Among the skin care products, the active ingredient retinol has fought its way to the top. The active ingredient is better known as vitamin A and naturally helps in anti-aging therapy.
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What exactly is retinol?
Vitamin A is also called beta-carotene or retinol. It is formed in the body from provitamin A. It increases the activity of enzymes, which has a positive effect on cell division and renewal.
Vitamin A is largely absorbed from food. Since it is fat-soluble, the body can store it in the liver and gradually release it. The vitamin thus gets into the cells, where it protects the skin layer and even stimulates collagen formation. Since retinol can also be absorbed through the skin, care products with vitamin A are the absolute trend. The skin care can be used from the mid-20s.
What does retinol help against?
- stops age-related cell breakdown
- reduces pigment spots
- supports cell renewal
- inhibits enzymes that destroy collagen in the skin
- refines the skin texture
- gives freshness to the complexion
- loosens pimples and clogged pores
Which Retinol is Best for Me?
These are the three best retinol serums:
- The test winner among the Retionl serums in 2019 is the SatinNaturel serum (22.99 euros) . The serum contains 3% retinol, vitamins C, B3 and E, as well as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. The serum is purely natural cosmetics and even vegan!
- The retinol serum from bioniva (19.95 euros) is also one of the test winners in 2019. The vegan serum is natural cosmetics and also provides vitamins C and E, as well as hyaluronic acid and green tea. It refines the skin tone and helps against impure skin.
- Soul&sanity has brought out a comparatively cheap retinol serum (12.95 euros ). It is ideal as night care and also contains vitamins C and E and hyaluronic acid. It provides intensive moisture and protects the skin from drying out. As night care, it supports the natural regeneration of the skin.
These are the three best retinol creams:
- Hopemate ‘s Retinol Cream (16.99 euros) reduces wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, scars and increases collagen production. It contains, among other things , hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and jojoba oil.
- The Retinol Lift Cream from bioniva (22.49 euros) is vegan organic cosmetics and the 2019 test winner among retinol creams. In addition to retinol (2.5%), the cream also contains vitamin C and botanical hyaluronic acid.
- The retinol moisturizing cream from Pecoda (15.99 euros) provides intensive moisture and is suitable for both women’s and men’s skin. The cream also cares with aloe vera and jojoba oil. It balances the natural oil production, absorbs quickly and gives the skin elasticity and flexibility.
- The retinol moisturizing cream from Beau-Pro (14.99 euros) contains not only retinol but also vitamin E, which protects and regenerates the skin barrier. The cream provides intensive care and does not contain parabens, alcohol or other harmful ingredients.
When does retinol have a visible effect?
After only four weeks of daily use, pores are refined and small wrinkles are reduced. Pigment spots also become lighter. However, retinol reduces sebum production, so it should only be used as a serum two to three times a week. Otherwise there is a risk of dry skin.
Are there any side effects?
No sun
protection If you use a cream or serum containing retinol, you should avoid intensive sun exposure. The vitamin has a photosensitizing effect and, thanks to the slight peeling effect, removes the top layer of skin so that the skin loses its natural sun protection. If there is too much UV light, this then reacts with reddening and blistering. It is better to use retinol at night and apply a cream with sunscreen during the day.
Not recommended for sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin should use the milder product with retinaldehyde (vitamin A acid) instead of retinol, as this is significantly less irritating than retinol. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a dermatologist or a pharmacy.
