Use of Retinol on the Face

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is used on the face mainly for anti-aging skin care. Retinol is also used for the treatment of acne. Retinol is available in a wide array of skin care products as well as by prescription.

Function

Retinol applied to the face on a regular basis will improve the appearance of your skin. Retinol works to diminish or eliminate facial problems such as age spots, fine lines, acne scars, warts, uneven complexion and rosacea.

Types

Retinol can be used on the face in the form of creams, lotions, serums and oils. Retinol also comes in eye and lip treatments.

Side Effects

Retinol use on your face can cause common side effects such as sensitivity to sunlight, redness, tingling, warmth of facial skin, flaking of skin or scaly skin.

Time Frame

The amount of damage to your skin surface will depend on how fast you will see results. Retinol products have shown improvement in facial skin in as little as two weeks.

Warning

Retinol products should not be used by pregnant women. High doses of vitamin A have been shown to be harmful to an unborn baby. Oral Retinol products, such as Accutane, have been shown to cause birth defects.

References

• Retinol Resource Center
• National Institutes of Health: Retinol
• Baby Center: Retinol