Retinoid 101

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should know that RETINOID is the tried and true miracle-working ingredient for your skin. Retinoid is the umbrella for Vitamin A and all its derivatives like Retinol and Retin-A. They are the heavy weights of the beauty world and it's here to save you from all the most annoying skin issues. Retinoids  are powerful enough to improve skin texture, pigmentation, and tone in just a few drops of serum or dollops of cream. The transformative effects on your skin are due to very potent formulations.  Prescription formulas contain Retinoic Acid - the magic ingredient that fights visible aging and Retin-A requires a prescription. Nonprescription alternatives need to be converted into Retinoic acid by the skin at the cellular level. "Off-the-shelf" formulas, have the ingredient called Retinol. Then there are derivatives called Pro-Retinols (aka, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and retinyl linoleate), which are the most gentle - but weaker.

Looking to smooth your lines?  Retinol

Want a brighter complexion and small pores?  Hello. .Retinol.

Need to clear up some Acne?  Retinol.

Here are some forms and their claims:

RETINOL - According to Dr. Dennis Gross . .“They stimulate the production of new skin cells. They also help to fade dark spots resulting from photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes, and blemish scars. Prescription-strength retinoids renew the skin and treat acne, reduces appearance of fine lines, and helps with skin discoloration.”

RETINYL ESTERS -  A storage form of Retinol.


ADAPALENE -   An over-the-counter topical retinoid used to treat acne. Can be found in Differin.

TRETINOIN -  A Tradename for Retin-A, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), medication applied to the skin as a cream or ointment.

BAKUCHIOL -  A plant extract that offers the same skin benefits of a retinol, without the irksome side effects. "Bakuchiol is an ingredient derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant," aka the "babchi" plant.

When you’re about to hit the big 4-0, consider yourself welcome to the retinoid family. “In your 40s, previous sun exposure leads to collagen damage, which weakens the skin’s foundation,” says Mount Sinai Hospital's Joshua Zeichner, M.D. “Make sure that you are using a topical retinoid in the evening to help stimulate collagen, strengthen the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Now, many younger ladies are getting in on the action and using the products as soon as they learn about its benefits.

Because this product in various forms can cause your skin to dry out and sometimes turn red, it’s best to talk to your Dermatologist before starting a Retinoid regimen. Most dermatologists advise to start with over-the-counter retinol products with the lowest concentration first & see how your skin reacts before moving to higher concentrations.  As with any other skin care product, the key to seeing results is consistent use. Retinol will not deliver visible results quickly, so patience is essential. Medical-grade formulas need your extreme attention and you have to use with Caution.  Please, please do your own research, talk to your Doctor first and . . .

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