Are retinoids your skin’s best friend?

Retinol and other retinoids are widely recognized as some of the best antiaging agents available – and for good reason. There is a lot of research supporting the ability of these vitamin A derivatives to reduce the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and loss of firmness. After use, retinoids work at the cellular level to neutralize free radicals and increase the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid deep within the skin. They also help increase the turnover of surface skin cells, decrease the tendency for oil and dirt to clog pores, and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Before reading any further, you can take a little break and take a look at casino online.

Would you like to add a retinoid to your skin care regimen? Before doing this, it is important to understand a little about the science behind retinoids. Our skin can only use the active form of vitamin A, that is retinoic acid. Therefore, the enzymes in our skin need to convert typical retinoids such as retinol into retinoic acid before we can take advantage of its benefits. In general, the milder retinoids have to go through a longer conversion process, while the stronger retinoids are quickly converted to retinoic acid. Because of this longer conversion process, mild retinoids are usually better suited for sensitive skin and retinol newbies because they cause less irritation (think redness and peeling).

With that in mind, keep scrolling for a breakdown of the most common retinoids you will come across in skin care products – from the mildest to the most effective.

1. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a plant extract that is often associated with retinoids due to its retinol-like effect but is not a true retinoid. Bakuchiol has been shown to help reduce discoloration, lines, and other signs of aging like retinol, but without irritation.

2. Retinyl palmitate

Retinyl palmitate is one of the mildest retinoids available, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. It has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant that increases collagen production and attacks sun damage.

3. Retinyl Propionate

Retinyl propionate is a retinoid on the mild side that according to dermatologists and skincare experts is proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It is not yet as popular in skin care as retinyl palmitate, but it can be even more effective.

4. Retinol

Retinol (also known as pure vitamin A) is considered to be the most potent retinoid available without a prescription. It comes in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 1%. Retinol may be less effective than prescription retinoids, but it is the gold standard for antiaging skin care products. If you are new to retinol, start with a low strength serum or cream (0.1% or less) to see how your skin reacts.

5. Retinaldehyde (also known as retinal)

Retinaldehyde (also known as retinal) is a direct precursor to retinoic acid, so it’s a step above retinol in terms of effectiveness. As with retinol, the benefits include less visible wrinkles and smoother, firmer skin. It is considered especially helpful if you suffer from acne due to its antibacterial effects.

6. Retinyl retinoate

Retinyl retinoate is part of a new generation of retinoids that are believed to be as effective as retinol but less irritating. The scientific data is limited, but studies show the ability to smooth lines, accelerate collagen synthesis, and fight acne.

7. Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, like retinyl retinoate, is a next generation retinoid, sometimes referred to as the “gran active retinoid”. Research to date supports its ability to treat wrinkles, sun damage, and dark spots with less irritation than retinol.

8. Adapalene (Differin)

Adapalene, also known as Differin, used to be available only by prescription, but concentrations of 0.1% are now available over the counter in the United States. It is especially effective on acne as it reduces inflammation and prevents pores from clogging.

9. Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that is also known as Retin-A. It is pure retinoic acid, so it does not have to go through a conversion process to work on the skin. Unfortunately, it is also strong – side effects can include irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling.

10. Tazarotene

Tazarotene is a prescription retinoid also known as Tazorac. Considered one of the strongest typical retinoids on the market, it is often prescribed for severe acne and psoriasis.

Whichever retinoid you choose, keep in mind that even the mildest can cause some irritation. If you are new to retinoids, start using them once or twice a week and gain weight slowly from there. It is best to use them at night and use broadband sun protection factor during the day, as retinoids can increase sensitivity to sunlight. As always, when in doubt – speak to your dermatologist.