What are Natural Alternatives to Retinol?
Abstract
Aging is a gradual and continuous process that begins in early childhood. During this process, many bodily functions begin to gradually decline. This is a universal and slow process. Body tissue progressively impairs in function and can eventually cause death. The first sign of aging is shown over the skin. So it is important to take care of the skin. This is the largest organ in our body which protects us from various environmental factors. But there are some natural products that have anti-aging effects and protect from early aging signs. So in this article, we will discuss Retinol and its significance in the aging process and also some natural and alternative sources for retinol.
Introduction to retinol and its significance
This is the vitamin A derivative also known as Vitamin A1. It is the best over the counter types of retinoid. It is found in food and used as a dietary supplement for the body. It is used as a supplement to prevent Vitamin A deficiency mainly which results in xerophthalmia. This retinol is also found beneath the epidermis. It helps in neutralizing the free radicals and enhances the production of collagen and elastin and prevents aging. This process helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines over the skin. This is also helpful in maintaining vision, enhancing immune functions. Retinol is known for its role in skin care. This is used to treat anti-aging processes and acne as well.
How is it useful?
Now let’s just talk about how it is beneficial? The answer is Retinol does not remove dead skin cells as other products do. It simply goes beneath the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) to your dermis. There it helps to neutralize the free radicals and ultimately boosts the production of elastin and collagen. This further creates a plumping effect which reduces the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. At the same time when this process occurs, Retinol has an exfoliating effect which further improves the texture and tone of the skin. It can also help to treat severe acne and scarring as well.
Sources of Retinol
It is found naturally in foods of animal origin such as
- Cod liver oil
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Milk
Other Natural Alternative for Retinol
1. Lycopene
This is the natural alternative to Retinol. It is found in Tomatoes, Fruits and vegetables (having red color). This reduces the skin roughness and inhibits the collagen breakdown to keep skin firm. It is a powerful antioxidant- more powerful than Vitamin C.
2. Carotenoids
This is the best natural alternative to Retinol. It can be utilized by our bodies to convert usable retinoids naturally. The food items which contain carotenoids include carrot, sweet potato, spinach, winter squash, sunflower oil and fruits such as mango, apricots and cantaloupe.
3. Immortelle oil
This oil boosts the skin protective barrier to the harmful radiation of the sun rays. This oil is also rich in antioxidant property and helps in production of collagen. It softens and strengthens the skin. Due to its rejuvenating effects, it could be used to improve scars and damaged skin.
4. Black Elder
This is a strong antioxidant. This thing provides flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin. Quercetin’s effects on skin are seen as an alternative to Retinol. On the other hand Rutin has a strong antioxidant property and is helpful in warding off the appearance of skin aging.
5. Niacinamide
This is also known as Vitamin B3. It reduces the appearance of dark spots over the skin. It has a role in reducing wrinkles like retinol. Natural sources for Vitamin B3 are seeds, green leafy vegetables, legumes, cereals and milk etc.
Some oils also show good results in skin care
These following oils might not have very good strength of the real deal with skin care, but these natural alternatives are somewhat good options for glowing skin and those are:
1. Rosehip oil
It contains Lycopene and β-carotene which is good for hydration and sensitive skin. It protects skin for aging
2. CayCay oil
It contains Vitamin A as well as Vitamin E. These vitamins are best for skin care. They smoothen the skin and provide good luster to the skin.
3. Carrot seed oil
Also In Ayurveda, our Charaka Acharya mentioned some herbs which are having anti-aging properties. They are called Vayosthapan Mahakashaya. These are 10 herbs which have anti-aging effects and those are1
- Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia)
- Abhaya (Terminalia chebula)
- Dhatri (Emblica officinalis)
- Yukta (Rasna- Pluchea lanceolata)
- Shweta (Clitoria ternatea)
- Jiwanti (Leptadenia reticulata)
- Atirasa (Asparagus racemosus)
- Mandookparni (Centella asiatica)
- Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum)
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
Therefore, use these herbs and keep yourself young and fit. Thus, the above given information is true, correct and provided to you in an innovative way. Stay safe and healthy!
References
- Charaka Sutrasthana 4/50
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an Expert Ayurveda Consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world. He is CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic text books to restore health and save human beings from the worst side-effects of chemical-based treatments.