Rediscover one of the most scientifically proven (and myth-shrouded) anti-aging ingredients.
Retinoid, retinoic acid, retinyl, retinaldehyde, tretinoin... The list of names associated with this active ingredient stretches to the limit. We receive daily inquiries about how to incorporate it into your skincare routine, what other ingredients it can be combined with, whether you should be wary of it, or what results to expect (we can tell you, there will be many). We'll answer all your questions, starting at the beginning:
Retinol and retinoid, aren't they the same thing?
Besides being one of our favorite ingredients, retinol is also one of the most confusing. And to answer the question: no, they are not the same. retinol is a type of retinoid—and probably the best known—as are retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, and over 2,500 other types. But what do the members of this large (immense) family have in common? Simply put, they are all molecules derived from vitamin A.
If you want to know how they differ, keep reading.
Before we throw new names into the mix, let's look at the differences between them. Retinoids are divided into groups based on the number of conversions they undergo to end up in the form of retinoic acid, which is naturally present in our skin and therefore recognizes as its own and is able to absorb and use. For example:
- The retinyl esters They require three conversions to form retinoic acid. It's a gentler but less potent option.
- He Retinol requires 2 synthesis steps to get to retinoic acid, so it is more powerful than the previous version.
- He retinaldehyde It requires 1 conversion to reach retinoic acid.
- You will find the retinoic acid with the name tretinoin or isotretinoin in the list of ingredients (INCI). It is a prescription drug due to its potential for irritation.
Why do we love retinol?
Let's continue where we left off: retinols. It's one of the few ingredients that has been scientifically and repeatedly proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic conditions. proven to have anti-aging results . Its continued use has been proven minimizes the appearance of the wrinkles , delays the collagen degradation and clarifies the stains pigmentation and aging; and prevents their appearance. In addition to being the public enemy of acne and the brands .
How does it work?
Think of our skin as being built like a house, with bricks (cells) and cement (intercellular matrix, which fills the space between cells). Cell turnover naturally slows down over time, and our skin thickens. In other words: as we age, cells break down less frequently, so they become more fragile. accumulating layers and layers of dead skin . That is, instead of a functional roof, our house is layering up roofs. That's where retinols come in. They effectively penetrate the skin, break down the cement (intercellular matrix), and cause the cells that were coagulated on the surface to begin their process of separation and renewal .
When to start using it?
It's never too late to start using this active ingredient, but a good age to incorporate it is around twenty-five or in your early thirties.
To apply it correctly:
Aware of its potency, it is also important to understand its ability to irritate the skin and how to prevent flaking.
- Always apply it at night. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays, and the sun reduces its effectiveness.
- Sunscreen is a must every day!
- Incorporate it into your routine gradually. Start using it once a week and gradually increase your usage as you assess your skin's response.
- Amount: small, about the size of a pea.
- Remember to spread it over the neck and neckline.
- Avoid contact with eyes and the use of astringent cleansers.
- Hydration, hydration, hydration: Moisturize your skin twice a day to prevent dryness. Routine recommendation: incorporates a serum rich in hyaluronic acid as Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Serum or Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum .
- On the same night you apply your retinol, avoid using physical exfoliants or any type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Recommendation for your routine: For combination, oily or acne-prone skin, it may be a good idea to alternate its use with the cleanser. Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser .
- Retinol + Vitamin C: This can be a great combination for treating fine lines and hyperpigmentation, but it's quite potent. Take the progressive approach and incorporate a vitamin C serum in the morning as a Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C o Susanne Kaufmann Vitamin C Serum .
Benefits of retinol:
Why is it considered the ultimate anti-aging active ingredient? It's one of the few that has repeatedly demonstrated the following benefits:
- Helps promote collagen synthesis
- Improves skin texture
- Increases hydration
- It is the best active ingredient to reverse photoaging
- Closes the pore
- Regulates fat production
- They promote cell renewal
- It has an antioxidant effect because it prevents the decrease of the SOD enzyme during oxidative stress.
- Prevents hyperkeratinization (thickened skin)
- Improves fine and deep wrinkles
- Excellent treatment for acne
- Depigmenting action (stains) for an even tone
If retinoids are too strong for you, serum Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence and Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil are two alternatives to retinol that should definitely be in your cart.
A retinol for every skin type:
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound : The serum that garnered 20,000 orders on its global launch day. Its formula blends retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, simplifying your beauty routine without skimping on results.
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum : A retinol serum created for mature skin. Retinol, along with the active ingredient TFC8, addresses everything from lack of firmness, dark spots, and wrinkles to skin inflammation.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Retinol : This creamy formula is for those looking for a natural retinol without sacrificing maximum effectiveness and the best results.
Malin + Goetz Retinol Correcting Serum : A lightweight, fast-absorbing solution perfect for young, combination, or oily skin looking for results and to keep their beauty routine simple.