Thursday, August 1, 2013

Benefits of Retinol (Skin Care Blog Post)

"You need retinol."


I need whaaaaat?

I suppose the dermatologist knows best -- and that's how a routine exam turned into a 50-dollar credit card charge, in exchange for a tiny bottle of yellow goo.

Nothing was wrong with my skin, by the way. I asked for cancer detection, and got something like, "you're f*cking old." I guess being in my 30's convinced me to get retinol.





 

Did retinol work?


Yes, yes, and Y-E-S!

Again, no serious issues with my skin, just dark spots due to old age. After two weeks of using the yellow goo, skin tone evened and texture tightened. Visible improvement indeed.

The doctor did have my best interest after all :O)


Retinol, you've got a fan, but what are you?


Retinol is an over-the-counter version of retinoid.

Retinoid, a derivative of Vitamin A, offers many uses in medicine, including epithelil cell growth.

Epithelium, one of the four main tissue types on animals, exists in many forms, including being a part of layers of human skin. Among its many functions, the epithium absorbs nutrients to enable cell growth, and secrets fluids to protect and lubricate surface.
 



Okay. Retinoid grows the epithelium, and therefore grows your skin.


Lucky, then, that retinoid was approved by the FDA as topical treatment. And retinol, a toned-down version of retinoid, comes in a tiny bottle of yellow goo, at a grand price of 50 bucks.


How does retinol work on your skin?


When absorbed into skin, retinol breaks down and converts into Retinoic Acid, a form of retinoid and a cell-generating nutrient. It increases collagen production, stimulates blood vessels, and provides anti-aging effects like wrinkle-reduction and smooth appearance.

Although retinol isn't as strong as prescription retinoids, it still provides benefits with consistent use.


 

What to watch out for?


I was warned about redness and irritation, but never experienced them myself. People with sensitive skin should test small amounts first before applying full dosage.

Also, because retinol generates new skin cells, which are sensitive to the sun, you might want to consider using it at night time only.

Please correct me!


For this skin care blog post, all information were thoroughly-researched through resources below. However, I'm no health care professional, and might have made mistakes.

Please correct my irresponsibility in a comment.


 

Thanks again for reading!


I'm sure I just reiterated knowledge you already know.


But if I helped even one single person in their skin care endeavor, I'm happy.


By the way, Happy (Belated) Hump Day!


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Sources for today's Skin Care Blog Post:

 What is Epithelium | WiseGeek.com | http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-epithelium.htm


Retinol - When to Use it and When to Avoid it? | WebMD Blog | http://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-skin/2011/08/retinol-when-to-use-it-and-when-to-avoid-it.html



 

8 comments:

  1. Great review, dear!

    bloglovin.com/blog/3880191

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  2. Oh, you've definitely helped me. I keep seeing this product and wondering if it's worth it's buck. I have fine lines creeping up and making my face sag. I need this!!!!! thanks for the awesome review

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  3. I need to try this. I have a couple of dark spots I've been trying to get rid of and nothing seems to work. Thanks.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  4. When I worked for a dermatologist, that's what he always recommended to the patients with wrinkle concern. I actually use that Roc eye cream along with the serum. Even though I'm still pretty young, I can definitely tell a difference using them with some fine lines that I've been noticing. For dark spots, he always recommended hydroquinone. He, of course, had a stronger topical treatment for the patients, but also recommended them to look in drugstores and look for that ingredient in a less concentrated form to save money, but gradual fading.

    ☮ Melli { Casual Beauty }

    ReplyDelete
  5. Glad you found something that worked for you! My mom has been using this cream forever... and I never really understood the purpose of it... until now! :)

    XO,
    SSDS

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  6. I've been searching for perfect eye cream for a long time. I tried tons of expensive and inexpensive products but I haven't find what works for me yet. I will try this product. I will let you know later if I like it or not.
    Thanks for such a detailed info

    Have a good weekend

    Kate

    http://myvanillamuse.blogspot.kr/

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've always wanted to grab one of these but not sure if I'm going to waste my money or what. Good to know that it worked for you! Maybe I'll get one in the Fall so I don't have to worry about sunshine... (from Seattle too)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am happy to receive information about skin care products, services, offers and promotions from carefully selected third parties.

    ReplyDelete

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