It is widely known that retinoids are good for your skin and promote a younger, healthier looking appearance. There is also a lot of myths associated with Retinoids and products that contain retinol. Here are six facts about retinoids that you need to know before purchasing any skincare product:
What is it?
- Retinol—alongside other retinoids, such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate—is essentially a derivative of Vitamin A. There are actually several forms of over-the-counter to prescription strength in topical and oral medication form. Over-the-counter (OTC) retinoids are incredibly strong and can come with adverse reactions.
- Retinaldehyde, also a Vitamin A derivative, is the precursor to Retinoid acid. Effective for ageing, acne and dark spot concerns. Retinaldehyde inhibits collagen breakdown, reduces dermal elastosis, and significantly improves photo-aged skin. It also unclogs blocked pores, improving black heads and breakouts. Promotes cell turnover, encouraging new cell growth for a more even complexion.
Strength and Potency:
- There are different potencies of the same active ingredient, where the chemical structure determines their potency. Many of the less potent forms of retinoids are more stable. To make them more stable the chemical is modified and therefore loses some of it’s potency. In terms of retinoid strengths starting from the weakest to the strongest:
- Retinol Palmitate
- Retinol
- Retinaldehyde – stronger than Retinol with better skin tolerability
- Retinoic Acid (Treinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene)
- Isotretinoin
Its role and benefits:
- Known to encourage cellular turnover, stimulate collagen, soften wrinkles, fade pigmentation, and give the skin an overall youthful glow. It’s existence to the skincare industry is what water is to humans: essential.
- Additional benefits include fading age and sun spots and softening rough patches of skin.
How to use:
- When starting to incorporate retinol in your skincare routine, remember that balance is critical. Retinol can be irritating to the skin when used too frequently. Start off with a low-percentage OTC formula and apply two-times a week, until your skin is adequately acclimated to the use more often.
SKIN functional, a locally produced and manufactured breakthrough skincare brand, has been able to retain the retinoid molecule’s original potency while enhancing its stability and therefore their serums are able to be more potent for longer.
SKIN functional has just launched its new retinol serums to its already extensive range:
- 0,3% Retinol (Oil-based Vitamin A)
- 1% Retinol (Oil-based Vitamin A)
- 0,5% Retinol (Vitamin A)
- 0,1% Retinaldehdye (The Powerful Vitamin A)
