Retinol Side Effects
What is Retinol and What Benefits Does It Provide?
Vitamin A comes from two sources: retinoids (which includes retinol) and carotenoids. These sources provide many health benefits for the skin and body. Retinol, for example, has many anti-aging perks. Its ability to help reduce wrinkles, enhance collagen production, and even out pigmentation are only a few reasons you’ll find retinol in many anti-aging skin care products such as Geneva Naturals Advanced Anti-Aging Retinol Cream.
With all the benefits that promote an ageless appearance, you may be wondering if the use of retinol brings any side effects. The answer is yes. Even though there are health benefits involved, there are still risks to consider when using products that contain retinol.
What Side Effects Are There?
Products that contain retinol are generally found over-the-counter and help to reduce the signs of aging. When a physician prescribes topical vitamin A to treat acne or severe skin conditions, the prescription generally has retinoids that contain more of the active ingredient than over-the-counter products. The higher percentage of retinol in the product you use, the more side effects you may experience.
Whether you use an over-the-counter product or a prescription, there are possible side effects to watch for:
Avoid the Risks
Consult your physician. One of the most important things to do before applying retinol, or skin care products that contain retinol, is to consult your physician or pharmacist. Make sure they are aware of any health concerns you have that may put you at higher risk of unpleasant side effects. If you are pregnant consult your physician before application of retinol products.
Do a patch test. Place a small amount of the product on your arm or underneath the jaw then monitor the area for at least 12 hours. If you don’t experience irritation or other side-effects you can begin use on your face.
Use at night and once daily. Vitamin A is sensitive to light, so using it at night will help reduce the risk of side-effects that come with extended sun exposure. You may also decide to add sunscreen after applying your retinol product. Retinol products also only need to be used once daily unless prescribed otherwise. Double doses don’t double results but may double the side-effects.