Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Benefits of Using Retinol Cream?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Retinol cream, derived from vitamin A, has been linked to many benefits and is often touted as a miracle skin treatment in the beauty industry. This type of cream is believed to clear plugged pores, a common cause of acne, as well as increase cell and collagen production in the skin, helping to ease the signs of aging. Due to this increase in cell turnover, retinol cream can also be effective at reducing discoloration in the skin as the result of excessive sun exposure or scaring. As retinol is a form of vitamin A, an antioxidant, it is also believed to prevent oxidation in the skin and counteract free radicals that cause the signs of aging in the first place.

One of the most common causes of acne, especially cystic acne, is clogged pores. When applied to the skin, retinol cream can help to dissolve dirt, toxins, and dead skin cells that often accumulate in the pores, helping to treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. Some dermatologists also believe that retinol cream can actually reduce the size of the pores, making one’s skin appear smoother and clearer.

Facial cleansers with retinol are designed to give users a more youthful appearance.
Facial cleansers with retinol are designed to give users a more youthful appearance.

Human skin naturally produces cells every day, shedding the outer layer to give way to new, fresh skin, yet, as a person ages, this process slows, which can result in one’s complexion appearing dull. Retinol cream may be able to increase cell production, causing the skin to look younger. It may also increase collagen production, a protein found underneath the skin that helps to keep it full and supple. A lack of collagen typically occurs as a person ages, and is one of the primary reasons for fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. For these reasons, retinol cream is often marketed for anti-aging purposes.

Retinol has anti-aging properties that can smooth facial skin by increasing the production of new cells.
Retinol has anti-aging properties that can smooth facial skin by increasing the production of new cells.

As retinol acts as an exfoliator and increases skin cell production, it can help to lighten discolored skin when pigmentation issues occur due to sun exposure or aging. For those who suffer from scaring due to past issues with acne, retinol cream can help to fade the marks left behind, especially those that are bright red. Retinol helps to remove the outer layer of dead skin, which is where some pigmentation issues occur, revealing more even-colored skin underneath.

Retinol cream can reduce skin discoloration that's caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
Retinol cream can reduce skin discoloration that's caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

Vitamin A is a well-known antioxidant, a substance that helps to neutralize oxidation in the skin, which is believed to be one of the primary reasons for changes in the skin as a person ages. Free radicals, which are produced when cells are exposed to environmental toxins, can cause damage to the cells in the body, especially to the skin, as this is the body’s first defense. Retinol cream can help to protect skin cells from oxidation and the effects of free radicals, preventing signs of aging such as discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

My sister uses retinol cream for her acne. She says that the cream keeps her skin free of pimples and helps get rid of blemishes as well.

I borrowed her retinol cream to use on cellulite because I heard that retinol can help. After about a week, the cellulite decided to disappear! I won't use my sister's cream anymore because I don't want to use it all up. But I'm definitely going to get my own retinol cream to use for cellulite. I'm so happy I discovered this, I had tried so many cellulite products before this that did not work.

fify

@bluedolphin-- Yes, retinol cream can fight wrinkles because it makes skin smooth and even. It can be used by all age groups, but it is especially beneficial for women above fifty. After a certain age, our skin starts losing moisture, collagen and oil which causes wrinkles to appear at an increasing rate. Since retinol rejuvenates skin and helps restore collagen and moisture, it's excellent for aged skin.

The great part about retinol cream is that since retinol is a type of vitamin A, the cream is fairly affordable. You don't need to pay a lot for retinol cream as there isn't much of a difference between expensive brands and affordable brands.

bluedolphin

I've heard that retinol cream can fight wrinkles and make skin look younger. Does it work for women above fifty? Has anyone here tried retinol cream as an anti-wrinkle cream?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Facial cleansers with retinol are designed to give users a more youthful appearance.
      By: ipag
      Facial cleansers with retinol are designed to give users a more youthful appearance.
    • Retinol has anti-aging properties that can smooth facial skin by increasing the production of new cells.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Retinol has anti-aging properties that can smooth facial skin by increasing the production of new cells.
    • Retinol cream can reduce skin discoloration that's caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
      By: azazello
      Retinol cream can reduce skin discoloration that's caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
    • Retinol is often touted as a miracle skin treatment in the beauty industry.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Retinol is often touted as a miracle skin treatment in the beauty industry.
    • Retinol cream may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
      By: biancia
      Retinol cream may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
    • Retinol cream may be useful for treating acne and preventing breakouts.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Retinol cream may be useful for treating acne and preventing breakouts.