A Dermal Therapist Answers Everything You Want To Know About Vitamin A
Yadira Galarza Cauchi
Less than 3 minutes / January 17, 2024
Retinoids, also known as vitamin A, are currently a popular topic in skincare. Many people are interested in trying them and other ingredients aim to achieve similar effects. But will they work for your skin type? Let’s explore further to find out.
What Are Retinoids?
The retinoid family comprises compounds derived from vitamin A. It is a popular skincare ingredient due to significant scientific research supporting its anti-aging claims.
What Are Their Benefits?
Retinoids offer numerous benefits, including slowing collagen breakdown, fading pigmentation/age spots, minimizing wrinkles, reducing pore size, and minimizing acne spots. They work by improving skin cell renewal and stimulating collagen production. There are two groups: prescription (tretinoin, isotretinoin) and non-prescription (retinol, retinal/retinaldehyde, retinol esters).
What is the difference between prescription and non-prescription retinoids?Prescription retinoids are already retinoic acids, while non-prescription retinoids need to be converted into retinoic acid by the skin. Retinols/retinals/retinol esters require more steps to convert into retinoic acid at a cellular level than prescription strength vitamin A.
How To Incorporate A Retinoid Into Your Routine
It’s important to introduce retinoids slowly into your routine to avoid damaging the skin. They can cause side effects such as redness and irritation, so it’s best to start using them 1-2 times a week and gradually increase frequency.
Three Common Mistakes People Make With Retinoids
Avoid starting with the strongest strength, not wearing SPF, and using too much of the product. It’s essential to start with a low strength retinoid, wear SPF daily, and only use a small amount of the product.
Ingredients To Use And Avoid With Retinoids
Retinoids are best used at night, and it’s recommended to avoid exfoliating on the same night. Niacinamide is a great ingredient to buffer some of the irritation associated with retinoid use. It’s also important to note that retinoid use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and consulting a GP is advised in such cases.
What Are Retinoids?
The retinoid family comprises compounds derived from vitamin A. It is a popular skincare ingredient due to significant scientific research supporting its anti-aging claims.
What Are Their Benefits?
Retinoids offer numerous benefits, including slowing collagen breakdown, fading pigmentation/age spots, minimizing wrinkles, reducing pore size, and minimizing acne spots. They work by improving skin cell renewal and stimulating collagen production. There are two groups: prescription (tretinoin, isotretinoin) and non-prescription (retinol, retinal/retinaldehyde, retinol esters).
What is the difference between prescription and non-prescription retinoids?Prescription retinoids are already retinoic acids, while non-prescription retinoids need to be converted into retinoic acid by the skin. Retinols/retinals/retinol esters require more steps to convert into retinoic acid at a cellular level than prescription strength vitamin A.
How To Incorporate A Retinoid Into Your Routine
It’s important to introduce retinoids slowly into your routine to avoid damaging the skin. They can cause side effects such as redness and irritation, so it’s best to start using them 1-2 times a week and gradually increase frequency.
Three Common Mistakes People Make With Retinoids
Avoid starting with the strongest strength, not wearing SPF, and using too much of the product. It’s essential to start with a low strength retinoid, wear SPF daily, and only use a small amount of the product.
Ingredients To Use And Avoid With Retinoids
Retinoids are best used at night, and it’s recommended to avoid exfoliating on the same night. Niacinamide is a great ingredient to buffer some of the irritation associated with retinoid use. It’s also important to note that retinoid use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and consulting a GP is advised in such cases.