The 6 properties of retinol and why include it in beauty routines after 35

That retinol is a cosmetic asset to take into account is a truth to which dermatologists are assigned without exception.

And so they make it suspect when they prescribe it from 35 years as one of the essentials in beauty routines.For Dr. Ricardo Ruiz, dermatologist at the International Dermatologic Clinic of Madrid, his older brother, retinoic acid, is undoubted.

What is retinol

Dermatologist Paloma Borregón clarifies the doubts about what exactly this cosmetic miracle is."Retinol is a retinoid (derived from vitamin A that is used at the topical level, in cosmetics), a molecule capable of penetrating through the skin with the aim of working better," says the expert.

The retinol a precursor of retinoic acid, which is used only under medical prescription, for cosmetic use.What does this mean?That he has similar properties to his older brother, retinoic acid, but is somewhat less powerful, so, it is included in serums and daily use creams in different non -harmful concentrations for the skin and on the contrary yes very beffious.

Retinol, against acne...and anti -aging

If Retinoic acid jumped to fame for the first time in the 70s, when the controversial dermatologist Albert Klingman, from the University of Philadelphia (controversial because he did his experiments with assets in prisoners, as Dr. Ricardo Ruiz says in his book 'Lo Lo Lo Lo Lo LoThat your skin says of you ') took a cream with the asset to treat acne, the retinol, less irritating, serves for that and much more.

And, meanwhile experiment, Dr. Klingman also discovered that retinoic acid 'ironing' wrinkles.But let's see in detail everything that retinol does by the skin.

1.Retinol Properties: Renovating effect

Retinol is not an exfoliant as such, but its great value is that, at the molecular level, it makes the cell renewal that occurs constantly is normalized, explains Dr. Borregón.

What does it mean exactly?Well, it helps the skin cells be renewed and replaced properly, for a correct barrier function of the skin (which protects us from any type of external aggression, such as UV rays, pollution...).

2.Retinol properties: antiaging benefits

Another great value of retinol is that "stimulates the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and skin elastin", Borregón continues.

All these elements are responsible for the faithful to be firm and without wrinkles, and that is why the dermatologist that does not recommend its use from a certain age, which usually puts the thirty age is rare.

For Borregón, retinol is undoubtedly "the anti -aging par excellence, in addition to sun protection, of course".

3.Retinol properties: against acne

Just as it was discovered that it did retinoic acid in the 70s, retinol is also able to treat acne and excess fat, because another of its 'magical' properties is that it regulates sebaceous secretion.

Acne treats it on two fronts: on the one hand it can improve the brands that this evil causes, by its power of cell renewal;On the other, when regulating fat secretion, it improves the texture of the skin and the appearance of the pores (which does not close them, because as Paloma Borregón points out, the pores must be open to fulfill their function).

4.Retinol Properties: Improves spots

Yes, against stains also presents retinol efficiency.Because all its benefits add that it has a depigmenting effect and is able to minimize the appearance of spots, both those that come out by the sun and other type of melasma hyperpigmentations.

5.Retinol properties: maximum hydration

We return to the function that retinol has on collagen and spinning skin of the skin.By increasing its production, as Dr. Borregón related, hydration is also improved.That is why it is not only the panacea for fatty skins, but also for dry.

6.Retinol properties: more luminosity and better skin texture

These last benefits connect with the fact that retinol is a magnificent cell renovator.By producing an optimal replacement of skin cells, it improves their texture and luminosity, leaving a smooth complexion and very close to perfection.

Retinol: How to use it so that there are no problems

To all the benefits of retinol, a counter is added, and that "when starting to use it, it produces irritation, it is normal in all people, and we must develop tolerance, or to pass what is called the retinal process," he clarifiesPaloma Borregón.This irritation translates into redness, peeling...That they pass with use, because the skin is going to 'making' the use of retinol.

That is why it is important to 'listen' every skin and, "at the beginning, use retinol rarely a week.You can start with once or two and increase progressively according to the skin to tolerate it, "says the dermatologist.

It must also be taken into account that cosmetics with retinol are presented in serums and creams with different concentrations, which can also be increased as they are tolerate.

Retinol in 12 serums, creams and contours new and safe eyes

And how do you have to use it?For now, always better at night.This avoids its oxidation with sunlight (it is very unstable) and derived photosensitization (adverse reactions if the sun gives us) and in addition to favoring the cell replacement that takes place during nighttime rest.

The use of retinol is always accompanied by sun protection -although it should be used all year with and without retinol -, due to the photosensitization it produces, and that is why dermatologists recommend not using it in summer.If the protection against the sun is done correctly it would not be a problem to use it on vacation, but given the possibility of not doing so, better discontinue and return with it in autumn.

A last recommendation of Paloma Borregón: before applying a cosmetic with retinol, you have to clean the skin and wait about 10-15 minutes to recover 'from cleaning so as not to increase the possibility of irritation.

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