How to Use Retinol Safely?
Essential Things to Know before Using Retinol.
Retinol is vitamin A and taking adequate amounts in our diet is essential for good health. It is available in our diet in its original form, in animal sources, especially the liver. It is known as provitamin A in plant sources, principally beta-carotene, with carrots being a well-known source. Provitamin A is converted in our body to its usable form retinol.
A deficiency, however, can cause problems, including dry eyes and vision problems but is rare in the developed world. Thus, treatment with Retinol will be rarely required. On the other hand, too much Retinol, called hypervitaminosis A, is also harmful and can have serious consequences. But it is always good to remember that a balanced diet is quite adequate to provide us with our daily needs of this essential vitamin.
Ways to Safely Use Retinol
It is essential to know about the retinol derivatives widely used in skin treatment to use Retinol safely.
· Tretinoin
This is available as a cream, ointment, or gel for local application (topical treatment). It was first used many decades back for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. But soon, doctors realized that it helps treat actinic keratosis (sun-damaged skin), pigmentation, age spots, and fine wrinkles. As a result, it is now widely used as part of many topical applications. The use of sunscreen during the daytime is essential, and tretinoin is suitable for prolonged use. It is a prescription drug, but it is probably best avoided since its safety in pregnancy is not established.
· Isotretinoin
Though it sounds similar and is a retinol derivative, it is altogether a different kettle of fish. It is taken orally, only and only for the treatment of certain types of severe or persistent acne, only under prescription and for a limited period of usage. It is never used for wrinkles and age spots. Multiple restrictions are required for its use, and if strictly followed, it can be used safely.
Before starting to use isotretinoin, you must ensure that you are not pregnant, two pregnancy tests are required to provide this, and regular pregnancy tests are required during treatment. You cannot become pregnant during isotretinoin treatment and immediately afterward, and to ensure this, two methods of contraception have to be used simultaneously. However, the only absolute way to ensure there is no pregnancy is abstinence. If for some reason, you feel that you may have become pregnant during isotretinoin treatment, you must stop taking medicine and immediately see your doctor. Unfortunately, if guidelines are not followed, it can cause significant congenital disabilities, premature labor, pre-term births, or the death of the fetus.
In addition, you cannot have dermabrasion, laser skin treatment, or use wax hair removers for six months after isotretinoin treatment because there is a risk of excessive scarring. Furthermore, additional Retinol must be strictly avoided during isotretinoin treatment to prevent the risk of Hypervitaminosis A. Finally, to end with a curious but essential fact — one must not donate blood during isotretinoin treatment and for 30 days after you stop. This is a precaution in case the blood contains enough isotretinoin and is transfused into a pregnant woman.
How to Use Retinol by Skin Diaries
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