What are retinoids?

Retinoids are one of the most trusted Source widely researched anti-aging ingredients available. Given this, it’s no surprise that this class of vitamin A derivatives is often touted as the gold standard for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and more. (ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DERMATOLOGIST BEFORE STARTING THE CREAMS)

Here at Elan Skin Care, we offer in-clinic treatments and online consultations and can answer any concerns you have about your skin and premature ageing. Our highly skilled and certified clinicians are passionate about skin care. Our personalised treatments and medical-grade technologies are results-driven, helping your skin look and feel younger, smoother and healthier.

How do retinoids work?

Retinoids are made from vitamin A derivatives. They work by neutralizing free radicals in the skin that may be causing collagen damage.

Collagen is essential to strong, youthful-looking skin. As you age, your body begins to produce less collagen and elastin. Your body also begins to break down your collagen, elastin, and fat stores. This can contribute to thin and sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

In addition to preserving your collagen stores, retinoids can also promote new collagen production.

This may help “fill in” or reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and help prevent new ones from forming.

You may also see improvements in:

• Skin Texture
• Hydration Levels
• Tone
• Age Spots
• Overall Pigmentation

For retinoids to work, you must use them on a continuous basis. You may also need to switch products over time.

Which retinoid is right for you?

There are five main types of retinoids used in the treatment of wrinkles:

• Retinyl palmitate. This is the least potent OTC retinoid. You may want to consider this option if you have sensitive or excessively dry skin and minimal wrinkling.
• Retinaldehyde. This is an OTC retinoid that’s stronger than retinol.
• Retinol. This is the standard ingredient found in OTC retinoid products.
• Tretinoin. This is a potent retinoid available by prescription only.
• Tazarotene. This is the most powerful retinoid, available by prescription only.
• Adapalene. This retinoid is now available over the counter.

How a retinoid is formulated can also affect how effective it is. For example, alcohol-based gels are considered the most effective of all formulations because of how easily the skin absorbs them. They’re also suitable for acne-prone skin.

If you have more mature or dry skin, your skin might react more favourably to the nourishing effects of cream-based retinoids.

How to add retinoids to your skin care routine

You should always do a skin patch test before adding a new product to your routine:

1.     Apply a small amount of the product on the side of your forearm.

2.     Cover the area with a bandage and wait for 24 hours.

3.     If you begin experiencing any irritation or inflammation, you shouldn’t use this product. If you haven’t experienced any symptoms within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.

Once the product has passed your patch test, begin applying a pea-sized every other night. Use it after cleansing and toning but before your night-time moisturizer.

After a week or two, you may begin applying the product every night.

Retinoids are only used at night because of their strong effects and UV sensitivity. Make sure you wear sunscreen during the day to reduce your risk of side effects.