Why are Retinoids so important for anti-ageing and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine
- infoalcomms
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Now considered a modern anti-ageing skincare essential, Retinoids are so important for anti-ageing as they boost the production of collagen, increase cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. They can also help to fade age spots and other skin concerns such as acne and clogged pores.
What are the different types of Retinoids?
Retinoids are a class of powerhouse Vitamin A compounds and are very powerful in producing significant changes in the skin. It is therefore not surprising that one of Vitamin A's many forms is in so many skincare products today. A wide range of ingredients fall under the Retinoid umbrella, but work in slightly different ways:
Retinol - this is the most used form of Vitamin A. Low strength retinol are often available over the counter in skincare products but the medical grade retinols are only available from skin clinic or on prescription.
Retinaldehyde - this is a stronger over the counter Retinoid.
Retinyl Esters - less potent Retinoids that need conversion to retinol before becoming active
Tretinoin - this is a very potent prescription Retinoid only available from skin clinics after a consultation.
Why are Retinoids so important for anti-ageing:
Boost collagen production: as we age our collagen production naturally declines leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Retinoids, and particularly retinol, can help stimulate the production of collagen which is essential for the maintenance of the skin's elasticity and firmness.
Increase cell turnover: using Retinoids can help speed up the skin's natural exfoliating process, shedding dead skin cells and revealing new, healthy cells underneath. This increased cell turnover helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone as we age.
Fade age spots and hyperpigmentation: Retinoids inhibit the production of melanin and promote faster skin cell turnover which helps to fade age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Improve skin tone and texture: Retinoids can soften rough patches of the skin which helps improve the overall skin texture, as well as strengthening the skin so it is more resilient to environmental damage.
Address Acne and other skin concerns: using Retinoids can help to regulate sebum production and unblock pores, an effective solution for managing acne and other skin concerns that are caused by excessive oil production.
How to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine
When you start to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, always start slowly and build up. Use one or twice per week to begin with to allow your skin to adjust and help minimise dryness and irritation. After a few weeks you could try to increase use to 3 times a week and perhaps after a few more weeks, you could try to increase use to 4 times a week etc. It is not a race and you should tailor the retinol to your skin.
Apply retinol after cleansing and always use it at night due to increased sun sensitivity. Remember to use a broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher sunscreen during the day. For those with sensitive skin, consider mixing retinol with your moisturiser or apply it after you moisturise to minimise its effects. You may have heard of the popular "sandwich technique" of using retinol. This involves applying a layer of moisturiser, then a layer of retinol and then a further layer of moisturiser on top.
Regular use of retinol can lead to visible improvements in skin tone and texture over time, however it is important to listen to your skin, and if you experience redness, dryness or flaky skin, reduce the frequency or use a lower concentration of retinol.
Which is the best retinol for me?
In my clinic I stock a range of retinols so that I can tailor a skincare treatment plan to each of my patients and select the retinol that will most suit their skin and lifestyle. For patients that have never used a retinol or who have sensitive skin or rosacea we may look to start with a more gentle retinol and gradually build up use. An example of this would be the Obagi Retinol +PHA. This retinol contains slow release encapsulated 0.3% retinol together with 8 moisturisers and a gentle polyhydroxyacid to exfoliate the skin. This one stop shop night cream is also ideal for busy patients who need a minimalist might time routine.
Patients that have been tolerating retinols well may wish to switch up to a stronger retinol and prescription tretinoin over time to maximise skin health.
Book your consultation today with Dr Christine Or to discuss your specific skin concerns and how incorporating Retinoids into your skincare routine can benefit you!
