Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is essential for vision, immunity and cellular development. This makes it a superhero skincare ingredient which can combat acne, banish wrinkles and plump skin. It also exfoliates dead skin cells, to produce newer and more healthy cells. However, some beauty experts have expressed concern over the long-term use of retinol, citing thinning skin and accelerated signs of aging as possible consequences of overuse.

What Is Skin Thinning?

Skin thinning essentially compromises the integrity of the skin, making it more susceptible to damage. This, in turn, increases the age of skin damage. Basically, your skin's thickness is partially determined by your genetics. Those with more melanin in the skin tend to have thicker skin naturally. However, it can be caused by environmental factors also.

No, retinol does not cause skin thinning, asserts Dr. Colbert. Dermatologists point to many clinical studies refuting that retinol thins the skin. They also emphasize that there's no danger in using retinoids if you're adding them to your skincare routine safely. In fact, Retinol can actually do the opposite, because retinol is collagen- and elastin-boosting, it can help thicken the skin over time if used appropriately.

Does Retinol Cause Burns?

There are side effects of using Retinol. Retinol burn is a form of skin irritation that can occur when you first start using this or increase the strength or frequency of it. It's not a true chemical burn, neither a sign of an allergic reaction or intolerance. To treat Retinol burn, a person must moisturize their skin, use 1% hydrocortisone ointment or use a barrier repair cream and protect from sun.

Besides, Retinol can also also lead to 'Retinol Uglies', that can include blackheads, whiteheads, and dry and peeling skin. However, it is important to note that if you're experiencing these symptoms in addition to redness and itchiness for more than a month, it can be an indication that you're not using retinol properly.

How to Start Using Retinol Safely

For most individuals, retinol can be incorporated into their skincare routine. Contrary to popular belief, even those with sensitive skin may benefit from retinol, albeit with caution. Starting slowly—once or twice a week—allows your skin to acclimate. As your skin builds tolerance, you can gradually increase usage. In some cases, individuals may need several months to reach nightly application.

When applying retinol, a small amount is sufficient. Experts recommend using a pea-sized amount, distributed evenly across the face—forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin—while avoiding the eye area. Combining retinol with a hydrating moisturizer can help mitigate sensitivity. Applying the moisturizer first may also be beneficial for those with heightened sensitivity.

Not all retinol products are created equal. Different skin types may require varying concentrations of retinol, typically found in over-the-counter options ranging from 0.25% to 1%. If your primary concern is acne, a prescription-strength retinoid may be necessary. Conversely, individuals seeking to brighten skin and stimulate collagen production might find over-the-counter options sufficient.

Those with sensitive skin should begin with lower concentrations. A gentle approach is crucial for minimizing irritation while maximizing the benefits of retinol.

Did you know that among the 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, nearly two-thirds are women? This means women are almost twice as likely as men to develop the condition. While longer life expectancy partly explains the difference, research shows that hormonal changes after menopause, genetic factors, and certain lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

As a result, understanding the early warning signs and taking preventive steps is especially important for women, who face a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s as they age.

Women and Alzheimer’s: Why The Risk Is Higher

Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, points out that Alzheimer’s is often seen as a condition of old age, but women are disproportionately affected. Nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, making it almost twice as common in women compared to men. While longer life expectancy plays a role, other factors, such as hormonal changes after menopause, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Women Should Watch

Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, appointments, or familiar names, with lapses gradually worsening.

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• Difficulty managing tasks or problem-solving: Struggling with daily responsibilities, finances, or planning may indicate cognitive changes.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented over simple or familiar activities.
• Mood or personality changes: Sudden anxiety, frequent irritability, or withdrawing from social life.
• Language difficulties: Trouble finding the right words or expressing thoughts clearly.

Increased Risk of Alzheimer's in WomenStudies consistently show that women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to men. For instance, a Swedish study involving 16,926 participants found that, starting around age 80, women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men of the same age. Similarly, research in Taiwan indicated that over a seven-year period, women had a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's compared to men. A European meta-analysis revealed that approximately 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's each year, compared to only seven men, as per Harvard Health Publishing.

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While the longer life expectancy of women contributes to this disparity, it doesn't fully explain the difference. Even among individuals of the same age, women are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men. This suggests that factors beyond longevity, such as hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and immune system differences, may play significant roles in the increased risk for women.

How to Reduce Risk and Protect Cognitive HealthAlthough Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed, several steps can help lower risk and support brain health:

• Regular cognitive screenings to monitor changes over time.
• Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills.
• Physical exercise to improve blood flow and overall health.
• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar to reduce vascular-related risks.

We all experience occasional forgetfulness or feel a bit scatterbrained from time to time, often attributing it to stress, a busy lifestyle, or simply getting older. However, repeated lapses in memory, confusion, or difficulty performing everyday tasks can sometimes signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Recognising these warning signs early is crucial, as timely awareness and intervention can help manage the condition more effectively and improve quality of life.

As we observe World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, it’s the perfect moment to learn about Alzheimer’s, understand its early indicators, and know what experts recommend paying attention to.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

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For most people, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s, according to the National Institute on Aging. Current estimates indicate that over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older may be living with Alzheimer’s. Age remains the greatest known risk factor, and with the population aging, the number of cases is expected to rise.

Stages of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s disease progresses gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. It is generally divided into three stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). In the early stage, memory lapses and confusion begin to interfere with daily life. During the middle stage, challenges with language, reasoning, and daily activities become more pronounced. In the late stage, individuals may lose the ability to communicate, require full-time care, and become highly dependent on others. Understanding the stages helps families and caregivers plan support and interventions more effectively.

Alzheimer’s vs Dementia

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

• Persistent Memory Loss: Forgetting recent conversations, events, or important dates more often than usual, affecting daily life.
• Difficulty in Planning or Problem-Solving: Challenges with tasks like handling finances, following recipes, or keeping track of everyday responsibilities.
• Impairment of Spatial Memory: Forgetting familiar routes or even one’s way back home.
• Changes in Mood or Personality: Increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or unexpected anxiety and depression.

Blood pressure monitoring plays a key role in managing hypertension. For patients whose numbers are well controlled through lifestyle changes or medication, the question often arises: how often should they be checking at home? While regular monitoring helps track progress and detect changes early, checking too frequently can increase stress or lead to unnecessary worry. On the other hand, checking too infrequently may delay important adjustments in treatment. Below, we take a look at how much frequency is important to check your blood pressure.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: How Often To Track Your Readings

When you have controlled hypertension, checking your readings at home with a validated monitor is important but doing it properly matters just as much. The CDC and American Heart Association recommend measuring at the same times each day, usually once in the morning and once in the evening. Take at least two readings, spaced 1-2 minutes apart, then average them.

Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise in the 30 minutes before taking a reading. Sit quietly for five minutes beforehand, keep your back supported, feet flat on the floor, arm at heart level, cuff on bare skin, and don’t talk during the measurement.

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How many times per week? For people with stable, well-controlled blood pressure, checking 3 to 4 times per week may be sufficient. If just starting home monitoring or adjusting treatment, doctors may ask for readings over a week (3-7 days) to get a clear picture.

What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring?

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a method doctors use to track and understand high blood pressure over an entire day. Hypertension is diagnosed when the upper reading (systolic) is 130 mmHg or higher, or the lower reading (diastolic) is 80 mmHg or higher.

Unlike the usual check-up at a clinic, where a doctor measures your blood pressure once or twice with a cuff, ABPM gives a more complete picture. For this test, you wear a cuff on your arm that’s connected to a small device strapped to your waist or shoulder. The device automatically takes your blood pressure at regular intervals, every 15 to 30 minutes during the day and about once an hour at night, while you carry on with your normal activities, including sleep.

By the end of 24 hours, your doctor has dozens of readings instead of just one or two. This allows them to see your average blood pressure, how it changes throughout the day and night, and whether there are any unusual patterns. The device also records your heart rate, which adds more detail to the overall assessment.

Why Monitoring Matters Even When Blood Pressure Is Controlled?

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Tracking your blood pressure helps detect these patterns early, allowing timely adjustments in treatment and preventing long-term complications such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. According to the American Heart Association, even small, consistent changes in readings over time can provide critical insights for maintaining cardiovascular health.