Fall is a great time to start using retinoids. Here’s a little guide to get you started.
“Retinoid” is the term for the family of Vit A derivatives.
Retinoids are the most well studied and effective category of skincare ingredients for fighting the visible signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) as well as acne.
However they are also one of the most confusing skincare ingredients and often misused.
There are over the counter retinoids and prescription retinoids. OTC undergo stepwise conversion in skin to become retinoic acid, the most bioactive and hence most efficacious form.
Forms needing multiple steps of conversion to become retinoic acid are weaker. The steps of conversion take several months hence they are less irritating and tend to yield slower results than prescription ones. However with consistent use the OTC retinoids can yield very similar benefits when it comes to anti-aging and hyperpigmentation.
Formulation matters a lot! Here are some of my favorite OTC options details on why in my full youtube video:
Retinol- @olay retinol24 max
@roc retinol capsules
Adapalene- @larocheposay @differin
Retinaldehyde @avene Retinal
Granactive- I'm still on the fence about this derivative but many rave about @theordinary
Hope this helps. Part Two is coming soon!
#retinol #differin #dermatologist
