The Benefits of Retinol for Skin, Explained
Retinol (also known as vitamin A1) is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products today. Indeed, a number of reputed natural skincare products that tackle the skin's most common issues contain retinol.
But what exactly are the benefits of retinol for skin? Let's take a look.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a type of retinoid and a derivative of vitamin A that's often used in over-the-counter skincare products. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and is found in foods such as sweet potatoes, avocados, eggs, carrots, and oily fish (foods that are known to prevent premature skin aging!).
What are the benefits of retinol for skin?
Why is retinol important for skin? Well, vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the skin, and retinol is one of the most effective forms of vitamin A. Retinol, when applied topically, helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it can also help to fade dark spots and improve skin tone.
In addition, retinol helps to boost collagen and elastin production, which makes the skin appear firmer, plumper, and smoother. This also seems to have a mimizing effect on large pores. Studies have shown that Vitamin A and its derivates are one of the most effective ingredients in slowing down the aging process of the skin!
Retinol is also an antioxidant, which means it helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In fact, it penetrates to the middle layer of the skin, the dermis, to neutralize free radicals that would otherwise cause premature skin aging.
Overall, retinol is an incredibly beneficial ingredient for the skin, and it can provide a wide range of benefits when used regularly.
How does retinol work?
Retinol has small molecules which penetrate deep into the skin. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. It essentially helps to renew the skin, and, as a result, you may see an improvement in wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone after using it.
Does retinol have any side effects?
Retinol can cause some minor side effects, including dryness, peeling, and irritation. Although there isn't enough research, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid using retinol topically.
Retinol can also make the skin vulnerable to sun damage (when no sunscreen has been used). However, the good news is that a 2022 study demonstrated that when retinol and CBD are used together for skincare, the latter lessens the side effects of the former.
Retinol and CBD
"While retinol is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it is associated with irritating effects. However, when combined with water soluble cannabidiol (CBD; CR Topical), CBD may act to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigating irritation from retinol and further improving the skin’s appearance through independent anti-aging mechanisms," reads the brief of the novel study on retinol and CBD, which was spearheaded by the famous Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Julius Few, MD, and published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.
So, if you wish to combat premature skin aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin problems caused by pollution, consider giving products with retinol (and CBD, for good measure) a try. Make sure to always go for a reputed brand and always do a patch test before deciding to regularly use a new skin care product!
When used as directed, retinol products can be an effective way to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Talk to your dermatologist about whether a retinol product is right for you.
Enjoy the benefits of retinol and CBD with INDICA Skincare
At INDICA Skincare, we use only the highest quality natural ingredients in our products, which is why we've included retinol along with CBD in our day cream, night cream, and eye contour cream. Plus, our day cream has SPF 20, which is helpful in countering the fact that retinol can make the skin more susceptible to UV rays!
Our luxurious CBD creams also contain hyaluronic acid, hemp seed oil, argan oil, and other beneficial natural ingredients that work together to hydrate and nourish the skin, combating the damage caused by premature aging and external stressors such as pollution.
Try our CBD CITY DETOX line today and enjoy the benefits of retinol and CBD for yourself! Our CBD skincare products are made in Europe, vegan, and free from parabens, silicones, and fragrances.
The Bottom Line
Retinol is an incredibly beneficial ingredient for the skin, providing a wide range of benefits, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. It can also help to improve collagen production and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. While retinol can cause some minor side effects, such as dryness and peeling, these can be mitigated by using a skincare product that also contains CBD. Try INDICA Skincare's CBD products containing retinol to get the best of both natural ingredients!
