As the body ages, natural collagen stores deplete, and cell turnover slows down, triggering changes in the appearance of skin.
At this point, signs of old sun damage will start to pop up, producing fine lines and age spots. A content creator named Tamara has claimed she defeated these changes with retinol and SPF.
“I didn’t start getting serious about my skincare until about 20 years ago in my early 40s,” she said. “I do believe the two most powerful tools in my skincare arsenal are my daily SPF and my prescription tretinoin.
“These have had the most powerful impact not only on the growth of my skin but on the appearance of my skin.
The content creator swears by SPF and retinol for staying young
GETTY / YOUTUBE / TAMARA’S TIMELESS BEAUTY
“I am not an aesthetician, I am not a dermatologist, I am not giving you professional medical advice. I am just sharing my research and what has worked for me.”
Several types of retinoids exist, ranging from over-the-counter retinol to prescription tretinoin. One thing they all have in common is vitamin A.
The vitamin A derivatives of these products have been thoroughly researched over the past three decades and studies have produced ample evidence of their anti-ageing benefits.
“I do want to stress that it is never too late to start taking care of your skin or using retinoids, or tretinoin,” added Tamara.
“There are several ladies here on YouTube who start tretinoin later in life and – @AngyHotandFlashy for instance, didn’t start until her fifties – @MaryEllenafter60 didn’t start until 60 – they both got great results.”
Very rarely is the drug covered by the NHS prescriptions unless to manage acne and other issues classified as conditions.
Traditionally, tretinoin in England can be acquired through a doctor or dermatologist who provides cosmetic skin services.
Do you need to get tretinoin through the NHS in the UK?
Medical experts at UK Meds say: “No, This is a very common misconception. You do NOT need to get Tretinoin through the NHS.
“People often believe that the only way to get their medication is from the NHS when in reality, people could be saving themselves time and money by shopping online.”
It should be noted that due to the potency of these products, they should be used with an SPF at all times.
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Retinol will preserve the plumpness of the skin
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In a recent conversation with GB News, registered nutritional therapist Helen Parks told fellow skincare enthusiasts that applying SPF is key for young skin.
“These are the tools I use to help myself look naturally younger for longer at the age of 55,” she said.
Health bodies like the National Library of Medicine back these claims, stating that skin is the “most visible and widest exposed organ and by far reflects the general health condition and the ageing process in humans”.
It continues: “Photoprotection helps to prevent skin ageing which includes the use of sunscreens, protective clothing and sunglasses, avoiding sun’s harmful radiation thereby reducing the progression of skin ageing.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
