New to Retinol? A Complete Guide on the Skin-Care Ingredient
As far as over-the-counter skin-care products go, retinol is the ultimate age-defying ingredient.iStock (4)
If you’re a skin-care junkie intent on preserving as much youthfulness as possible, you’ve no doubt come across retinol. The ingredient is often credited with being the most effective at battling wrinkles, plus other skin imperfections like acne. “If you’re going to use one thing, it should be some form of retinoid,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
But what exactly is retinol, and how does it work? Consider this everything you need to know about the popular skin-care ingredient.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which plays a key role in helping cells regenerate, according to Mount Sinai.
Retinoids, which belong to the same family as retinol (more on that later), were first introduced in 1971 as a treatment for acne, psoriasis, wrinkles and other signs of aging, and some cancers, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
The first retinoid on the market was tretinoin topical (Retin-A), according to according to Harvard Health Publishing. Initially, it was used to treat acne, but it was later found to promote cell turnover and fade pigmentation spots on the skin.
Retinol and retinoids are now prized for their anti-aging benefits. Dr. Saedi says retinoids deserve this reputation, which has been gained over years of scientific support. “It’s been around for so long, we have so much data on it, and it really works,” Saedi says.
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