If you are starting to get fine lines or wrinkles you may be wondering what is the best way to treat them to keep your skin young looking and wrinkle free. Have you thought about using one of the popular retinol skin care products but are not sure exactly how retinol works, if it is safe will it really help to keep your skin looking young. In this short article we hope to answer some of your questions. Over the counter retinol products are freely available and are safe to use as long as you take the precautions outlined here.

What is retinol and how does it work?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is classed as a retinoid. This group of chemical also includes tretinoin which is also used in the same way as retinol but is stronger and only available in prescription creams and lotions. Retinol and the other retinoids are very small molecules, so small in fact that they can easily penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin which contains elastin and collagen which act to support the skin. When these are damaged by environmental effects or simply by aging the upper layers of the skin begin to sag and wrinkles develop. Once retinol penetrates to this layer it starts to repair this damage which results in firmer, younger looking skin.

Has research shown that retinol products are effective?

There have been many research studies on the use of retinol to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. One recent study by the University of Michigan involved elderly people that were healthy applying retinol containing lotion to the skin on their upper arms for a period of six months. After this time biopsies were taken which showed a clear reduction in wrinkles and lines. However some of the people in the trial found that the effects were slowly reversed over the next six months so the effect is temporary.

Can retinol be used to treat acne?

As retinol products can be used for exfoliating the skin they are very useful in the treatment of acne as they help to clean the pores. Instead of using harsh chemical peels many people find that exfoliating products containing retinol are just as effective.

Are retinol products good moisturisers?

Retinol products are excellent moisturisers and can be used to treat very dry skin.

Are retinol products safe to use?

Retinol products are safe but you may experience some itching and redness when you first use them until your skin becomes accustomed. This is generally only temporary and nothing to worry about as long as it is mild. In very rare cases the irritation may be more severe in which case you should stop using the product. One thing to be careful of, however, is that retinol can increase your skins sensitivity to the sun so you should always use a good sunscreen, a good idea anyway! Preferably apply the products before bed rather than in the day to minimise this effect.

Conclusion

Retinol products are safe to use and effective, although to see the best effects you will need to use them for some time. Don't expect instant results! You should start to see a reduction in wrinkles and lines after a few weeks regular use but you will have to continue to use the products as the effect is not permanent.

Also check out Top Ten Best Retinol Products for the best retinol products oin the market today.