RETINOL: POWERFUL INGREDIENT FOR A FRESH, HEALTHY & REGENERATED COMPLEXION
When it comes to skin care and anti-aging, we hear more and more about the powerful ingredient Retinol. That's no surprise since its cell-renewing effect has been scientifically proven. Nevertheless, there are a number of myths surrounding this particular ingredient. One thing is clear: Retinol has been around for much longer than one might think, because in 1937 Paul Karrer was awarded a Nobel Prize for his research into vitamin A and its effects on the body. In the following, you will find out what positive effects this ingredient can have on your skin, what you should pay attention to when buying Retinol care products and how to use this superhero correctly.
WHAT IS RETINOL?
Retinol has been considered the best anti-aging ingredient since the middle of the 20th century. As our body cannot produce Retinol - i.e., vitamin A1 - itself, we can only ingest it through food. Since consuming it in higher volumes is rather difficult, the active ingredient became popular in cosmetics, so by using it externally, and is now considered the gold standard in the field of anti-aging. Retinol helps to significantly reduce wrinkles and prevent their formation as well as to rebuild the skin structure. It also works as an antioxidant against free radicals. These are formed by the body itself during various metabolic processes, but also arise from harmful external influences such as environmental toxins, UV or solar radiation or cigarette smoke.
Vitamin A supports the formation of new cells and the regeneration process of the skin and therefore ensures visibly smoother skin. Due to the production of healthy skin cells and the regulated cell function, Retinol is also effective against acne. It reduces the skin's sebum production and actively counteracts the development of pimples and oily skin. In this way, it is not the symptom that is combated, but the cause.
3 TYPES OF RETINOL
There are three types of Retinol. First, the Retinol precursors - these are called Retinol esters, pure Retinol and tretinoin. Tretinoin is the active retinoic acid. When using Retinol ester, this substance is converted into Retinol in the skin and tretinoin is created from the Retinol. Although these forms of Retinol have been around for a long time, there is still confusion around the exact effects of each of the various types of Retinol. But don't you worry! We have created a small overview for you.
1. Retinol Esters
Also known as: INCI Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Linoleate, often incorrectly referred to as Retinol Palmitate or Linoleate
In the case of the Retinol precursors, these have to be converted into Retinol in the skin through chemical reactions. These substances are gentler on the skin because they are weaker and inactive substances of Retinol. Retinol esters are a mild alternative for sensitive skin.
2. Pure Retinol
Also known as: INCI Retinol
Pure Retinol is first converted into retinal and then into retinoic acid (tretinoin) in the skin. So the active form of Retinol is called tretinoin. Pure Retinol is mostly used with a maximum concentration of up to 1%. Warning: the higher the concentration, the stronger the effect. However, the dosages should be increased at a slower pace as too high a concentration can lead to skin irritation.
3. Tretinoin
Also known as: active retinoic acid
This active retinoic acid is also called vitamin A. Since the acid is very irritating when used in its pure form, cosmetics always use mixed forms. Pure tretinoin requires a prescription and can only be found in pharmacy items, e.g. for acne, and has strong side effects.
RETINOL & ITS EFFECT ON THE SKIN
Retinol has long been a crucial part of high-quality skin care products. Nevertheless, it is only now becoming more and more popular. Vitamin A is essential for our body - our health, metabolism and eyes benefit from this vitamin. However, facial care can provide a multitude of positive effects. For this reason, we would first of all like to give you a comprehensive overview of this wonderful ingredient.
RETINOL: DEEPLY NOURISHING EFFECTS IN THE SUBCUTANOUES TISSUE
In order to understand how Retinol works, it is first of all important to understand how our skin is composed. Our skin is made up of many thin layers. The outermost layer is called the epidermis. This ensures that no germs and bacteria get into the organism. For this reason, it is very important to regularly care for the skin and to supply it with all the necessary nutrients to ensure that it functions optimally. The underlying dermis, with its denser connective tissue, ensures elasticity and firmness of the skin. Muscle fibers, sebum glands, hair roots and tactile cells are also located in this layer. The lowest skin layer is called the subcutis and, as the name subcutaneous fatty tissue already suggests, serves to store heat and nutrients.
On average, your skin regenerates in around 28 days. However, the regeneration and therefore the cell renewal decreases with age. Furthermore, less collagen is created, which helps the skin to look firm and smooth. This combination makes the skin appear increasingly pale and saggy. But there is hope: Retinol is a true superhero in the anti-aging field! Various studies have shown the extremely positive effect on the skin structure it has. The vitamin supports regeneration, refines the pores and can reduce problem skin. Retinol can also have a positive effect on acne. In addition, this antioxidant works wonders against free radicals.
IN DETAIL: HOW RETINOL WORKS IN THE SKIN
It promotes skin renewal, refines the complexion and stimulates collagen synthesis in the deep layers of the skin.
Skin renewal
Refinement of the complexion
Collagen synthesis
USING RETINOL: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Now you are probably thinking that you want to try Retinol as well. The following tips and tricks can help you use Retinol correctly and prevent irritation of the skin.
- How Often Should I Use Retinol?
The frequency with which Retinol can be used depends on the exact Retinol dosage. Small doses of Retinol (0.1% -1%) can be used daily without any problems. If your skin tolerates it, high-dose Retinol can be used up to five times a week in the evening. The only important thing here is to slowly get the skin used to this active ingredient in a controlled and step-by-step manner. - How fast does Retinol work?
The effect of Retinol will start immediately. The skin feels visibly smoother and firmer. However, a complete skin transformation as a result of Retinol treatment will take up to 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the individual's predisposition. - Is Retinol harmful or dangerous?
Retinol has a high potency and is low risk. The active ingredient should be used in small doses first; if your skin tolerates it, the use can be increased. Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to light which is why we recommend using highly concentrated formulations (RED) in the evening. A daytime Retinol product should be used during the day (DAY). Here the formulation is designed in such a way that the cell-renewing effect is pushed and at the same time the skin is not more sensitive to light . Regardless using Retinol products, a sun protection factor should always be applied to avoid pigment spots and wrinkling. Consult your doctor about the use of Retinol for use during pregnancy.
RETINOL & SUN
As you have already learned, Retinol stimulates collagen synthesis in the deep layers of the skin, making the skin smoother, healthier and stronger. At the same time, the formation of new cells is strongly stimulated. The skin surface then consists of a layer of healthy, young skin cells, which is particularly sensitive. Therefore, there is an increased risk of sunburn after using a Retinol product. For this reason, you should definitely use high level sun protection in the days that follow.
Tip: Before going on summer vacation, it is essential to stop taking Retinol preparations to not stress the skin. In addition, you should use SPF 50+ daily and all year round to effectively protect your skin from sun damage.
RETINOL: THE PERFECT DOSAGE FOR OPTIMAL TOLERANCE
In order to not stress your skin too much, it is important to keep the correct dosage of Retinol preparations. In the beginning, the cream or serum should be used approximately 1-2 times a week in the evening only to observe how the skin reacts of it. If the skin reacts positively, the dosage can slowly be increased. If your skin takes to it well, a Retinol preparation can be used up to 5 times a week.
YOUR PERSONAL RETINOL EXPERIENCE - with Doctor Mi!
The Doctor Mi! medical skincare is your ultimate Retinol care range with high-end Retinol of the highest quality. The Retinol content of the products is very high and at the same time particularly compatible - even with sensitive skin. The reason why the vitamin A1 (Retinol) in our products is so unusually gentle and effective is that we double encapsulate the contained molecules with the TECMi!® Deep Technology, so we bring the high-dose Retinol straight to where it rejuvenates the skin, instead of irritating it. With the exclusive superheroes in the form of the highest quality and highly concentrated ingredients you will ensure a maximum anti-aging effect, skin rejuvenation, skin improvement, reduction of pimples and wrinkles and achieve an even complexion. Help your skin to renew and rejuvenate itself with Doctor Mi! medical skincare.
Dr. Miriam Rehbein
Dr. Miriam Rehbein is a licensed specialist in dermatology as well as the founder and product developer of Doctor Mi! medical skincare. As a recognized expert in skin care, she not only passes on her specialist knowledge to colleagues at congresses and training courses, but also treats patients in her Munich practice. Based on her many years of experience in dealing with patients, Miriam Rehbein has created a care line with DoctorMi! medical skincare that pursues one goal in particular: to help the skin to help itself.
