Oscar Wilde said, “With age comes wisdom.” While aging has its perks, smile lines and crinkles aren’t among them. Wilde might’ve been onto something, though. As technology has advanced, expert chemists have created one of the best anti-aging products around – retinol!
If embracing your laugh lines and crow’s feet isn’t your style, then read on. Retinol may not be the proverbial fountain of youth, but it is proven to revitalize skin tone while improving elasticity and texture.
How to Choose the Right Product
Anti-aging skincare can be found in just about any store in America, but how do you know where to start? Type “retinol products”into Amazon’s search field, and you’ll get more than 9,000 results! Choosing a product on your own can lead to disappointing outcomes, and, sadly, most over-the-counter options just can’t get the job done. Since retinol must convert to retinoic acid while on the skin in order to be effective, concentration amounts really matter. Starting off with the right dose is vital, so choose a medical grade product for best results. Replenix All-trans Retinol Smoothing Serum 2Xcontains the appropriate concentration for those who have sensitive skin or are just beginning a retinol regimen.
Say So Long to Fine Lines and Hyperpigmentation
When using retinol, it’s important to remember that, much like skin damage, skin turnover doesn’t happen overnight. Choosing a product that also contains soothing ingredients, like oryza sativa bran cera, a skin-softening ingredient derived from rice bran that combats dry skin, will help minimize irritation while new skin comes to the surface. And if dark spots from sun damage or healed acne are a concern, products like SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex 0.25, which contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can work to lighten those spots while improving your skin’s texture and tone.
Take It Slow
When adding retinol to your skincare routine, it’s important to use caution and to increase usage over time. Really! Most people tolerate it well, but everyone is unique, and your skin may feel dry, red, or itchy … especially if you apply it too frequently too fast. Start by using it twice a week and see how your skin feels. Sensitivity and dryness are far less likely with this approach. Be patient, as well. It can take as long as three months to see the benefits and even longer to work up to nightly usage.
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If all of this sounds appealing, there are two more things to keep in mind. First, only apply your retinol in the evening.Research suggests that sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive and minimizing that is a priority. Finally, be sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen whenever you plan to be outside… even for a short period of time. You’re bringing new skin to the surface, so damaging it should be avoided at all costs.
Happy anti-aging,
Team Reflect
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