In recent years there has been much talk about Retinol and its role in skincare. So, what exactly is Retinol and what are the benefits of this magical ingredient?
Retinol, also known as Retinoid, belongs to a family of Vitamin-A synthetic-based chemical compounds. It was first used in the 1970’s as a topical acne treatment, which researchers later discovered that it also helped fade keratosis spots, even out pigmentation and helped accelerate skin turnover.
Today, retinol is commonly used in skincare to reduce pigment, fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen which allows skin conditions to improve with minimal irritation.
Retinol is yellow in colour, oil-soluble and lipophilic – which basically means it is easily absorbed by the skin. When retinol is incorporated into age-preventative skincare, with regular use, retinol helps remodel and rebuild damaged cells which helps speed up cell production, enhance collagen production and improves exfoliation, which smooths out skin whilst creating a more even and plump complexion.
As a Vitamin A, retinol is by far the most effective in treating sun-induced wrinkles and pigmentation associated with ageing skin. At Skin by VC Dermal, our therapists generally recommend starting retinol in your mid-20’s, particularly if you suffer from breakouts or pigmentation.
Another major benefit of retinol is the overall improvement of circulation to the skin’s oxygen supply. This helps in strengthening the blood vessels, ensuring the skin has a healthy glow. Continued use of retinol (between 3-6 months of regular use) helps minimise age spots and helps to soften rough patches of skin, after 6-12 months wrinkles and fine lines are noticeably reduced.
At Skin by VC Dermal, we strongly recommend introducing retinol to your skincare regime gradually. We generally suggest applying every other day at first, before working up to nightly applications. This is because retinol can cause skin dryness and irritation and also increases the skins sensitivity to sunlight (so a daily high SPF sunscreen is even more essential when using any form of Vitamin A / retinol cream).
We also advise any patients who are considering pregnancy, are pregnant or nursing to consult their obstetrician before commencing the use of any retinol-based treatment.
The team at Skin by VC Dermal recommend and use Lira Clinical, an award-winning cosmeceutical skincare range, like no other. Our clients “Before and After” photos clearly demonstrate the amazing results achieved by using Lira Clinical’s advanced skincare range consistently, particularly those suffering from acne, pigment and aging.
One of our favourite retinol formulations is Lira Clinical’s PRO C4 Retinol Crème – a multi-tasking skin corrector and moisturiser in one. Used only as an evening crème due to the sun-sensitivity, PRO C4 Retinol Crème is a resurfacing and repair crème used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, pigment disorders, uneven skin tone and environmentally damaged skin. Containing four forms of Vitamin C to brighten and enrich the skin, this powerful Vitamin C and retinol serum promotes healthy cellular growth and turnover, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, removes dead skin cells, minimises pores clogging, lightens surface pigment and also has the ability to stimulate collagen synthesis within the dermis of the skin.
To learn more about Retinol and its role in your skincare regime, contact the Skin by VC Dermal team to arrange an Advanced Skin Consultation, for healthy, clearer, more vibrant skin is only a quick click or call away.