer look in the mirror and you might even see dreaded lines working their way around your mouth or eyes.
If aging worries you, kick it in the butt before it really sets in.
The answer? Products infused with the cell-generating ingredient retinol, or vitamin A.
Benefits
Vitamin A isn't just good for the skin; it aids in eyesight and maintenance of tissues that make up the surfaces of the skin, lungs and intestines. It can also prevent certain types of cancer.
In the skin, vitamin A improves elasticity and thickness, improves sun-damaged skin and treats acne. In short, it generates new cells and repairs the skin.
Who is it for?
Retinol peels the skin and therefore aids in removing acne lesions and scars as well as wrinkles. Those with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from old acne spots benefit from retinol as it sheds dead and damaged skin cells.
Prescription products such as Rein-A and Tazorac are typical creams prescribed for acne. In this form, the vitamin can be extremely irritating and cause peeling.
On the other end of the spectrum are those looking to prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol firms and plumps the skin as it peels, meaning as the dead skin cells are shed, thicker skin is revealed. Bye-bye crow's feet! Below you can see a photo from an Image Skincare clinical trial on aging skin. The client underwent a series of chemical peels containing retinol blends and used at-home products with retinol, too.
Where to find it
Vitamin A can be applied topically in the forms of serums, creams or even face cleansers, as well as taken in pill form.
An easier approach to getting your daily dose of vitamin A is through the foods you eat. Carrots, sweet potatoes, milk and fish all contain this important antioxidant.
When using in the form of creams or serums, like Image's Ageless Total Repair Creme, always start small, applying once every other day or once every two days. Retinols can cause redness and sensitivity. Don't forget to patch test!
What are your favorite retinol-packed products?