What is retinol?

Retinol is the beauty industry’s favorite solution to all skin problems. It is a synthetic vitamin A derivative that is known for quick-fixing acne. Retinol unclogs pores and reduces outbreaks by removing dead cells. It also helps in fading out the scars. 

But, is it really the miracle remedy it’s made out to be?

Let’s take a deep-dive into what long-term use of retinol could mean for your skin.

How does retinol work to cure acne?

Retinol is a popular ingredient used in anti-aging creams to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles. But this synthetic vitamin A derivative was used as an effective treatment for acne even before it’s anti-aging properties were discovered. It’s sold both as a prescriptive drug and an over-the-counter topical cream.

When retinol is applied, the skin cells convert it to retinoic acid which sloughs off dead cells. This unclogs the skin’s pores, allowing other medications to work through. They also reduce the skin’s oil production and alleviate inflammation, both of which prevent further breakouts.

Sounds perfect? Not quite.

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The risks of retinol

While retinol is known as a wonder cure since it works fast, the long term side effects can have an adverse effect on skin health, and in severe cases, even physical health.

By dissolving dead skin layers, it leaves the skin exposed to environmental damage. Side-effects are peeling, redness, scaling, and hyperpigmentation. These symptoms are often clubbed under a condition called ‘retinoid dermatitis’.

If the side-effects are severe, they can cause swelling, hives, and even breathing difficulties.

Side-effects of retinol
Acute peeling, scaling, burning and redness Cause Image
Acute peeling, scaling, burning and redness

The most common side effect (retinoid dermatitis) of retinol that starts to show soon after application is a burning sensation. This gives way to peeling, redness, scaling, and discoloration.

Worsening of acne Cause Image
Worsening of acne

When retinol is first applied for acne treatment, it flares up immediately. Although in most cases it subsides within two to four weeks of use, in some cases, it doesn’t. This can leave you with even worse breakouts than you already had.

Severe sunburn and photosensitivity Cause Image
Severe sunburn and photosensitivity

Retinol increases sensitivity to ultraviolet rays which causes severe sunburn. Sunburn leaves the skin exposed to other skin concerns like wrinkles, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and in extreme cases, skin cancer.

Free radicals damage Cause Image
Free radicals damage

By peeling the top layer of the skin and reducing oil production, retinol adversely affects the skin’s protective lipid barrier (outermost layer). It leaves the skin exposed to free radicals in the environment, like light, pollution, smoke, etc. The skin loses it’s natural ability to stay moist and healthy.

Miscarriage and birth defects Cause Image
Miscarriage and birth defects

Some forms of retinoic acid are known to trigger miscarriage and cause severe birth defects in fetuses when used by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Allergic reactions Cause Image
Allergic reactions

A lot of skincare products use salicylic acid, which reacts with retinol, causing allergies. If you see a rash developing, you should get medical attention before it aggravates further.

What’s the ideal acne solution?

Acne is best treated with gentle, natural remedies rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Acne-prone skin is deficient in omega 3 fatty acids which are a key component of healthy skin. Since our bodies don’t produce these, the topical application of omega fatty acids is the most effective way to revitalize stressed, sensitive skin.

Haridradya Oil

Ozone Signature’s Haridradya Skin Therapy Oil is a natural, restorative serum derived from sesame oil that permeates the deepest layer of the skin to replenish the skin with vital nutrients and balance sebum (oil) production without drying up the skin.

While most oils are thick and occlusive, sesame oil is light and non-sticky.

On the comedogenic scale of zero to five, it weighs at one, which means it doesn’t clog pores. It has a high concentration of fatty acids that retain the natural health of the skin. It’s also enriched in phenolic compounds that have strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and heal the skin for lifelong wellness.

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Discover the natural alternative to retinol for wrinkles

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How does retinol compare?
 
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Retinoid dermatitis, a common side effect of retinol causes scaling, peeling, redness, burning and irritation.
Licorice soothes irritated skin and helps prevent blemishes.
Lotus is naturally cooling and prevents pustule formation.
Turmeric is rich in Vitamin C, and has inherent anti-itching properties.
Removes the top layers, damaging the skin’s protective shield, leaving it exposed to pollution, light, heat, cold, etc.
High concentration of omega fatty acids in sesame oils replenishes the skin with vital phytonutrients.
Retinol increases sensitivity to UV rays, making the skin susceptible to sunburn and long term skin damage.
Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen that heals sunburn and prevents further damage.
Pregnant and nursing mothers need to be wary as some forms of retinoic acid cause miscarriage and birth defects.
Derived from food-grade ingredients, Haridradya Oil is natural and organic, nontoxic and safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Retinol interacts negatively with other skincare ingredients like Vitamin C, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acids.
A completely natural product, this face serum has no synthetic chemical. It can be safely used with other skincare products.
Retinoids are either synthetically prepared or derived from animal sources like meat, poultry, fish and dairy. This makes the skin more prone to irritation.
Saffron used in this formulation, is enriched in vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals. It nourishes and brightens the complexion, and also improves skin elasticity.
Retinol sheds the top layer of the skin to reveal new skin. Inflaming healthy skin leads to more damage and even cell death in the long run.
Indian Madder is a natural detoxifier. It cleanses the circulatory and lymphatic systems by regularizing blood circulation. Rich in Vitamin C, it helps improve complexion.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Retinoid dermatitis, a common side effect of retinol causes scaling, peeling, redness, burning and irritation.
Licorice soothes irritated skin and helps prevent blemishes.
Lotus is naturally cooling and prevents pustule formation.
Tumeric is rich in Vitamin C, and has inherent anti-itching properties.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Removes the top layers, damaging the skin’s protective shield, leaving it exposed to pollution, light, heat, cold, etc.
High concentration of omega fatty acids in sesame oils replenishes the skin with vital phytonutrients.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Retinol increases sensitivity to UV rays, making the skin susceptible to sunburn and long term skin damage.
Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen that heals sunburn and prevents further damage.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Pregnant and nursing mothers need to be wary as some forms of retinoic acid cause miscarriage and birth defects.
Derived from food-grade ingredients, Haridradya Oil is natural and organic, nontoxic and safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Retinol interacts negatively with other skincare ingredients like Vitamin C, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acids.
A completely natural product, this face serum has no synthetic chemical. It can be safely used with other skincare products.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Retinoids are either synthetically prepared or derived from animal sources like meat, poultry, fish and dairy. This makes the skin more prone to irritation.
Saffron used in this formulation, is enriched in vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals. It nourishes and brightens the complexion, and also improves skin elasticity.
RETINOL
HARIDRADYA OIL
Retinol sheds the top layer of the skin to reveal new skin. Inflaming healthy skin leads to more damage and even cell death in the long run.
Indian Madder is a natural detoxifier. It cleanses the circulatory and lymphatic systems by regularizing blood circulation. Rich in Vitamin C, it helps improve complexion.
The Promise of purity

Ozone Signature Oils are unparalleled in their purity and efficacy. You will find no trace of preservatives, mineral oils, artificial colors, fragrances, sulfates, parabens, or GMOs in our products. That’s our promise to you.

Certified Organic
Derived from nature, our products are certified organic by USDA and do not contain any harmful chemicals.
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No trace of preservatives, mineral oils, artificial colors, fragrances, sulfates, parabens and GMOs.
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Non-toxic, hypo-allergenic and never tested on animals, our products adhere to the highest ethical and sustainable practices.
Authentic Ayurveda
Following ancient Ayurvedic rituals, we harvest plants at their maximum potency and prepare them using unaltered recipes.
Expertly Handcrafted
Our complex oil blends are prepared in small batches by trained and experienced staff until they are perfected.
Locally Cultivated
All our ingredients are cultivated and processed locally in meticulously tended organic farms.

Disclaimer

Ozone Signature oils contain natural, herbal ingredients. Batches may differ slightly in appearance or consistency but this has no reflection on quality. Before use, please test for allergies by applying on your inner elbow and leaving for half an hour.

The content on this site is not a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.