WHAT ARE RETINOIDS?

Retinoids are chemical compounds derived from Vitamin A. Retinoids such as low-strength retinol are available over the counter. However, other retinoids that are more potent, such as tretinoin, can only be prescribed by a doctor. As retinoids are the derivatives of vitamin A, they play a massive role in improving the immunity of the skin and its overall health.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Retinoids have multiple uses. Although retinoids may not resolve all skin issues, it has been proven in study after study that proper use of retinoids can combat acne, treat blemishes, soften wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and encourage cellular turnover as well which results in a more youthful state of the skin.

Proper retinoid application on acne can help unclog the pores, allowing other medicated creams or ointments to penetrate deeper into the targeted pore to work better and more effectively—eventually, proven to be excessively effective in reducing acne outbreaks and fading blemishes, scars and dark spots.

Retinoids such as tretinoin are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. They are highly effective in increasing collagen production. It helps to stimulate new blood vessels, which results in improved skin color. It has also proven to be very effective against fading dark spots and reducing the effects of UV radiation.

Retinoids also treat Psoriasis, warts and many more skin concerns. The key is to deal with extra care because retinoids are very potent. Common side effects include dryness and irritation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, redness, or swelling.

PRECAUTIONS FOR USING RETINOIDS:

Never use strong retinoids without consulting your dermatologist. Retinoids come in 3 strengths (0.25 percent, 0.50 percent and 1 percent). Always make sure to start with a low concentration and then gradually move up only if needed, but this way, it would be easy for your skin to adjust to the strength of the retinol.

Never use an excessive product, thinking it would work better or heal quicker. Instead, it can cause side effects leaving your skin irritated. Always use your product as per the doctor’s prescription or simply according to the package’s label. Retinoids tend to break down in the sun, so it’s recommended to use these at night and, by all means, use your sunscreen during the day. Moreover, retinoids usually dry out the skin, so make sure to keep your skin adequately moisturized to avoid any skin irritation or sensitivity.

Here we have listed down some highly effective retinol serums and creams; which are good to start with. Make sure to choose according to your skin type and concern.

RETINOL SERUMS:

● The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

Are you worried about ageing too quickly? This 1% pure retinol age-defying treatment is exceptionally stable, water-free, and strong. Its unique form of vitamin A and plant-derived squalane has been shown to reduce fine wrinkles, improve pigment issues, revitalize skin, and give it a more youthful, fresh appearance overall. However, the Ordinary advises starting your regimen with lesser quantities of Retinol because it might irritate the skin, and you want to give it time to get tolerant. So why not use this daily as part of your evening skincare regime?

● Retinol Complex Face Serum – from Naturium

Three anti-ageing ingredients, including microencapsulated Retinol, bio-retinol, and bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol substitute, are present in Naturium Retinol Complex Serum. Retinol, the gold standard over-the-counter anti-ager, improves cell turnover to smooth and firm the skin. The best news? Retinol has almost zero side effects and is scent-free. In addition, the serum is designed to improve uneven skin tone and elasticity while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores.

● Retinol Serum by Eva Naturals

Overturn the rules of ageing! You undoubtedly already know that Vitamin A, often known as Retinol, is one of the most potent anti-ageing substances. The issue is that most topical Retinol medications just work on the skin’s surface, giving you null results. However, the Eva Naturals Retinol Serum has a carefully formulated solution that can penetrate four layers of skin, providing nutrient-rich elements to the areas of your skin that need them the most. They work together to reconstruct your skin by enhancing collagen production, filling in wrinkles and eliminating fine lines. Plus, it helps reduce acne scars and improve your facial skin tone! You’ll have to try to believe that Retinol, vitamin E, and jojoba work together to provide anti-ageing benefits.

● La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3

The lightweight Retinol B3 Serum from La Roche-Posay was created primarily to combat visible age signs on delicate skin. However, you will seem younger and more refreshed thanks to its ability to revitalize and renew the complexion without irritating the skin. The La Roche-Retinol Posay’s B3 Serum has a potent vitamin A formulation containing the well-known skin-soothing compound niacinamide. The latter component reduces irritability while retaining all of Retinol’s skin-renewal advantages. What a great offer!

● Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

The creamy and gentle Versed Press Restart Mild Retinol Serum was created for sensitive skin types and first-time retinol users. The best of both worlds is provided by the combination of microencapsulated Retinol, which delivers the active ingredient deep within the skin without irritating, and the natural Retinol substitutes arophira and bakuchiol. This nightly treatment is non-irritating and effective, reconstructing skin texture, easing lines and wrinkles, promoting collagen production, and evening skin tone—all without a sign of dryness—with extra antioxidants and anti-inflammatories for good measure. And if that’s not enough of a reason to start your retinol romance, this smooth treatment is vegan, cruelty-free, and environment-friendly.

RETINOL CREAMS AND MOISTURIZERS:

● Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment Cream

Paula’s Choice products are made with your skin in mind. This cutting-edge cream, with pure Retinol at 1%, a strong combination of four peptides, and vitamin C promote younger-looking skin. Over time, the sheer, lightweight product noticeably strengthens skin’s resilience, minimizes pores, softens lines and wrinkles, and fades the appearance of discolouration. Moreover, its active ingredients also include liquorice and oat extract to leave your skin smooth and well-soothed.

● Olay Regenerist Retinol Moisturizer, Retinol 24 Night Face Cream with Niacinamide

The non-greasy and quick-to-absorb Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer promises to hydrate skin continuously while also visibly reducing pores, fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Its unique combination of Vitamin B3 and Retinoid Complex moisturizes skin for 24 hours. Dermatologist-tested formulations are housed in purple glass canisters as part of Olay’s Retinol24 range. In addition to being completely recyclable, the face cream is also free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic colours.

● LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream for Face

The best-selling lightweight LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream contains Retinol, hyaluronic acid, organic green tea, shea butter, and jojoba oil in a high-potency blend which is best believed to nurture and hydrate. At the same time, pure Retinol helps combat the five visible signs of ageing: wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, rough texture, and loss of tightness. So if you have seen this product on your Pinterest timeline too many times, trust the hype and get it!

● Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

By naturally protecting layers of the skin, this night cream is applicable for all ages to lessen visible and invisible indications of ageing. Moreover, it quickly improves skin appearance and is soft enough to use every night for all skin types. Its highlighted ingredients include Retinol Tri-Active Technology which is famous for evening out the skin tone, boosting luminosity, and helping to combat the appearance of lines and deep wrinkles. In addition to that, it also contains Picolinamide and niacinamide, which support the skin’s natural defence system.

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