Retinol, also call retinoids, have become very popular in recent years, primarily because they work. Retinol creams help the skin manufacture more collagen, which softens lines and wrinkles and makes the skin look younger.

What Are Retinoids and How Do They Work?

Retinoids have been around since the 1970s and they now rank among the most popular methods for helping skin look younger. They come in many forms, including creams, gels and liquids, but retinol creams seem to be the most commonly used because they are seen as an excellent choice for aging skin.

Retinoids come from vitamin A and they were initially prescribed as a way to treat acne. These days, however, they are more commonly used to treat psoriasis, as well as other skin ailments, but they are most commonly used to reduce the effect of aging on skin.

Retinoids are available in various strengths. The stronger formulas work best, although they can cause more side effects.

Many people mistakenly assume retinoids act like a loofah of sorts, peeling away the top layer of your skin. However, they actually cause your body to regenerate collagen, a skin protein. That is how they make your skin firmer and more elastic, which prevents more wrinkles.

Are Natural or Synthetic Retinoids Better?

Retinoids can come in either natural or synthetic forms. The natural retinol comes directly  from vitamin A, whereas the synthetic retinols are completely man-made. Both types trigger your skin to make more collagen, but synthetic retinoids make far fewer.

On the other hand, synthetic retinol creams tend to be less irritating. Therefore, there is  a trade-off of sorts; synthetics are less irritating to the skin, but they don't work as well. You have to decide for yourself if it's worth it to use synthetic retinoids over the natural kind.

How Do Retinol Creams Work to Prevent Wrinkles?

Whether you use prescription or over-the-counter versions of retinol creams, they prevent wrinkles by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. Retinoids sometimes create new blood vessels, which can make your skin rosier.

There are many popular prescription choices for aging skin, but you can buy some very effective types of retinoids off the shelf at the drug or discount store, or even the supermarket. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger version. The stronger versions work faster, but they also have a greater tendency to make your skin red or itchy.

The Best Way to Use Retinol Cream

Every night, place a small amount, about the size of a pea on your face and rub it all the way in. If you use more than that if can lead to redness or itching, or dry out your skin. Whatever you do, don't use retinol cream during the day, since retinoids break down in the sun.

There are side effects to Retinol creams. Among the most common are redness, dryer-than-normal skin, itching and flaking. If using a prescription, pay attention to your doctor's instructions. All of those side effects usually fade after a while, but your doctor may tell you to use them less frequently and work up to a nightly application, and you should listen.

There are a few other things to keep in mind, though. Retinol creams are safe for most users, although they haven't been sufficiently tested on pregnant women. Therefore, you should not use them while pregnant or while you're breastfeeding, just as a precaution.

Also, be patient; give them time to work. It can take as much as several months to witness changes when it comes to your wrinkles and fine lines, and it can often take a year or more. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.