Does retinol help with sun damage?
Retinol is on many shelves, and readers ask if it fixes sun-worn skin. This page reads what one source says about the retinoid family and lists steps for a visit in Saline.
What the source says
www.harvardhealth.org states: "Retinoids are one of the most effective options for wrinkles."
It also defines the term: "Retinoids" refers to a range of vitamin A-based skin care products.
What those lines ask of you
The first line is about wrinkles. The second says retinoids are a range of vitamin A-based products. Before you buy a product, find out whether it is one of them.
Steps to take
- Read the product label and note whether it lists a vitamin A-based ingredient.
- Decide which sign of sun damage you want to treat, since the source speaks of wrinkles.
- Ask the clinician which product in the family suits your skin.
- Ask how to tell if it is working, and when to stop.
More reading on sun-related skin changes
Dark patches are a different sign from wrinkles. For those, start with the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia on abnormally dark or light skin. The site www.aad.org adds melasma diagnosis and treatment and melasma self-care.
Who to ask if the wording is unclear
Ask the clinician to explain "retinoid" and "vitamin A-based" in plain words, and to say which of your skin concerns the product is meant for.