A topic that's become very popular lately is retinol. Suddenly, everyone seems to be talking about it as if it were a miracle cure. Today, I'll discuss what retinol is exactly and why it's not necessarily good for everyone.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which is a very interesting substance in itself because it's packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants can combat wrinkles and give you younger, more flexible skin. That's why it's so widely used in cosmetics and skincare.
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Why shouldn't I use retinol?
What many people don't know is that you can't combine retinol with vitamin C, a vitamin that's used by quite a few people. Combining these two substances can cause severe irritation. Your skin becomes red and can even peel. Moreover, there's a maximum concentration of retinol in products of 0.3%. This isn't because vitamin A itself is dangerous, but as with most things, it becomes a risk when you use too much. Research has shown that too much retinol can lead to osteoporosis, which is especially dangerous for menopausal women. And this is precisely the largest target group for retinol. It's also often not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How often should I use retinol?
Another drawback is that retinol takes a long time to take effect and quickly loses its effectiveness if you stop using it regularly. Worse still, retinol loses its effectiveness when it comes into contact with the sun or air. Using it as a day cream is therefore quite useless. It's also recommended to use it for at least six months for optimal results.
How old do I have to be to use retinol?
It's generally recommended not to use retinol before age 25. This is mainly because the skin at a younger age still has sufficient collagen and elasticity and doesn't age significantly. Younger people may also experience irritation more quickly.
So is retinol always the best choice? No, in many cases, retinol isn't a good option. There are other vitamins or treatments that are much more effective at rejuvenating your skin.
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