What Are Retinoids?
Throughout skin care, retinoids have gained notoriety for their effectiveness. If you’re considering adding retinoid-based products to your skin care, please keep reading our helpful guide. We will cover what retinoids are, benefits, and commonly asked questions regarding retinoids.
Breaking Down Retinoids
Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A that come in two forms: topical and oral. Topical retinoids are available as a gel, serum, or cream. Oral retinoids come in pills or capsules that can be taken by mouth.
They are used to accelerate cell turnover that target various skin concerns from acne to anti-aging. Although there are many benefits that come with the product, you should use retinoids cautiously.
You can also get Vitamin A through food. Vitamin A can be found naturally in foods such as eggs, salmon, and dark and leafy greens.
Benefits Of Retinoids
Retinoids improve the appearance of skin and increase cell turnover, which helps:
- Reducing inflammation
- Increases procollagen, the precursor to collagen
- Helps unclog blocked pores
- Slows skin aging due to ultraviolet light exposure
- Treat acne
- Diminish hyperpigmentation
- Refine uneven skin texture
What To Consider With Retinoids
When considering the use of retinoids, please remember they can dry out your skin. To prevent further deprivation of moisture, avoid using drying agents or astringents. We also recommend using a rich moisturizer to counteract the dryness that may occur.
Retinoids are potent and can cause reactions when introduced to the skin, but moderation and a little bit of education goes a long way to curb side effects. Retinol should be applied two to three nights per week in the beginning, but if you notice irritation, reduce usage. Be patient with your skin. It may even take a few months for your skin to get used to retinoids as they are a powerful ingredient.
Another factor to consider is the percentage of the retinoid you are using. We recommend starting off with a lower percentage of 0.25% to 0.5%, to avoid overloading your skin.
When To Use Retinoids
Topical retinoids should be applied at night time since sunlight can render them inactive. They are photoliable, meaning light affects them. Additionally, retinoids make skin more sun sensitive and can irritate the skin if used during the day. Make sure to wear sunscreen when using retinoids to prevent harming your skin barrier.
What are Retinoids used for in skin care?
Retinoids is used to treat the following skin concerns:
- Acne
- Anti-Aging
- Exfoliation
- Warts
- Wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin texture
How long does it take for retinoids to work?
The visible results from using retinoids will depend on the strength of your product. For the most part retinoids take a few weeks to see desired results.
Are Retinoids safe for my skin?
Retinoids are safe for your skin and are one of the most effective ingredients to counteract aging skin. It may cause side effects such as redness and irritation, but will subside after a few weeks as your skin becomes adjusted to retinoids.
What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter?
Prescription strength retinoids come in smaller percentages but are much more potent. Percentages range from 0.025% to 0.1% and come in the active form of retinoic acid. Retinoic acids are a lot stronger than retinol and is the reason why they are prescribed in lower percentages. Rx formulas are known for causing irritation and therefore should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Prescriptions are prescribed to treat breakouts and other skin concerns.
Over-the-counter retinoids come in larger percentages but aren’t as strong. This form has percentages ranging from 0.01% to 2.0% and is converted to retinoic acid when applied. Some examples include retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde.
In conclusion, all percentages are beneficial for addressing skin concerns to a certain extent. The key is to find the right strength and formula that is right for your skin.
