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What Are Retinoids?
The umbrella term “retinoid” is used for all vitamin A derivatives (ex: retinol, retinAL, prescription strength Retin-A). What differentiates them is their strength, or how many conversions they must go through to become active and effective on the skin. The fewer conversions, the more potent and effective the retinoid will be.
All retinoids work to increase cellular turnover, which causes our skin to regenerate more quickly, thus making the skin look more youthful, vibrant, and refreshed. They are the most well-studied, widely-used product for “anti-aging.”
What is cellular turnover?
As we age, our cellular turnover decreases significantly. When we are babies, our cellular turnover is as quick as 2 weeks — but once you’re in your 20s-40s, it’s more like 1-2 months!
What are the benefits of retinoids?
Aside from SPF, retinoids are the #1 product for promoting long-term skin health across all skin types. They are fundamental in your skincare routine–they build the foundation for healthy skin by increasing cellular turnover. Here are just a few of their amazing benefits:
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles by increasing collagen production
- Improves skin tone + texture for smoother, firmer looking skin
- Aids in fading sun spots and smoothing out rough patches on the skin
- Increases cellular turnover, which can minimize breakouts
- Stimulates production of new blood vessels on the skin, which improves the color of the skin
Do I need to use a retinoid?
Retinoids help keep our skin looking younger and healthier. We recommend that everyone over the age of 25 should use one. Plus, if you struggle with acne at any age, retinoids are one of our most recommended treatments!
So, how do retinoids work?
In order for a retinoid to work its magic and actually induce change in the skin, it has to be in the form of retinoic acid.
Why you should always use your retinoid at night
Retinoids are best used at night (and stored in a cabinet or drawer!!!) because they can break down and become less effective when exposed to sunlight. UV rays not only degrade the active ingredient, reducing its potency, but also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more prone to irritation and damage. Nighttime application allows the retinoid to work with your skin’s natural repair cycle — when cell turnover and regeneration are at their peak — helping you get the most out of this powerful ingredient without unnecessary sensitivity.
Times to skip a retinoid
There may be instances when you are unable to use a retinoid, like when you’re pregnant. This is when you can use bakuchiol (Overachiever) as your retinoid alternative (but always get clearance from your OB first). Bakuchiol (when used twice daily) has similar long-term benefits as a retinoid, but with less irritation, sensitivity and redness that can occur from using a retinoid alone.
Usage Tips + FAQs
To learn all about how to gradually incorporate and successfully use retinoids, check out these other articles:
