For those of us with skin that is no longer youthful retinol skin care products products may help to decrease the number and depth of lines and wrinkles and to help prevent dryness by increasing the level of natural oils in the skin. Retinol skin care products have also been found to benefit those who suffer from chronic cystic acne by improving the appearance of the skin. Retinol is a milder form of vitamin A than is found in prescription only products and may be more suitable for those who have sensitive skin.

For those people who have tried a glycolic acid or chemical peel and experienced red, scaly, flaky or very dry skin a daily application of a retinol skin care product may be more suitable.

Studies of the Effects of Retinol Skin Care Products

The beneficial effects of retinol containing products have been shown in a number of scientific studies. Recently Sewon Kang, MD of the University of Michigan published a study on the effects of retinol skin care products on the skin of thirty six healthy elderly people. After an initial skin biopsy they applied a retinol containing lotion to the skin on their upper arms daily for six months. A final skin biopsy was then taken and compared with the initial one. The test showed that there was significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The effect was not permanent however as a slow return to the former 'wrinkly' condition was noticed by eleven of the participants after six months without using the preparation. The effect was fairly long lasting and does indicate that using a retinol skin care product regularly can have a significant effect on the number and depth of lines and wrinkles.

What Type of Products Are Available?

There are a variety of skin care products containing retinol available. It is recommended that you do not use more than one type at any time as this could increase the possibility of experiences side effect.

Skin Care Serums
Serums should be used if your skin needs a more effective treatment than lotions or creams provide. They are designed to penetrate deeply and should be used once a day before bed. They are best used for sun damaged or skin that is prematurely aging.

Skin Care Lotions
Lotions containing retinol are effective as moisturisers and will help to rehydrate dry skin. Use after washing the hands or showering. Carry a small bottle with you in your purse to use whenever your hands feel dry.

Retinol Skin Care Creams
Creams containing retinol rehydrate the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines especially around the eyes. Apply daily before going to bed.

Skin Care Eye Masks
Eye masks containing retinol are very useful for treating fine lines around the eyes. Used regularly they will greatly improve the appearance around the eyes and help them to sparkle.

Acne Treatments
Retinol containing acne treatments are excellent at preventing outbreaks and will also help to improve skin scarred by acne. Retinol is often used in combination treatments which also contain an anti-bacterial agent and a pore cleanser.

Other Uses of Retinol Skin care Products

Acne Treatment
Retinol containing products are useful in the treatment of acne as they are very good exfoliating agents and are effective in unclogging pores.

Dry Skin
Retinol skin care products are good moisturisers so they are excellent for the treatment of very dry skin.

Side Effects of Using Retinol Skin Care Products

Retinol is a mild form of vitamin A and is not as harsh as the derivatives found in prescription only products so side effects should be few. You may experience some redness or mild irritation when you first use these products but it should disappear in a day or two. This is expected and should not be a reason to stop using the product. Retinol is also known to increase sensitivity to the sun so it is best used at night before bed.

Conclusion

Retinol skin care products are very useful in the prevention and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles in aging skin and are also effective in the treatment of acne. The anti-wrinkle is not instant but you should see some improvement after about four weeks of daily use. After twelve weeks a significant reduction of lines and wrinkles is usually experienced.