Dermatologists praise Retinol as an excellent over-the counter anti-wrinkle ingredient. Retinol creams work to soften lines and fade age spots.

WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol is the technical name for Vitamin A. Research suggests that topical Vitamin A can help build collagen fibers and exfoliate the skin, thereby minimizing the appearance of fine lines.

There are several forms of Vitamin A found in the body. Retinol is one of them; other forms include retinyl palmitate, retinal and retinoic acid. Renova and Retin-A? are retinoic acid, also known as tretinoin.

WHY USE A RETINOL CREAM?

Regular use of a retinol cream increases cell turnover and exfoliation by stimulating cell production and new collagen production. As we age, this process normally slows down and layers of dead, sun damaged skin cells build up on the skin. This causes our skin to look dull and thick; pores look large and we see the visible effects of sun damage such as age spots, uneven skin tone and less elasticity.

Using a retinol cream will encourage the exfoliation of these dead skin cells so healthier cells can surface. Skin will appear softer and smoother and pores will appear smaller. Skin will look younger and healthier. With the stimulation of collagen production, skin cells will be plumper, more like they were in our youth.

The cell rejuvenation caused by vitamin A has also been shown to be helpful on acne patients because the exfoliation unclogs pores and helps fade acne scars.

When looking for a vitamin A or retinol creme product, look for one with a high enough level of retinol to be effective.

POPULAR RETINOL-CONTAINING PRODUCTS

Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in the skin creams and lotions of several popular product lines including DDF, SkinScience, and M.D. Forte.

Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of the site Skin-Sage.com, which is dedicated to reviewing anti-aging and anti-wrinkle skin care products and offering tips on achieving younger looking skin.