Retinol gets a lot of love in the over-the-counter anti-aging skincare product world. Retinol itself is a form of vitamin A found in foods and products. When applied to the skin, retinol is actually not active in the skin. It needs to be converted into its active form called retinoic acid by the skin. The ability of our skin to convert retinol into its active form varies from person to person. This can also lead to results that are widely variable between users. Read more...
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What is Retinol?
Retinol gets a lot of love in the over-the-counter anti-aging skincare product world. Retinol itself is a form of vitamin A found in foods and products. It’s naturally occurring. When applied to the skin, retinol is actually not active in the skin. It needs to be converted into its active form called retinoic acid by the skin. The ability of our skin to convert retinol into its active form varies from person to person. This can also lead to results that are widely variable between users.
How does Retinol work?
When applied to the skin, the inactive retinol is converted into retinoic acid which is considered an active retinoid. It is the active retinoid that can actually benefit the skin, not the retinol directly.
Retinoids work by targeting specific cell receptors regulating gene expression. They increase the rate of cell turnover. They increase collagen production and decrease the rate at which collagen is broken down.
Retinol (inactive) → Retinoic Acid (active Retinoid)
Retinoids are known to improve fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production in addition to helping to retain water in the skin.
They can actually help reverse the signs of aging that come from sun damage.