The search for magic formulas that help us to preserve our youthful looks and generally conceal the signs of aging has led to an ever-increasing number of innovations in the beauty and skincare industry (link to separate article on the beauty industry). And among perhaps the most use elements to have gained widespread recognition for their anti-aging properties are Retinol and hyaluronic acid stand.
There is a good reason why we often see them highlighted as powerful combatants used in anti-aging creams and beauty products.
In this article, we’ll explore why Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid are so effective in the fight against aging and how they work together to deliver apparently amazing results.
Let’s start with Retinol and get a feeling for why it is, and has been for a long time, regarded as an age-defying powerhouse.
Our body derives Retinol from vitamin A which, incidentally, is sometimes called Retinol. It results from chemical reactions in the liver. Physiologically, when you consume vitamin A, it is first converted into retinyl esters (see below), which are stored in the liver. When your body needs Retinol, the retinyl esters are released from the liver and transported to other tissues where they are converted into Retinol. It can also be synthesized from beta-carotene which is found in many fruits and vegetables.
Retinol was discovered in 1909 but it wasn’t until the 1950’s that it started to be used as a skin therapy.
It essentially stimulates the production of collagen which is a protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity. As we grow older, we produce less collagen which causes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Retinol encourages the production of collagen, effectively reducing these signs. In addition, it:
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance produced by our bodies where it plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and overall health. It has an amazing ability to retain water making it an outstanding hydrating agent.
When applied topically, it can significantly improve skin’s moisture content, leading to a plumper, more youthful complexion.
The impact of this hydration minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles which occur as we age and our skin becomes more dehydrated. It improves skin elasticity, making it more supple and can help calm skin irritations.
The Hyaluronic Acid used in skincare products comes from either animal or non-animal sources. It may surprise you to learn that animal-based hyaluronic acid is produced from the red flesh at the top of a rooster’s head. This variant is very close to that found naturally in our bodies. Non-animal based hyaluronic acid is made through a process of microbial fermentation to yield the perfect molecular weight that is ideal for skincare purposes. It is the most common way to get hyaluronic acid because it is more cost-effective for manufacturers and consumers and is more eco-friendly because of its reduced impact on the environment.
When used together in anti-aging products, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid are a powerful combination to help keep your skin looking youthful by improving texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and increasing collagen production. However, it’s important to note that Retinol can cause irritation or dryness in some people. Therefore, it’s best to start with a low concentration of Retinol and gradually increase it over time to ensure you have no adverse reaction.
More specifically, each of the components play complementary roles. For example:
This vitamin is a fat-soluble organic compound needed by the body to remain healthy. As humans we cannot make the vitamin, so we need to get it from the foods we eat. Unlike in some parts of the developing world where insufficient vitamin A manifest itself in a variety of complicated health issues, those in more advanced societies can find it in a whole variety of foods such as:
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining good vision, particularly in low-light conditions by aiding the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that allows the eye to absorb and detect low levels of light, which allows us to see better in the dark.
Not only does vitamin A promote healthy skin by producing new skin cells, preventing dryness, and helping to treat skin conditions like acne, it also aids in the repair of damaged skin tissues. Burn victims are given supplements of the vitamin to promote the growth of new skin in their recovery process.
It is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system by helping to protect the body against infections and disease. It does this by maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes and skin barriers.
As a powerful antioxidant it can neutralize the harmful free radicals in the body, a contributory factor in raising the risk of chronic diseases.
It also helps to maintain healthy bones by regulating the activity of bone-building cells.
Be aware that while vitamin A supplements are readily available, it can be toxic when taken in excess amounts. Take too little and you will experience vision problems and increase the risk of infections. Take too much and your bones will weaken and break more easily as well as produce ailments such as nausea, headache, and joint pains.
So, in terms of overall health, you should aim to get your daily recommended intake from the foods shown above rather than supplements. The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 900 micrograms for men and 700 micrograms for women.
Retinyl esters are like little packages of vitamin A in your body. They’re a way your body stores and carries vitamin A, which is good for your skin, eyes, and immune system. These vitamin A packages are mostly found in foods from animals.
There are a few types of these packages:
Retinyl acetate: Think of this as vitamin A wrapped in a material called acetic acid. It’s often used in vitamin A pills and added to foods to make them healthier.
Retinyl palmitate: This is like vitamin A wrapped in something called palmitic acid. It’s also used in vitamin A pills and put in cosmetics and skincare products because it’s good for your skin.
Retinyl propionate: This is vitamin A wrapped up with propionic acid. Sometimes it’s used in skincare products for making your skin look better.
Your body turns these packages into active vitamin A, which does many important things, like keeping your skin healthy, helping you see well, and making sure your immune system works properly. People often use it in skincare products to fight things like acne and to make their skin look younger. But remember, it’s possible to have too much of these vitamin A packages, and that can be harmful. So, if you’re thinking about taking extra vitamin A, it’s a good idea to first talk to a medical professional.