Sensitive Skin and Retinol

While there is no defined cure for sensitive skin, and no one is born with sensitive skin, it is apparent that the skin can become intolerant from the use of products with perfumes, dyes and additives that make it reactive, even sometimes, to products designed to soothe and improve the health and quality of the skin. While we can successfully treat symptoms—redness, irritation, itching, and blotchiness—deviating from a healthy skin plan can bring the issues right back.  Improving the overall quality of skin however, is a great way to reduce the reactive nature of sensitive skin.  A good treatment for sensitive skin is a program of skincare products that include retinol to strengthen skin and enable it to renew itself. Retinol is an active ingredient used in sophisticated cosmetic skin care. It is the most effective substance for the care of aging and UV-damaged skin. Retinol accelerates mitosis, increases enzyme activity, and normalizes keratinization, which improves, strengthens and normalizes the cell renewal process. With the use of retinol, the epidermis and dermis grow thicker, and the skin becomes firmer, elastic and fortified. Additionally, this reduces wrinkles and lines in number, area, length and width. Retinol improves skin texture and tolerance. A skin-strengthening product such as retinol is a step toward resolving sensitive skin issues. Retinol increases cell turnover which forces the damaged surface cells to slough off, allowing the new healthy cells to emerge. Using retinol, a natural form of Vitamin A, replaces what the skin has lost over time (the ability to stimulate the retinoid-receptor found on every cell) and takes the skin to a new healthier, stronger state, which is important in the treatment of sensitive skin. Retinol improves cell formation and often reduces the appearance of blotchy reactive skin that can be easily over stimulated. Beyond treating skin sensitivity, retinol is also considered the most important and effective anti-aging topical that can produce results for everyone that uses it. It smoothes and plumps the skin, and evens skin tone. The use of retinol, in some cases, can increase skin redness, so choosing a retinol product that is blended with high-levels of anti-inflammatory ingredients is a factor in balancing sensitive skin issues. It is recommended to use retinol only one night a week, to start. This will gradually increase skin tolerance, minimize sensitivity, and will prepare the skin, so that the treatment can be used more often. Layering moisturizers containing peptides, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients will help the skin adjust to retinol and provide maximum skin health benefits. Long term regular use of retinol will provide the skin with the vital nutrient, (vitamin A) it needs to be healthier and less reactive to the environment. Using products containing mandelic acid is a great add to minimize bacteria and to provide anti-inflammatory support to the skin. Of course, the careful use of a mild cleanser and a full spectrum sun block is important for safe and effective retinol use.