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Retinol exfoliates the skin, increases skin cell turnover, and stimulates collagen synthesis. It is considered the gold standard for its anti-aging and skin clearing benefits. It is available in the forms of oils, creams, and serum. It is readily absorbed from the surface of the skin when applied topically. The small molecules of retinol go deeper into the skin layer (dermis). It helps neutralize free radicals and increases surface skin cell turnover, making new cells grow underneath. They reduce the breakdown of collagen and thicken the deeper layer of the skin. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels on the skin, reducing skin pigmentation.
Benefits of using retinol
Retinol alters the behavior of the aged cells and makes them appear more youthful. When incorporated into age preventive skincare routines, it reduces the uneven texture of the skin and makes skin look more toned. Retinol can be used all over the body. Applying vitamin A topically in the form of retinol includes the following benefits:
- It is most known for its anti-aging property because retinol binds to the retinoid receptors on the skin, enhancing cell turnover and stimulating the production of elastin and collagen (skin proteins).
- It thickens the deeper skin layers and enhances the skin's ability to retain water. This improves fine lines and wrinkles and reflects youthful, glowing skin.
- It also thins out the topmost cornified epithelial layer of the skin improving the tone and texture of the skin.
- It can help normalize the functions of oil glands and their follicles and is extremely helpful in controlling acne.
- It helps to soften fine lines and lightening hyperpigmentation in targeted areas or all over the skin.
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerSide effects of retinol
Though retinol provides a plethora of benefits on the skin, it also carries potential side effects if used without taking proper considerations. It is the strongest ingredient found in over the counter retinoid products and comes in a variety of strengths. It takes around 6 months to show visible results on the face after consistent usage. Most of the side effects are normal with retinol use and seen in almost everyone. However, they usually resolve as the skin accustoms to it with consistent usage. Hence, it is advised to start with low-strength retinol on alternate days and gradually increase the strength and frequency of usage. Retinol increases sun sensitivity; hence, it should not be used during the day. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) over 30 should be used throughout the year. Some of the side effects of using retinol include:
- It causes skin irritation or reddening if incorporated too quickly into the skincare regimen or used too often.
- Flakiness, dryness, and acne breakouts can occur when retinol is first added to the skincare routine.
- Increased sensitivity to the sun, dry skin, and peeling of the skin.
- Retinol should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
fluocinonide
Fluocinonide is a corticosteroid medication topically applied to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions that respond to corticosteroid treatment. Fluocinonide relieves dryness, redness, itching, scaling, crusting, and other discomforts associated with inflammatory skin conditions. Common side effects of fluocinonide include irritation, itching (pruritus), pain, burning, swelling, redness, discoloration, aggravation of the condition treated, pimples/zits (acne vulgaris), allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dermatitis around the mouth (perioral dermatitis), thinning of the skin (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), inflammation of follicles (folliculitis), excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), and others.propolis
Propolis is a natural adhesive and resin-like substance produced and used by bees that is commercially available in the form of capsules, mouthwash solutions, throat lozenges, powder and topical formulations such as ointments, creams, and lotions. Propolis has many uses, which include common cold and respiratory infections, inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions such as colitis and diverticulitis, cancer, herpes simplex infections, improvement of insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, reducing alcohol-induced liver injury, treatment of wounds, burns, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis; and others.pyrithione zinc
Pyrithione zinc is a chemical compound with antifungal and antimicrobial properties, used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff by increasing the cellular levels of copper and damaging iron-sulfur clusters of proteins that are essential for fungal metabolism and growth. Common side effects of pyrithione zinc include stinging and burning of the scalp, skin peeling (desquamation), and skin irritation (rare). Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.silicon
Silicon is taken as a dietary supplement to strengthen bones and improve hair, skin, and nail health. There are no known side effects from oral ingestion of silicon supplements. Inhaled silicon can cause: liver disease, kidney injury, increased risk for tuberculosis, and autoimmune disease. Consult with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.tolnaftate
Tolnaftate is an antifungal medication available over the counter (OTC) as creams, solutions, aerosols, and aerosol powders used topically to prevent and treat superficial fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm infections. Common side effects of tolnaftate include local irritation, stinging of skin, itching (pruritus), contact dermatitis, and sensitization. Consult your doctor before taking if pregnant or breastfeeding.vitamin E topical
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is used as a topical emollient to moisturize and soothe skin that is irritated or chafed from diaper use or other minor skin irritations. Vitamin E uses include healing of scar and surgical-wound tissue, moisturization and healing of skin, prevention of premature aging of the skin, and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Common side effects of vitamin E topical include redness (erythema), irritation, stinging, and burning. Consult with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.