Retinol has established its place in the skincareverse lately and for the right reasons. Several celebrity dermatologists have been promoting retinoids for its multiple benefits to the skin starting from managing and preventing acne to anti-aging properties. Retinoids are better known for their anti-aging properties and thus you usually find them in the Anti-Aging Cream but they have so much more to offer. However, people are skeptical about introducing and including retinoids in their skincare routine due to the initial purging and flaking it may cause while it takes time to acclimitize to it. Let’s learn all about retinoids in the following section.
Retinoids Versus Retinol. What’s The Difference?
Retinoids are the umbrella term for all the derivatives of Vitamin A. Retinol, Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), Retinyl Palmitate, Retinal, and Tazarotene are all type of retinoids. So, every retinol is a retinoid, but every retinoid is not a retinol.
Retinoids, specifically, tretinoin were first introduced in 1971 by the FDA as an anti-acne drug due to its action of preventing pore clogging effectively and efficiently improving skin texture, and reducing hyperpigmentation. It was then gradually introduced as OTCs product for its anti-acne and anti-aging properties. But it is recognized best for its anti-aging properties and thus most anti-aging creams have them in their formulations.
Benefits of Retinoids
Retinoids have an array of benefits, the most potent of which is in its anti-aging properties but as mentioned it support and addresses multiple skin needs.
- Helps in reducing skin inflammation
- Minimizes the effect of UV-induced photoaging
- Increases cell turn over
- Unclogs pores
- Boosts collagen production
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and accelerates skin healing
- Alleviates psoriasis symptoms by having a check on skin inflammation and regulating cell turnover.
Possible/Initial Side Effects
Retinoids does have an initial flare-up when it's first introduced into the skincare routine which is why most people have a factor of skepticism attached while getting their hands on it. You may observe following side effects if you are a beginner at it.
- Skin flaking
- Skin irritation and redness
- Skin Itching
- Acne flare-ups
It is common and normal for your skin to react this way while introducing retinoids into your skincare regimen. Giving ample time for it to get acclimatize to it and making the process less cumbersome by starting with low-concentration retinoids further supports skin toleration to retinoids.
Ways For Smooth Introduction Of Retinoids Into Your Skincare Routine
Sandwich Method
As it is self-explanatory, the sandwich method refers to the application of retinoids sandwiched between two moisturizers. This method minimizes the possible side effects of retinoids during its initial introduction into the skin.
Light Moisturizer>>Retinoids>>Heavy moisturizer
If your skin is acne-prone, or oily make sure that the moisturizer you are using while layering is a non-comedogenic ceramide moisturizer to prevent any chances of acne flare up and skin congestion.
Controlled-Contact Method
Controlled-contact method refers to the application of retinoids in a controlled manner, this refers to the application of the retinoid for upto 2 hours and then rinsing it off followed by ample moisturization with a non-comedogenic ceramide moisturizer, this reduces the contact time thereby minimizing the possible skin irritation and flaking.
Introducing retinoids this way would ensure minimal side effects while your skin gets acclimatized to it.
Quick Tips For Using Retinoids In Your Skincare Regimen
- Retinoids are meant to be used only in the night skincare routine given that they are photosensitive.
- It is best to avoid retinoids, both topical and oral, in case you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable in the daytime if you are using retinoids in your skincare regimen.
- With retinoids, less is more, a pea-sized amount of retinoids or any anti-aging cream that has retinoids would suffice for the skin needs.
- If you are a beginner, using retinoids only twice a week is recommended, once your skin has acclimatized to it, you can work your way up and increase its frequency.
- Patience and consistency is the key to get desired results with anything and everything including retinoids. Thus, to seek desired results ensure that you are consistent with it in your skincare routine.
- Layering it with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid serum, niacinamide serum, a Ceramide Moisturizer further supports its efficacy and effectiveness.
- Ample hydration is paramount while introducing retinoids as they are prone to make skin drier and dehydrated. Including humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and hydrating ingredients like squalene, and aloe vera further helps alleviating retinoids related dryness.
- Its advised to skip retinoids if you fall in the category of sensitive skin types or have an allergy to it.
What Could You Use If Retinoid Does Not Suit You?
Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol that gives results identical to retinoids and can be used by people with sensitive skin too as it is well tolerated by skin, expecting and breastfeeding mothers can switch to baluchiol too.
I hope this blog helped you understand all about retinoids, its pros and cons along with how to introduce into your skin if you are a beginner at it. Retinoids is one of the most power-packed skincare ingredient and it helps in catering to the majority of our skin needs predominantly as an anti-aging cream, acne, acne marks, and improving skin texture.