Retinol

Retinol is an antioxidant derived from vitamin A that is vital to use in your skin care regimen. Retinol, commonly referred to as retinoic acid, retinaldehyde and retinal, is widely used in cosmetics because of its highly effective results. In studies, retinol has been shown to affect the production of human growth hormones, which stimulate growth and cell reproduction. Retinol is formulated in products to help address such conditions as acne and keratosis pilaris.

All derivatives of vitamin A are used in skin care products because of its anti-aging abilities. Vitamin A has a very small molecular structure, therefore is easily absorbed into the skin, thus increasing the skin's cell turnover rate and resulting in an increase of collagen.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream is one of the most highly concentrated retinol products available without prescription. It helps to prevent as well as reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Eye creams containing retinol are particularly helpful in preventing premature aging in the eye area. iS Clinical Eye Complex is ideal for use around the eye, as it contains ingredients that also help to fight dark circles.

When retinol is used with ingredients such as glycolic acid and vitamin E, it provides an excellent exfoliant as well as humectant for the skin, such as in Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20%.