Retinol/Retinoid, Is it Right for Me?
What is retinol/retinoid?
Retinol and Retinoid are vitamin A derivatives that are applied to the skin topically and used to improve the texture and appearance of skin. The main difference is how strong they are. Retinol is widely available over-the-counter in serums, creams and is even used as an ingredient in some cosmetics. Retinoids contain higher concentrations of active ingredients and therefore, are more potent and available by prescription only. So, if you see your provider and get a prescription-strength retinoid, you may see more significant changes to your skin, faster. Over-the-counter retinol is usually combined with other ingredients. It can be harder to tell how much of the active ingredient is in there. In case you are wondering, a prescription can be obtained here, at Naturally You Aesthetics.
The Cleveland Clinic says, studies show that topical retinoids can help treat acne and acne scars, dark spots, large pores, melasma, psoriasis, stretch marks, and it has anti-aging effects. Whoa! That sounds pretty comprehensive!
How does it work on the skin?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Retinol/Retinoid increases skin cell production, helps unclog pores, exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
How long does it take to work?
It starts to work in your cells right away, but it will take several weeks before you see an improvement in the look and feel of your skin. In fact, your skin condition may look worse at first as you adjust to the new regimen.
Is retinol/retinoid good for your skin?
Used as a topical, they are powerful tools against aging skin and acne, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you might want to try skincare products with alternative anti-aging or skin-clearing ingredients. Your Naturally You Aesthetics provider can help you determine what would be best for your skin.
Before you use a retinol/retinoid product for the first time, try a little bit on a small area of skin (a patch test) to see if you have any negative reactions. If, after a couple of days, your skin patch isn’t very red or itchy, you can add retinol/retinoid to your skincare routine at bedtime and finish with a facial moisturizer that will not clog your pores (non-comedogenic).
Importantly, retinol/retinoid makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight so be sure to use sunscreen and avoid the sun as much as possible while you use retinol products.
How often can you use retinol/retinoid?
Since they can irritate your skin, it’s best to start slow. After a patch test, our providers will encourage you to begin using it every 3rd night and then gradually increase your use as needed. At first, you might experience redness, itching or burning, but these symptoms go away as your skin gets used to the treatment.
What are the benefits of retinol/retinoid?
They have many skin-clearing and anti-aging benefits. While they increase the thickness and elasticity of your skin, they slow down the production of melanin, reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores.
What are the side effects of retinol/retinoid?
Side effects from topical retinol treatment are usually temporary. They include:
Dry, irritated skin.
Itching or burning.
Redness, peeling, flaky or scaly skin.
These side effects should gradually go away as your skin gets used to the new treatment.
Managing the side effects?
Making small adjustments to your skincare routine may help reduce the redness and irritation that can come with using retinol/retinoid. It might help to:
Use only one retinol/retinoid product at a time.
Use it every 3rd night rather than everyday or every other day.
Wait 30 minutes after washing your face before applying your retinol product.
Avoid retinol products if you have a sunburn, broken skin or other skin irritations.
Use SPF 30 and wear sun protective clothing and hats to reduce your exposure to the sun.
Apply moisturizer as part of your skincare routine after applying your retinol/retinoid.
Can you combine retinol with other topical skin treatments?
Yes, you can combine or alternate retinol/retinoid with other topical skin treatments. But since many treatments can irritate your skin, you’ll want to do so carefully and with instruction from your Naturally You provider.
That’s a wrap!
As we age, it’s normal to see changes in our skin. Almost everyone gets pimples and wrinkles at some point in their life. But there are lots of different treatments to help if you don’t like the way your skin looks or feels. Retinol is just one ingredient that can help clear and plump your skin. It can take several weeks before you’ll start to see results from retinol, and your skin may look worse before it gets better, so try not to get discouraged. Start slowly and increase your use of retinol gradually.