Age spots and sun damage may make the skin on your face look dark and wrinkled. Retinol is a topical antioxidant available over-the-counter that can reduce free radicals, making skin appear brighter, tighter and smoother. Dermalogica manufactures several skincare products containing retinol as an active ingredient.
Dermalogica History
Dermalogica was created by skin therapist Jane Wurwand in 1986. Wurwand, the founder of the International Dermal Institute, wanted to create a skincare line that didn't contain lanolin, mineral oil, artificial fragrances, SD alcohol or artificial colors. As of 2010, Dermalogica products are available at beauty supply stores, department stores and online shops.
Retinol
Retinol is an ingredient found in a variety of skincare products, particularly to reduce wrinkles and create a more even skin tone. Retinol is derived from vitamin A, which helps reduce the unstable oxygen molecules on the skin that create wrinkles, states the Mayo Clinic. Retinol is often used in over-the-counter treatments, like Dermalogica products, because it is less potent than tretinoin. Like retinol, tretinoin is a treatment approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles, but it is often found in prescription wrinkle treatments.
Dermalogica Retinol Products
Dermalogica products that contain retinol include MultiVitamin Power Firm; Intensive Eye Repair; MultiVitamin Power Concentrate; Skin Smoothing Cream; Intensive Moisture Balance; Multivitamin Hand & Nail Treatment; Intensive Moisture Masque and Multivitamin Power Concentrate. Not all Dermalogica products contain retinol, and potential buyers should check the list of ingredients to determine if retinol is an active ingredient before purchasing a Dermalogica product.
Warning
Side effects of using products that contain retinol, including Dermalogica retinol products, may include redness, peeling of the skin, skin irritation and swelling, in cases of severe allergies. Women who are pregnant should not use products containing retinol because it can increase the risk of birth defects, states the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of retinol treatments are less severe than prescription treatments containing tretinoin.
Expert Insight
Although the effects of retinol on the skin may be noticeable, particularly after using it regularly for several weeks, the Mayo Clinic states that using retinol will probably not provide a "face-lift in a bottle." Over-the-counter skin creams, including Dermalogica creams containing retinol, may not provide the drastic results that prescription creams can. The Mayo Clinic does suggest that retinol may be effective in slightly reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
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