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Retinol Skin Benefits: Acne Treatment and More

What is retinol? What are the benefits of retinol for the skin? Is this ingredient really a magic solution for various skin problems? Important information in this article.

You must have heard about retinol somewhere or even maybe a fan of retinol who use it regularly, and whether you are in the first or second category, we will introduce you to the benefits of retinol for the skin closely in the following:

Benefits of retinol for the skin

These are the most prominent potential retinol benefits for the skin:

1. Lightening skin pigmentation

Since retinol is a form of vitamin A, which is one of the natural ingredients that help lighten skin tone, using retinol may help achieve the same result, which may be especially beneficial for those with pigmentation problems, such as: 

• Dark spots.
• Various scars.
• Dark-colored areas of the body.

2. Resist the signs of skin aging 

One of the benefits of retinol for the skin is that it may help reverse the signs of skin aging and combat it. Regular use of retinol can help increase skin thickness and stimulate collagen production, which may reduce the severity of the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

3. Acne treatment 

Retinol may be one of the best acne treatments out there. Retinol works to fight acne by:

• Open closed pores. 
• Altering the structure of the oils in the area of ​​the face where it is applied. 
• Prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells. 
• Resistance to infections and bacteria. 

Therefore, the regular use of retinol can help prevent the emergence of pimples or reduce their severity after their appearance, especially because of its ability to reduce the severity of the accompanying symptoms, such as inflammation, redness, and swelling. 

3. Stimulating collagen production processes in the skin 

Retinol has the potential to penetrate the layers of the skin and may be instrumental in stimulating collagen production and skin cell renewal, which may contribute to:

• Repair some damaged tissue in the skin.
• Stimulating the appearance of a new, fresh, and tight layer of the skin.

4. Other benefits 

Here are some additional retinol benefits for the skin:

• Exfoliating dead cells from the surface of the skin and making the skin smoother. 
• Clean the pores of the skin from dirt and pollutants that may be present inside. 
• Moisturizing the skin.

What is the reason behind the benefits of retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, and it is originally a natural chemical compound found in certain types of animal foods and some plant sources, and it is a member of the large family of retinoids.

Retinol is the diluted form of the powerful compound tretinoin, and while retinol can be purchased and used without a prescription, tretinoin can only be purchased with a prescription.

Because retinol is a reduced form of tretinoin, it may be more appropriate for people whose skin cannot tolerate the strong effect of tretinoin. 

When retinol comes in contact with the skin, it automatically converts to retinoic acid, which in turn can have many benefits for the skin. 

Due to the benefits that it may bring to the skin of various problems, retinol is commonly used in the manufacture of many lotions and ointments for skin care. 

Vitamin A ointments are generally compounds that disintegrate quickly when exposed to air or sun, so they are often stored in tubes with a narrow opening and, after opening, should be used within only a few months. 

The time it takes for retinol to take effect on the skin varies, but it generally ranges from 12 weeks to 6 months. 

Retinol side effects

This type of lotion should be used with extreme caution, as retinol may have many damages to the skin, such as the following:

1. Accelerate skin aging: If retinol is used on the skin during the day, it can stimulate the signs of aging at a more rapid pace. 
2. Possible problems for pregnant and lactating women: Retinol is one of the derivatives of vitamin A, and all vitamin A derivatives of different concentrations are unsafe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
3. Side effects and other damages: such as dry skin, itching, and scaling. 

How can you get the benefits of retinol for the skin and avoid its damage?

To be able to benefit from retinol as much as possible, follow these tips:

• Do not use any sunscreen that contains retinol in its ingredients, retinol is only used at night.
• Do not use a face wash that contains retinol, as the face wash is quickly removed from the skin, so the retinol does not remain on the skin long enough to reap its potential benefits. 
• Start using retinol in small amounts and initially do not use it more than 2-3 times a week, and if you do not develop bothersome symptoms such as itching and irritation, the dose used can be increased gradually. 
• Only follow your doctor's instructions if the retinol you are using is a gel and is on prescription.
• Use it on the pigmentation area only if you are using retinol to lighten pigmentation, applying it to the skin around the pigmentation area will lighten both areas. 
• Avoid retinol completely if you fall into these categories: pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with rosacea, and those with sensitive skin.