About retinol and retinoids - what are they and what are they for?

Key points and rules of application

Retinoids are topical or systemic agents used to treat acne. The choice of active ingredient depends on the severity of the disease.

Retinoids are used in anti-age therapy to stimulate collagen production: against wrinkles, dullness and aging of the skin, and in case of hyperpigmentation, retinol is preferred.

When introducing retinol into your care, it is important to know and remember the "retinol steps" - start using it once every 3-4 days with a gradual increase in application frequency. Retinol should be used only in the evening, and SPF should be applied during the day. At the beginning of use, redness, dryness, and peeling may occur. Therefore, retinol should be applied in a thin layer, because the thicker the layer, the greater the likelihood of irritation. As for the area around the eyes, there are products with a lower percentage of retinol to avoid irritation.

Retinol products are not allowed during pregnancy and lactation. Also, retinol should not be combined with acids and hydroquinone. Retinoids are best combined with soothing and lipid-regenerating components (e.g. centella, ceramides, hyaluronic acid).

Author: Cosmetologist Vitaliya Netrebych