Monday, 10 December 2018

Retinoic Acid


A Magic Elixir to Erase Time
-Retinoic Acid-

                                                

As I’ve gotten older, it has become harder to ignore the fine lines that have started creeping into my youthful reflection staring back at me in the mirror.  All those extra little brown spots that have begun to emerge and those little shimmers of grey that glisten so effortlessly in the light.  It is apparent that I am aging.  And, like many other women my age, I am seeking a magic elixir that will slow down time, a product that will lesson or even reverse the signs of aging. 

In the world of ever-changing anti-aging serums and skincare, how do we chose the right product? 

Well, when it comes to the defense against fine lines and maintaining healthy skin, retinol has been proven to work3.  Retinol, alongside other retinoids, such as retinoic acid, is a derivative of Vitamin A.  A compound we cannot naturally produce in our bodies, but is essential in maintaining skin cell development and differentiation.  It inhibits collagen breakdown, increases collagen synthesis, increases elasticity, regulates sebum production and is an anti-inflammatory4.  What more could your skin need?  But wait, why does our skin wrinkle in the first place?

Wrinkles are most likely caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors.  Intrinsic aging occurs naturally over time; collagen and elastin production slows, the skin becomes thinner and fragile, and our oil and sweat glands begin to function at a diminished capacity2.  On the other hand, extrinsic aging occurs as a result of environmental damage.  This type of damage can result in sun spots and freckles, skin cancers and lesions, thickening of the cornified layer, and an exaggerated loss of collagen and elastin2. 

Finding over the counter anti-aging products with some form of retinoic acid (also known as, Retin-A) is imperative in reducing the look of fine lines. I would also suggest consulting your physician for a prescription.  However, if you’re looking for an over the counter solution, I highly recommend, Rendermic R Intensive Anti-Aging Treatment from Laroche-Posey at $56.00 or Restrutiv Retinol from Jouviance at $55.00.  We may not be able to stop the aging process, but we can slow it down.

                           Now let’s all continue to age with grace.

1National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database; CID=444795, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/444795  (accessed November 27, 2018).
2Obagi, S. (2005, September 26). Why does skin wrinkle with age? What is the best way to slow or prevent this process? [Kindle HDX Version]. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-skin-wrinkle-wit/
3Valenti, L. (2018, July 2). A beginner’s guide to retinol, here’s everything you need to know.  Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/retinol-retinoids-guide-fine-lines-sun-        damage-healthy-glow
4Veronique, M. (n.d.). Retinol explained + 6 tips for successful use. Retreived on December1, 2018, from https://www.marieveronique.com/blogs/science-research/retinol-explained-6-tips-for- successful-use
[Illustration of aging women]. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.franchiseindia.com/wellness/Coming-of-age--the-anti-aging-Industry.9513 

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