How Exactly Do Retinol Creams Work?

Moisturize To Restore And Repair The Dermal Layers

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is composed of three layers - the epidermis, dermis and a subcutaneous tissue layer called the hypodermis (made up of fat and connective tissue). Moisturizing Retinol creams work to stimulate the production of Collagen in the dermis layer of the skin, which then creates a more elastic feel as it regenerates new skin cells and rejuvenates old skin cells that ultimately rise up to the epidermis (outer) layer of the skin to decrease the look of deep lines and pigmentation.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the top layer of the skin which is composed of dead skin cells connected by a protein matrix. It is broken into several layers which include (bottom to top) stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and the stratum corneum. A fifth layer, the stratum lucidum, is evident in areas such as the bottom of your feet where the skin is thicker. While these cells don't get a blood supply, they are essential in creating a protective barrier for the skin.

The top layer of the epidermis helps retain moisture within the skin, and is normally made up of about 15% water. When the moisture content drops, the skin starts to look dry and flaky until it eventually starts cracking. Anti-aging Retinol creams work by rehydrating this layer of the skin and stimulating damaged cells to repair themselves.

Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and offers structural support for the skin, as well as connecting the epidermis to the blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves. The dermis is thinner (like the skin on your neck) and therefore more prone to wrinkling due to dryness. The primary function of a moisturizer is to delay the loss of moisture and a good cream will work to retain the moisture already present within the dermis. Moisturizers work to trap moisture in the dermis before it has a chance to escape. Moisturizing the skin is a crucial component of every skincare regimen, which allows the skin to trap the water in the dermis and the viable layers of the epidermis to maintain healthy, supple and youthful skin.

Hypodermis

The hypodermis is the deepest layer that anchors the skin to muscles and naturally contains fat. It is where skin cells are formed. The natural cycle of the skin means that as new cells are created, dead cells on the epidermis will be worn away, a process that takes around a month. During this time, new skin cells, produced in the hypodermis, rise to the epidermis and flake off.

No cream will be able to revive these dead cells. However, if dead cells are removed (preferably via exfoliation) younger, newer, viable cells will dominate and help the skin look more radiant. The hypodermis benefits greatly from a balanced diet and perhaps even a nutritional supplement such as phytoceramides to help maintain the health of the skin cell renewal hub.

Most products are formulated using one or more of the three main types of substances which include: humectants, emollients and occlusive compounds. Each of these components has a unique mechanism of action and the majority of skincare manufacturers will use a combination of these ingredients to create a synergistic effect for the most positive results.

What Should You Look For In An Effective Retinol Cream?

We have all been let down by products that promise to help us look younger, only to find a month later that nothing has changed. However, anti-aging Retinol creams really do work – if you find a legitimate, quality product.

A good Retinol product will use the highest-quality clinically-studied active ingredients, and contain only 1% Retinol with complimentary ingredients for a higher percentage of active ingredients. Because the active ingredients are what cause results, the more active ingredients there are, the better. You should also look to buy from reputable companies that sell a range of products.

A good product will use the highest-quality patented active ingredients, and contain a minimum of 2% (the higher the better). You should also look for reputable companies that sell a range of products.

When you see a company that’s only selling one item and uses some hot marketing slogans in the name, you’re going to want to steer clear. Oftentimes, companies will use strong marketing to make up for having a weak formula.

If you want to try out any promising age-defying Retinol creams, check out our reviews, where we analyzed products based on their ingredients, company's reputation, customer reviews, and more to help you find the right product for yourself. Now, you don’t have to scratch your head when you type ‘Best Retinol Cream’ into the search bar and end up with hundreds of results. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation!

What Makes A Retinol Cream More Effective Than Others?

The secret lies in what makes up the Retinol cream formula. Products that use active ingredients that are backed by clinical research are what's going to make the difference. Look for 1% Retinol cream that is supported with a high percentage of active ingredients such as 5% Hyaluronic Acid and 5% soluble Collagen, designed to hydrate the skin and replenish missing essential nutrients. Retinol creams that offer protection and support for each layer of the skin are essential in the battle to fight the visible signs of aging and sustain youthful looks for longer.

Read the labels and educate yourself on ingredients. Use the best kept secrets from the laboratory to enjoy youthful, beautiful skin that defies the signs of aging.