One of the ingredients everyone should incorporate in their skincare routine is Retinoids. They are derivates of Vitamin A and include Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin) Retinoic acid, Retinol, Retinyl linoleate, Retinyl palmitate and Tazarotene. These ingredients were first used in the 1970s to treat acne, but patients discovered that during the treatment their skin had improved in many other ways. Here’s what Retinoids can do for your skin:
1. Retinoids prevent AND reduce wrinkles
All those anti-ageing ingredients commonly found in beauty products don’t reduce the wrinkles you already have but can only prevent new ones from forming. Some also contain ingredients like silicones that temporarily fill them in reducing their appearance, but nothing can get rid of wrinkles once they’re formed. Nothing bar Retinoids. Retinoids are the only thing that so far has been scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles thanks to its ability to stimulate the production of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen, which are the substances that give skin its structure, firmness and fullness. And not only do Retinoids stimulate their production, but they also slow down their depletion (which happens as we get old) preventing new wrinkles from forming! Of course you shouldn’t expect miracle results overnight, but with prolonged use you’ll see an improvement.
2. Retinoids exfoliate skin
Retinoids act as exfoliants, sloughing off the dead skin cells on the surface, thus providing several benefits. They reveal the brighter and clearer skin underneath so that your complexion will look healthier and more glowy. Not only that, by the exfoliating process allows the skincare products you are going to apply on your skin next to be better and more deeply absorbed, improving the way they work. In addition, Retinoids are also great for people with oily or acne-prone skin because by removing those dead cells that clog the pores, they reduce breakouts and acne as well as controlling oil production.
3. Retinoids fade hyperpigmentation spots
Hyperpigmentation (or dark spots on the skin) can be caused by several things: the sun, melasma, hormones, even cuts and bruises. Whatever the cause, Retinoids help speed up the skin’s natural cell turn over (the process by which skin replaces itself) so that these spots fade much faster.
Some tips on how to use Retinoids
Retinoids may be fantastic and beneficial ingredients, but like all good things in life, they don’t come without side effects. Here are a few tips on how to avoid them and get the best results from Retinoids.
- Because of their exfoliating action they can cause redness, burning, stinging and flaky skin in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. If that’s happened to you, only use retinoids two or three times a week instead than daily. In addition, apply only a very small amount and don’t use any other type of exfoliant or it might be too much for your skin, which will react badly.
- Another side effect of their exfoliating properties is that they make skin more susceptible to sun burns and sun damage in general. For this reason, it’s best to use Retinoids at night. If you wanna use them during they day though you can, but remember to also use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Retinoids should never be used in conjunction with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) as they will make them less effective. However, these ingredients are also good for the skin so if you wanna use them all, apply AHA or BHA during the day and Retinoids before going to sleep at night.
- Pregnant women and women that are breastfeeding should avoid using Retinoids. That’s because taking Retinoids orally can be harmful to the child and cause birth defects. And although there is no proof suggesting that Retinoids applied topically have the same side effects, dermatologists recommend to err on the side of caution and avoid them while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do you use Retinoids in your skincare routine?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m currently using an avene product that contains0.1% retinaldehyde for fine lines on my forehead. Not sure if it’s working yet… I’ll need to take an after pic. It does make my skin somewhat dry so I’ll have to use a richer moisturizer over it
Connie´s last blog ..Review + Promo: Madara Regenerating Night Cream
Good article. I too use reteniods. But I use them in the form of Ponds Age Miracle line that is formulated with reteniod and is very mild, so I don’t experience any driness or discomfort.
tanveer´s last blog ..Kaya Hydra Cleanse Make Up Remover – Review
Connie, retinaldehyde is one of the less irritating form of retinoids and usually it works well at small concentrations. I’m sure the product you are using is working but like all antiaging products, it needs time before you can see the results.
Tanveer, that’s good so you can get the benefits without the side effects
Thanks for the interesting and very informative article.
Vonvon´s last blog ..EOTD/FOTD: MAC To The Beach-Inspired
Vonvon, you’re welcome.
Thanks for the good article.
dear Giorgia, have you ever come across reduced glutathione? it’s a dietary supplement antioxidant. what do you think of it?
Tina, you’re welcome. Reduced glutathione is a powerful antioxidants but unfortunately scientific studies so far have shown that it is not well absorbed by the body in supplement form. So, when taken orally, it is less effective. It also has some side effects, but then any supplement can potentially have some too. Personally, I would use a good moisturizer or serum full of antioxidants and eat a healthy diet than rely on reduced glutathione. Hope this helps.