Over the counter retinol products are increasing in popularity as people realize that they do actually work to reduce the lines and wrinkles that we all experience as we get older. One of the more effective ingredients used in anti-aging products is retinol, a vitamin A derivative, that has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
How does retinol work?
This small molecule is able to penetrate the upper skin layers and reach deep into the skin to the structures that give support and elasticity. These are collagen, which supports the skin and prevents sagging, and elastin which keeps the skin elastic. When these two structures are damaged, by age or environmental factors, the skin loses its youthful appearance, sags and develops wrinkles and lines. Retinol is able to reach these structures and repair them thus restoring a youthful appearance.
Retinol won’t work overnight. Damage takes many years to occur and repairing it is going to take some time. You should use these products for at least two months to start to see any effects. If you stop using retinol the collagen and elastin will begin to be damaged again and the effects will slowly reverse.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
One popular over the counter retinol product is RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. It is a bestseller at Amazon and sells for under $15. It contains as much active ingredient as many of the more expensive anti aging creams and is popular among customers. The majority of customers who bought this product were very happy with the effects and saw noticeable changes, some in as little as two weeks although this is unusual. Most people found that it took around 6 weeks to see a really good improvement in the skin. A few people were allergic to the cream so it would be best to use it for a few days on an unnoticeable test area to be sure you aren’t going to react. In a few people it caused some acne breakouts.
Conclusion
Overall, over the counter retinol products are effective as long as you persevere and use them regularly for long enough to see the effects. If you don’t expect overnight miracles and use the products as directed you should see a marked decrease in lines and wrinkles and a more youthful looking skin.