Q: I’ve heard that Retinol can reduce age-related lines and wrinkles in the face. Is this true, and is it safe to use?

A: Yes to both your questions. Here’s how Retinol (Vitamin A) works. As skin ages, it becomes drier and suffers from a lack of oxygen in the cells, which causes aging signs to appear – fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, uneven skin tone, dull color, visible or enlarged pores, blotches and age spots, and extreme dryness.

We can’t stop the aging process, of course, but we can slow it down. The products made to achieve these results are frequently referred to as “anti-aging" products. Retinol works as an antioxidant and is a key ingredient in many facial skin care products labeled “age-defying” or “anti-wrinkle.” Retinol’s main effectiveness is in decreasing excessive breakdown of the proteins collagen and elastin in the skin, a process that increases as we get older.

Retinol is added to moisturizers to plump up the skin by increasing moisture in the cells. Because the strength of our immune system decreases as we age, Retinol may help skin repair for those over age forty-five. Retinol helps hold back the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, although its beneficial skin-renewal effects apply more to people over forty-five and less for those under twenty-five. It may even cause acne on younger skin if applied too often.

So just remember, skin creams containing Retinol are safe if used in moderation. The concentrations of Retinol in most creams and oils is very low, so that the risk of skin irritation is small. If you do experience persistent skin irritation or chronic peeling after using a skin product containing Retinol, you should stop using the product and consult your healthcare provider. Most anti-wrinkle creams containing Retinol lose their potency over time, so you don’t want to store it and forget it.