A Retinol Revolution
November 5th, 2008
Wrinkle remover, backed by science
It's hard to believe the hype on many anti-aging skin care products; however slick marketing helps boost product belief and a purchase is made. We like to dream and hope that this is the product that will ultimately change our skin and bring back that youth factor.
Well, retinols along with laser resurfacing and hyaluronic acid- which I'll talk about in another post- just might help do that. A new study released by the University of Michigan concludes that topical application of retinol stimulates collagen production and combats the effects of aging.
What does this mean?
IT WORKS. Retinols help improve the appearance of wrinkles and is most effective in the fight- or war!-against aging. Dr. Zein Obagi, renowned dermatologist and creator of ZO Skin Health, believes, "The only ingredient that wakes the cells is Retinol. It is the only vitamin to affect the nucleus in the cells and stimulate the DNA." Dr. Obagi's Ossential Radical Night Repair is said to contain the highest over-the-counter retinol on the market at 1%.
Confused over the lingo- retinoid and retinol?
Dr. Jeffery Dover, creator of Skin Effects an exclusive line available at CVS/pharmacy, helps decipher the difference. "Retinoid- the prescription strength, also known as Retin-A, is the gold standard when it comes to reversing and preventing the signs of aging. When a retinoid is applied to the skin regularly, the vitamin A derivatives help to shed the cells, replacing them with plumper, healthier cells. Underneath the surface of skin, retinoid helps stimulate production of new collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid. Skin's texture is improved, skin tone appears even and a youthful radiance can be seen in as little as two weeks."
Prescription strength retinoid can be expensive and some women find it to be too irritating for their skin. The good news is you don't have to visit the Dermatologist office to reap the benefits when you have retinol, a milder strength, waiting for you at your local CVS/pharmacy store. Dr. Dover explains, "It is important to keep in mind retinol is not the same as prescription retinoid. They do offer the same benefits, but it's not nearly effective. However, it's also much less irritation, so easier to tolerate." According to many experts, a concentration of 0.2 to 0.6 percent retinol is enough to get the job done.
Dr. Jeffery Dover offers these helpful application tips in his new book, The Youth Equation, coming out in January 2009.
-The best time to apply a retinol product is before bedtime, at least five minutes after washing and drying your face.
-Apply a pea-size amount onto your index finger; more is not better in this case.
-Place dots of even amounts on the center of your forehead, chin, and each cheek, and then blend gently into the skin.
-Be sure to wear a sunscreen, since retinols make the skin sensitive to the sun.
My Beautyberry recommends this lineup of retinol-based products that are affordable and easily available:
-Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream
-RoC offers Retinol Correxion and NEW Multi-Correxion formulated with pure Retinol
-Remergent Advanced Retinol Therapy- also contains 1% retinol!
-philosophy's help me
This Just In...The latest retinol product creating a buzz is Neutrogena's Dermatologics Retinol NX Concentrated Retinol Serum. It launched exclusively on QVC and was sold out in FIVE minutes. MBB just learned that there is a waitlist, but another segment with dermatologist Dr. Will Kirby will be airing November 9th @ 6 A.M. - set your clocks as this stock will certainly disappear in a blink of an eye!
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Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.