Skip to main content

Connect With Us

Contact Us Today

847-393-4770

5 Things You Need To Know About Retinoids

Posted in Med Spa

Almost every skin-savvy person has heard of the infamous retinol (Vitamin A) and the great things it can do for your skin. But did you know that there are many different forms of this wrinkle fighting vitamin? How are you supposed to know which is just right for your skin?

  1. It comes in different forms.
    Retinoids come in various shapes and sizes. Retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde are all over-the-counter formulations, whereas tretinoin and tazarotene are prescription only. The concentration and strength of retinoids vary as well.
  2. It makes your skin photo-sensitive.
    Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF is key while using retinoids. Retinoids will make the skin susceptible to being burned very easily. It is recommended to apply retinoids as part of your night time regimen and to wear a high SPF as part of your day time regimen.
  3. It will fight fine lines and wrinkles.
    Continuous use of retinoids will help combat fine lines and wrinkles. It will provide great exfoliation, increase the skins thickness and elasticity, and even help lighten up sun-spots. Your skin will feel smoother, and it will give you an overall anti-aging effect like no other.
  4. It can help clear up acne.
    It is common for doctors to prescribe topical retinoids for patients who suffer from acne. This super vitamin helps exfoliate the skin from the inside out. When an acne patient firsts uses a retinoid, it is common for the skin to “purge”. This is the process of the skin shedding. All impurities deep in the skin come up to the surface. Once this process is over, improvement in the skin can be seen.
  5. It can’t be mixed with other active ingredients.
    Retinoids exfoliate your skin. Mixing a retinoid with another active ingredient is not recommended due to the fact that it is easy to mix badly. Avoid using an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) in conjunction with your retinoid unless advised to do so. If you have any questions on what you can and cannot use with your retinoid, go to the pros. Calling your Aesthetician with a product question is much easier than trying to fix an at home retinoid mixture mistake.

Call North Shore Aesthetics today to schedule a complimentary skin care consultation!