What is retinol?

The beauty industry is abuzz with talk of retinol. Retinol is a synthetic vitamin A derivative that’s considered a miracle treatment for aging and wrinkled skin. It increases cell turnover to leave you with fresh, new layers of skin free from collagen (structural protein) damage. 

But, is that all?

Let’s dive more into how it works, the side effects and long term repercussions of using retinol.

How does retinol work to fix wrinkles?

A topical, vitamin A-based ingredient, retinol was first used to treat acne as it cleared up pores. Later, it was also discovered to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, and it became a widely recommended over-the-counter, as well as, prescription remedy. 

By triggering the inflammatory response of the skin, retinol encourages rapid cell turnover. It sloughs off the cells on the surface of the skin to reveal the new skin underneath. It also halts collagen damage and thickens the deeper layer of the skin where wrinkles start forming.

The collagen boost allows it to give the skin a plump, supple appearance.

Sounds perfect? Not quite.

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The risks of retinol

Retinol acts fast, so it’s easy to call it a miracle treatment. But by removing the top layer of the skin to reveal smooth, new skin underneath, it also exposes the skin to environmental damage. Retinol use can have side effects like itching, redness, burning, and inflammation. These symptoms are so common that medical experts group them under the condition ‘retinoid dermatitis’. 

Severe side effects can lead to swelling, hives, and even breathing difficulties.

Side-effects of retinol
Extreme dryness, redness, and peeling Cause Image
Extreme dryness, redness, and peeling

Excessive dryness, inflammation, redness, flaking skin, burning, and itching (retinoid dermatitis), are almost universal side-effects of retinol. This happens quickly, so you might start seeing them within a few hours of application.

Sensitivity to sunlight and sunburn Cause Image
Sensitivity to sunlight and sunburn

Retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Using retinol without adequate application of sunscreen results in sun damage, which is a potential cause of skin cancer.

Damage to lipid barrier Cause Image
Damage to lipid barrier

The accelerated cell turnover damages the protective oil secretions on the skin (lipid barrier). This leaves the skin vulnerable to environmental damage like pollution. It also affects the skin’s ability to stay supple and moist.

Birth defects Cause Image
Birth defects

While vitamin A is an important nutrient for foetal development, excess vitamin A in pregnant women may cause birth defects and liver toxicity.

Interaction with active ingredients Cause Image
Interaction with active ingredients

Retinol interacts negatively with vitamin C, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids which are commonly found in skincare products. This can cause severe allergic reactions like hives, rashes, wheezing, breathing trouble, and swelling.

Synthetic formulation Cause Image
Synthetic formulation

Retinoids are synthetically prepared or derived from animal sources like meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Regular use makes the skin more prone to irritation.

What’s the ideal wrinkle solution?

Wrinkles are best treated with oil-based remedies that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

A lot of popular cosmetic products use retinol to fix surface wrinkles. While retinol is known to be effective on existing wrinkles, it leaves the skin extremely dry and often scarred.

Wrinkled skin requires deep moisturizing solutions to permeate the skin and provide proper nourishment for a supple, crease-free appearance.

What’s the ideal wrinkle solution?

Wrinkles are best treated with oil-based remedies that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

A lot of popular cosmetic products use retinol to fix surface wrinkles. While retinol is known to be effective on existing wrinkles, it leaves the skin extremely dry and often scarred.

Wrinkled skin requires deep moisturizing solutions to permeate the skin and provide proper nourishment for a supple, crease-free appearance.

Kanaka Oil

Ozone Signature’s Kanaka Skin Therapy Oil is an Ayurvedic herbal oil with strong antioxidant properties, that protect against free radical damage and boost skin texture. It moisturizes skin from deep within to smoothen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This potent therapy doesn’t only improve skin from the outside, but helps heal and repair it from inside for lifelong wellness.

Kanaka Oil is a powerful, quick-absorbing blend of sesame oil, sandalwood,  and vitamin-rich selective medicinal plants, that nourishes the deepest layers of the skin to replenish lost moisture and improve skin elasticity. It also protects against UV ray exposure, regenerates cells, and stimulates blood circulation, leaving the skin healthy, supple, and radiant with healthy tissues.

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Discover the natural alternative to retinol for acne

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How does retinol compare?
 
RETINOL
KANAKA OIL
Retinol commonly causes extreme dryness, inflammation, redness, flaking, peeling, burning and itching.
Licorice is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and boosts collagen production.
Blue water lily, a natural moisturizer, prevents premature aging.
Damages the lipid barrier resulting in poor protection against pollution, heat, cold etc.
Omega fatty acids repair damaged lipid barrier to protect the skin from free radicals.
As retinol sheds the top skin layer and breaks the protective barrier, it leaves the skin open to sun damage.
Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen.
Sandalwood, a strong antibacterial and antitoxin, cures sunburn without drying skin.
Though vitamin A is important for foetal development, too much causes birth defects and liver toxicity.
Derived from organic food-grade ingredients, Kanaka Oil is non-toxic 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.
Lotus used in this formulation, is enriched in vitamin C, B complex, antioxidants and minerals. It has skin brightening and anti-wrinkle properties.
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 flow and eliminating harmful toxins from the liver.
Causes rapid cell turnover leading to structurally compromised skin cells.
Beauty berry naturally boosts cell regeneration at a balanced rate.
RETINOL
KANAKA OIL
Retinol commonly causes extreme dryness, inflammation, redness, flaking, peeling, burning and itching.
Licorice is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and boosts collagen production.
Blue water lily, a natural moisturizer, prevents premature aging.
RETINOL
KANAKA OIL
Damages the lipid barrier resulting in poor protection against pollution, heat, cold etc.
Omega fatty acids repair damaged lipid barrier to protect the skin from free radicals.
RETINOL
KANAKA OIL
As retinol sheds the top skin layer and breaks the protective barrier, it leaves the skin open to sun damage.
Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen.
Sandalwood, a strong antibacterial and antitoxin, cures sunburn without drying skin.
RETINOL
KANAKA OIL
Though vitamin A is important for foetal development, too much causes birth defects and liver toxicity.
Derived from organic food-grade ingredients, Kanaka Oil is non-toxic and safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
RETINOL
KANAKA 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
KANAKA 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.
Lotus used in this formulation, is enriched in vitamin C, B complex, antioxidants and minerals. It has skin brightening and anti-wrinkle properties.
RETINOL
KANAKA 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 flow and eliminating harmful toxins from the liver.
RETINOL
KANAKA OIL
Causes rapid cell turnover leading to structurally compromised skin cells.
Beauty berry naturally boosts cell regeneration at a balanced rate.
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.
100% Pure
No trace of preservatives, mineral oils, artificial colors, fragrances, sulfates, parabens and GMOs.
Cruelty-free
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.