RETINOIDS. EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT RETINOID TREATMENT
Cream with retinoids, ointments with retinoids, what these drugs are and what they are used for.
INNA CODRU , FEBRUARY 08, 2018
While it's true that there's no magic bullet in this world to perfect your skin, one ingredient comes close enough: retinol. If you decide to add the use of this substance to your beauty routine, then this article explains everything you need to know about treating problem skin with retinoids. We will see what retinoids are for the skin. Learn how to choose the best retinol product for you and how to use it correctly , resulting in younger, healthier skin.
WHAT ARE RETINOIDS?
Retinoids are topical or oral preparations that are chemically related to vitamin A. Eggs, milk, cheese, liver (from pork, beef, chicken, turkey and fish) are natural food sources of retinol. There are some natural alternatives to retinol, such as chicory root, rosehip seed oil, Tara tree resin, and oligosaccharides, but experts say there isn't enough research to support their effectiveness.
Retinoids find their use in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation, and for skin rejuvenation. The lack of retinol in the body has serious consequences, but many people do not associate these consequences with a lack of retinol. Many women do not really like to use it, because vitamin A derivatives cause severe irritation, so they refuse to use it. However, it is enough to simply reduce the time of contact of retinoids with the skin, which will help to reduce or completely eliminate this reaction of the body.
HOW DO RETINOIDS WORK?
Experts believe that retinoids bind themselves to specific retinoic acid receptors in your skin and activate them. And already each receptor begins to perform the work, when it is activated, which is intended for it. Think of retinoids as cellular communicators that tell your skin cells to "do your best."
Retinoids help in the normalization of hyperkeratinization (narrowing of the follicular channels); They help dead skin cells shed so quickly that they don't stick together or bind together and clog pores.
Clogged hair follicles can lead to follicular keratosis (a condition that makes your skin look like chicken skin), and clogged oil ducts cause acne. Both of these factors are, to put it mildly, undesirable.
In simpler cases, retinoids act as a natural exfoliant and quickly replace old skin cells with much younger, smoother skin. The most important function of retinoids is the production of COLLAGEN , which maintains the natural beauty and health of the skin, making it more elastic and filled with strength.
Also, the collagen obtained after the action of retinol removes the wrinkling of the skin and smoothes it. Retinol literally transforms the cells in your face and helps in preventing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
HOW TO USE RETINOIDS FOR ACNE?
If you suffer from moderate to severe acne that is not cleared up by any other treatment, then a retinoid may help. Retinol has a milder effect on your skin than anti-acne treatments like retinoic acid, which, by the way, are not easy to buy without a prescription.
Retinol actively penetrates through the outer layers of the skin. Once it reaches its lower levels, it begins to rebuild the protein elastin, which allows your skin to stretch and contract better. It, as I mentioned earlier, helps with collagen production, which in turn helps with restoring the natural contours of your face. These restorative effects make acne scars less visible.
When you apply retinoids to your skin, they unclog pores, allowing other healing creams and gels to work effectively. They reduce the chance of acne by unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. Retinoid pills target the bacteria that cause acne from the inside out. They also regulate the production of fat by the skin and relieve inflammation.
It is easy to get confused by the terminology used by manufacturers of vitamin A or retinoid products. And it can be difficult to choose something for yourself. You can try a drug like Tretinoin, which is quite affordable and popular in the treatment of acne. Or its analogues Vesanoid, Lokacid, Retin-A. They all fall under the subcategory of acne retinoid cream.
How to use: Wash your face and apply a small amount of retinoid cream on the skin for 20-30 minutes, once a day. When you first use retinoids, you may notice some deterioration of the skin, redness, or worsening of your acne. This means that the skin is not yet accustomed to retinol. You can minimize this condition by using the product every other day until your body gets used to it.
RETINOIDS FROM WRINKLES
Retinoids curb the appearance of wrinkles, reduce the appearance of brown spots, and slow down the breakdown of collagen. Retinoids do not harm the skin, they may cause some irritation and redness in the first few weeks, but they will make the skin healthier afterwards.
As for brown spots or any other darkening of certain areas of the skin, retinoids can reduce their number, as they inhibit the production of melanin and, thereby, reduce the likelihood of dark age spots.
For aging skin, dermatologists often prescribe tretinoin and retinoic acid. Tretinoin works better because it has a stronger ability to prevent collagen breakdown. Retinaldehyde is another, milder form of retinoid that you can purchase without a prescription. It is quite effective for rejuvenating old skin.
Tretinoin, the first FDA-approved retinoid, is also good at fighting wrinkles. It is a retinoid that works by increasing the body's production of new collagen. It stimulates the blood vessels in your skin, giving your skin a rosy look. Tretinoin helps clear age spots and prevent the more serious side effects of ultraviolet radiation.
You may find that other over-the-counter retinoids may not work as well as tretinoin, but they still improve the appearance of your skin. The use of such preparations along with preparations that have alpha hydroxy acids will help to achieve silky-smooth skin.
How to use: Apply retinoid cream to face, chest, neck, arms and forearms at least twice a week. It will take 3 to 6 months of regular use to see results: wrinkle reduction, dark spots, and acne. However, the maximum result will be visible approximately 6-12 months after the start of use.
RETINOIDS AGAINST PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often reminds of its existence. This is a skin disease that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. This process causes an excess production of skin cells on the surface of the skin. These extra skin cells form flakes and red patches that cause pain and itching. The main goal of psoriasis treatment is to stop the rapid growth of skin cells. Certain lifestyle changes can help, such as quitting smoking, moving to a more humid climate, choosing a less stressful job.
Retinoids also work for psoriasis by slowing down the rate at which skin cells grow and repair and reduce inflammation. Oral retinoids are useful for patients with persistent or severe psoriasis. However, it can cause dry skin and other side effects.
Creams and ointments with retinoids are usually the first thing psoriasis patients prefer when treating affected areas of the skin. Such drugs have a lower absorption rate by your body and therefore fewer side effects. Tazarotene is special among retinoids because it only binds to cell receptors in the epidermis, which is responsible for the production of abnormal skin cells.
How to use: The gel should be applied thinly to the affected area in a circular motion. Gently start in the middle of the plaque and continue in a circular motion to the outside. Avoid contact with healthy areas of the skin. If you feel irritation, then you need to reduce the amount to such a volume until this reaction disappears. If the plaque has disappeared, then you no longer need to apply the gel there. The effect will last for three months.
RETINOIDS FOR WARTS
Doctors may prescribe retinoids for warts, probably only when other treatments have failed. Retinoid cream works by disrupting the growth of wart cells. Flat warts are benign skin tumors that are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus. These warts are small and flat and can occur in large numbers on the face and legs.
Tazorac (Tazarotene Gel) is a retinoid medication that can treat flat warts by preventing them from coming back. Thus, it regulates keratinization to allow healthy skin to grow instead of warts. Retinoids may be the best treatment for flat warts on the back of your hands.
How to use: Wash hands and affected area with warm water and mild soap. Avoid alcohol-based products or astringents as these products can dry out and increase skin irritation when combined with Tazorac.
Wait at least 20 minutes after washing before applying the medicine. This will allow your skin to dry completely and minimize irritation caused by overstimulation of the skin. Use a water-based moisturizer. Then spread a thin layer of Tazorac on the warts. Gently massaging the skin. Use only the amount recommended by your doctor.
Always use sunscreen if you have to be in the sun while using Tazorac.
RETINOIDS ANTI-AGING
If you are trying a retinol cream or ointment for the first time, or if you have sensitive skin, over-the-counter retinol is a good choice. These products irritate your skin less because they convert retinol to retinoic acid more slowly. True, it will take longer to see results compared to prescription drugs. Look for products with at least 0.1 percent retinol and packaged in aluminum tubes. If you don't notice any change after three months, consider using products with a high retinoid content.
You will be surprised at the changes you will see using Rx-formula retinol products. It will make your skin brighter, softer, smoother and more tender. The reason is that this retinol is 10-15 times more effective than its chemical cousin, over-the-counter retinol. Commonly recommended retinoids prescribed by dermatologists for skin rejuvenation are Renova, Avage, and Differin. Your dermatologist will need to determine which product will work best for your skin.
SIDE EFFECTS
Although treatment with retinoids is effective, it is not without certain risks. Usually, all possible side effects are written in the instructions for the drugs, but in general it can be distinguished that it is possible:
- Skin color changes
- Irritation and dryness
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Redness, swelling, dry crusting or blistering.
- RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream
- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum
- Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment
- Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion Alternative
- StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Day Treatment SPF 30
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5
- La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes
- Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate
BASICS OF RETINOID USE
Plan ahead
It takes four to six months for your skin to be used for retinoids. Make sure there are no major events on the horizon in the safe window. Then follow these starting steps.
Consider summer time
Retinoids usually dry out the skin. Thus, you can start treatment in the summer because there will be more humidity in the air.
Waxing
You should not practice waxing during treatment with retinoids, they dry out the skin, and dry skin is more prone to burns. Let your skin "calm down" after the retinoid treatments and then you can start waxing. Although I would recommend, instead of waxing, SUGARING.
Recommended amount of cream to use - pea size
Cream cleansers with alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acids are better than granular cleansers due to their unnecessary roughness. When using retinoids, avoid sensitive areas such as lips and upper eyelids. If the feeling is excessively sticky, then you have used too many retinoids. Wipe off any excess product from the skin immediately with a clean cloth. Next time use only half of this dose.
Avoid skin irritation
Various face creams, ointments that you use daily can react with retinoids. For example, alcohol-based ones, as well as exfoliating scrubs, astringents, makeup, and medicated cleansers. Therefore, be careful when using these products along with retinoids. Watch for skin irritation, if irritation occurs, identify the source and avoid using this product.
Realize the Importance of Sunscreen
If you're lucky and live in a sunny area 😊, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher every morning when you go outside. Retinoids, by exfoliating dead skin cells, remove the skin's natural protection against UV rays, so be vigilant and do not forget to use sunscreen.
Use retinoid preparations at night
Sunlight can reduce the effectiveness of retinoids, so it's best to use retinoids at night. Wet skin increases the sensitivity of your skin. Therefore, cleanse your skin 20 minutes before using the product to keep dryness, redness and flaking to a minimum. Use a nighttime moisturizer after applying retinoids. If you have very sensitive skin, use a moisturizer before applying retinoids. And don't worry, it won't jeopardize the results of the procedure.
Short contact method
If you feel a stinging sensation after applying the retinoid product, wash off the product 15 minutes after application. Experts call this the short contact method. This action will allow you to get most of the benefits from the use of retinoids, only slightly reducing its performance.
Take your time
Experts suggest applying retinol once every three days for at least the first two weeks. Then you can use retinoids every other day for the next two weeks and gradually work up to daily use. For people with fair skin tone and light eyes, the process may take a little longer, while for some, using retinoids every other day may be sufficient. You must follow the regimen you choose to get the maximum benefit from the use of such funds.
Well-established retinol products to try:
CONCLUSIONS
Pay attention to retinol, your skin surface is affected by signs of aging, wrinkles, uneven skin color and obvious loss of firmness. Research shows that retinol naturally supports healthy skin, making it one of the most compelling skincare ingredients in use today. If you choose to have retinoid treatments, be sure to take the necessary precautions and be aware of possible side effects. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, it is in your best interest to avoid the use of retinoids because it may cause abnormalities in your unborn child.