HOW DOES RETINOL WORK?

Retinol stands out as one the best ingredients for skin care, providing multiple benefits. Initial research shows it helps reduce acne breakouts by unclogging pores. Succeeding studies establish the role of retinol in boosting collagen production, reducing wrinkles, lightening skin discolorations, and more. Sounds like a miracle ingredient? Let’s find out how retinol actually works on skin.

Retinol comes from the vitamin A family. It is the nonprescription type of retinoic acid, which is sometimes called tretinoin. Once retinol penetrates the skin, it is slowly converted to retinoic acid. The slow conversion to retinoic acid makes incidence of skin irritation much less. Retinoic acid is known to exfoliate the dead top skin layer thus quickening skin renewal. It helps prevents collagen from breaking down and thickens the deeper layer of the skin making the skin firmer. It also improves skin tone by optimizing cell turnover and slowing down the production of the dark melanin pigment.

Prescription grade retinoic acid creams are very potent, showing results in merely 6 to 8 weeks. However, they also pose higher risk for irritation and other side effects. On the other hand, nonprescription retinol is far less aggressive but so much gentler on the skin so side effects are minimal to none at all. While it may take longer to achieve results, it is less irritating than the prescription formula. Generally, it takes about 3 to 6 months of daily use to get the best results.

Start adding retinol to your night care routine in your 30s. By 40s and 50s, retinol is a definite must in your skin care regimen. But regardless of age, retinol is still useful for various skin problems, including acne.

Apply DERMAX Retinol-C every night
and DERMAX UV Milk on mornings.
DERMAX Retinol-C Instant Effect
is ideal for photo opportunities.

Retinol works better when paired with vitamin C. It defends skin against free radicals and increases its anti-aging benefits. DERMAX Retinol-C Deep Wrinkle Moisturizing Therapy combines the power of Retinol and vitamin C to significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Having reunions and get-together parties? Grab the instant effect version of this product for “look, no wrinkle” picture-perfect results.

It is important to note that retinol is highly reactive and can lose its potency if not formulated properly. DERMAX Retinol-C uses time-released encapsulation technology to ensure long-term stability and efficacy. Retinol is released only upon application, triggered by the skin’s acidic pH.

Retinol is an exfoliant, so it is important to avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen on mornings, such as DERMAX UV Milk Sunscreen Anti-Aging Sunscreen with SPF50+ PA+++. 

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This article will be published in The Manila Bulletin, Main Section on August 25, 2015. The author is Fred Reyes, a cosmetic chemist and scientist, and the CEO of SkinStation, DERMAX Laser Center, and Blushing Beauty, the fastest growing skin clinic chain in the Philippines. He was awarded the Outstanding Professional in Chemistry in 2011 by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).