Anti-Aging: Retinol

Introduction:

Retinol is part of a class of chemical compounds called 'Retinoids' which are structurally similar to Vitamin A.

Terminology/Ingredients:

Examples of the compound include: retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin, tazarotene.

Pro-retinol products (chemicals which are broken down to retinol) include: Retinyl Actate and Retinyl Palmitate.

Indications:

-Acne

-Wrinkles

-Age spots/ hyperpigmentation

-Sun damaged skin

Mechanism of action:

Retinol is thought to increase collagen production by stimulating skin cells called fibroblasts which aids healing and pushes the 'damaged and pigmented skin cells' to the top of the skin to allow to be 'sloughed' off providing a brightening effect. Meanwhile it also inhibits the enzymes that cause skin cell destruction.

Evidence-based:

Many studies have been performed but the most renowned is from the University of Michigan which reported in the Journal Archives of Dermatology evidence to support that 0.1% tretinoin significantly reduced wrinkles and roughness after 8-12 months of use.

Packaging:

Higher doses are dermatologist prescribed only. However, there are lower dosed retinol in moisturisers/ serums sold in both drugstores and departmental stores. Retinol must be packaged properly to ensure it remains stable for continued and effective use as it is light and air-sensitive.

Adverse effects:

Dry flakiness and sensitivity.

Sun exposure can cause increased skin sensitivity.

Interactions:

Can work synergistically with AHA/BHA products for better penetration through the epidermis of the skin.

Controversies:

A former lawyer now turned cosmetic scientist argues that retinoids actually causes aging by increasing moisture loss at the outermost layer of the skin.

Products I might purchase:

RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment

Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment

Important Disclaimer: None of the above advice can be a substitute for medical or professional skin care advice - please only consult qualified general medical and/ or dermatology physicians for serious skin complaints. The information is not sponsored by manufacturers here but may reflect their claims and this site cannot be held responsible for such claims made.

Dedicated to Skin Care

Oh bullocks! - I am going to be 31 years old tomorrow. How time flies....

When I was 13 I knew I was a 'teenager'.

At 16, shipped off to boarding school.

Aged 18, had life-changing examinations.

Met my ( now- ) hubby at the tender age of 19 at Uni.

20s were all about my career and getting married

and in fact,...things haven't changed much.

It's still about work

- I eat, sleep and breathe it.

It was my choice,

....I don't regret it.

However, I realise now that I have to take care of myself. I can't rely on my youth anymore and I can't take it for granted.

This post is a declaration of my dedication to anti-aging skincare. I certainly don't know much about it and have decided - via this blog - to educate myself and will thus be doing a series of posts covering the basics as well as AHAs/BHAs, Retinoids, Niacinamide, Vitamin C and E, etc. I may also find some mask recipes and/or DIY serums to let you know about.

In any case, I am on a quest - a quest, to battle future wrinkles and I won't 'GO' without a fight.

Cue crescendo background music of Christina Aguilera's song 'Fighter'......

My Current Cleansing Routine

So, I wear some hardcore foundations that provide the 'stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun' (as per Blackadder season IV). I am talking ELDW and the newly released MAC prolongwear foundation (review coming up shortly) and I need me some real heavyduty stuff to get rid of it - so here goes my routine.

1. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (approx AUD 60)

It is a white emollient which, when rubbed between fingers, becomes an oil and dissolves even the most stubborn of makeup. It is fragrance free and the cons are firstly, the unhygienic dipping of fingers into the tub (I use a small spatula) and secondly that it feels like it leaves an oily film on the face so I finish off with a bit of Neutrogena. I would not recommend this product to those with oily/combination skin.

2. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (approx AUD 13)

It is a water-based cleanser with a not-so-nice smell but helps get rid of the residual makeup muck left on my face. It does however, makes my skin feel a little dry afterward. And because I am OCD, every night I finish off my routine with a facewipe (just to make sure I am officially facially nekkid of mu:))

3. Neutrogena Makeup remover cleansing towelettes (approx AUD 9)

Soft refreshing facewipes especially lovely after a long day of hard work, leaving my skin prepped and primed for moisturisation.

Lick the bowl!

Grown is a luxurious organic skincare range available in Myer and National Pharmacies Australia -wide.

The packaging is very 1920s -almost Philosophy-esque- and very beautiful, which certainly stands out from the crowd!

It is packed with 100% organic essential oils and free of Lauryl Sulphate, Glycols, Petrochemicals, artifical fragrance, animal derivatives, silicons and parabens.

The product that in my opinion is 'da bomb' is the Vanilla and Orange peel hand cream. It is gloriously moisturing and it smells and reminds me of the yummy uncooked cake mix that mum used to make and once in the cake tin ready to bake; i used to 'lick the bowl' remnants clean.