- Image by womenwithoutborders via Flickr
8 Quick Tips Using Retinol Products To Prevent Wrinkles
If you are ready to get on the band wagon to boost your skins collagen,reduce fine lines on your face,and put your skin cell turnover on warp speed you may be thinking retinoids. These are serious skin care products that are FDA approved,and have been studied for effectiveness for almost 40 years. Retinoids can either be prescription wrinkle creams,or found in lower doses in over the counter (OTC) wrinkle creams,they do have one negative side effect;they can be irritating to the skin as they work to smooth wrinkles and build collagen. The process involves increasing your own skin cell turn over speed,and as a result they will cause some peeling and flaking of your skin,but most men and women feel that this is small price to pay for keeping wrinkles at bay.
Which Product to Choose OTC Wrinkle Creams or Prescription Wrinkle Creams
First it is best to determine your skin type. If you have sensitive skin you may want to start with an over the counter retinol product or one that contains a lower percentage of retinol. OTC retinoid products can be less irritating to the skin,but will produce a slower rate of skin turn over then prescription strength that can be much more irritating to the skin. That does not mean that they do not work,it simply means that they will take more time for you to notice a visible difference in your skin. Prescription strength usually start showing results in 4 to 8 weeks,but an over the counter anti aging wrinkle cream may take up to 12 weeks to see a difference in the smoothness of your skin,and fading of skin discolorations.
OTC anti wrinkle formulas should contain at least 0.1% of retinol,and packaged in air tight containers to prevent the degrading of the product,and its effectiveness. A good rule of thumb when it comes to OTC anti aging,and OTC wrinkle creams is that if you do not start to notice skin smoothing benefits after 3 months you should consider trying going to see a dermatologist for a prescription-strength formula.
For facial rejuvenation and anti aging,the most commonly prescribed anti wrinkle creams,or gels are retinoids. Tretinoin (Atralin,Avita,Retin-A,Retin-A Micro,Renova),Adapalene (Differin) and Tazarotene (Tazorac,Avage) are their pharmaceutical names. Tretinoin (it’s prescribed for individuals with very dry skin),Tazoracor Avage (people with severe photodamage – sun damage may be prescribed this strong retinoid),and Differin (prescribed for individuals with the most sensitive skin).
Start Out With A Lower Dose Retinol
You might want to try an OTC wrinkle cream first before heading to the doctor for a prescription that is usually not covered by insurance for anti aging purposes;RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is a good choice. One benefit to trying out an OTC wrinkle cream first is that many people who have used an over the counter anti wrinkle cream with retinol have found that when they switch to a prescription strength retinol that their skin is less likely to suffer the harsh redness and peeling experienced by new users of prescription strength retinoids.
A couple quick tips to consider before you start using a RX or OTC Retinoid;
- Don’t start using a retinoid product right before a major event (wedding,reunion,graduation) as you might experience redness and peeling.
- Use only the recommended pea-size amount,and avoid the eye area,and lips.
- Apply the product only in the evening,as the product ingredients are very sensitive to sunlight.
- Ease into this product,and you can avoid the rough transition period of redness,and flaking. Start your applications by applying only every third day for 2 weeks,and then apply every other day for 2 weeks. If your skin is tolerating the retinoid then go to an every night schedule,you should start to notice visible results in 4-8 weeks with the prescription retinoid,and in about 8-12 weeks with the OTC.
- Wait at least 15 minutes after you wash your face before applying a retinoid. If you find that your face is peeling and red try this trick. Slather on the pea size amount leave on for 10-15 minutes and then wash off with a gentle cleanser using your hand not a cloth. Gently Pat your face dry,and apply your moisturizer 15-20 minutes later.
- To maintain the results you will have to commit to using a retinoid for life. Once you stop using the OTC wrinkle creams or RX retinol your skin will slowly stop turning over skin cells as quickly and you will start to see more skin discolorations and wrinkles.
- Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen or sun block with a SPF of 30 or higher,to protect your new skin from harmful UV rays.
- Don’t use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Related Article From Younger Skin Tips:
Is Your Lack Of Sleep Aging Your Skin?
Why Smoking Causes Wrinkles-Smoking Wrinkles-Skin Aging
6 Anti Aging Tips To Look Younger and Feel Younger
It’s True,Applying Perfume or Cologne Can Damage Your Skin
Skin Care For Sensitive Skin In 3 Steps
How To Think Sun Smart For Cancer Prevention
Best Way To Prevent Wrinkles
Related articles by Zemanta
- 5 Stretch Mark Solutions (health.yahoo.com)
- Meryl Streep’s secret to skin that shimmers (nationalpost.com)
Maya Bailey