First of all, retinol is part of the retinoid family (the umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives, including retinol). While most retinoids are drugs that need a doctor’s prescription, retinol serums aren’t. retinoids are available in different strengths - the difference between them lies in the percentage of concentration -. A retinoid anti-aging formula, for example, could contain retinyl palmitate (the weakest of the retinoids), or it could contain retinol (the next strongest and most tolerable), retinaldehyde (even stronger), or adapalene (the strongest option that's also specifically formulated to treat acne).

Regardless of which retinoid you select, though, know that they’re all effective at the end of the day. Studies show that you’ll get an equivalent long-term anti-aging effects over time with a low-strength retinoid as you'd with a moderate-strength retinoid, so don’t feel like using “weak” retinol won’t do anything.

Are retinoids anti-aging ingredients?

Until your early-30s, your cells turn over every 28 days, creating a fresh layer of untouched, pristine skin, but after you hit your mid-30s, your cell regeneration slows down, turning over every 50, 60, or 70 days. That slower cell regeneration is what causes your face to seem dry, dull, and wrinkled.

Retinoids, however, sinks into your skin and speeds up cell turnover by first stimulating the removal of dead skin cells from the surface, regulating cells involved in collagen and elastin production, helping the skin look smoother, brighter, and firmer, and at the same time, reducing fine lines' appearance wrinkles. You won’t see results overnight; it’ll take a minimum of three months of consistent nightly use to note some reduction in fine lines, dark spots, and acne. So, patience is essential.

Are there any other benefits of retinoids?

Retinoids, in general, are the gold standard in wrinkle-preventing and line-smoothing treatments. They do not just help with wrinkles and fine lines, but they stimulate cell turnover, which increases collagen and elastin production, clear and shrinks pores, and fade dark spots and redness. As they work on a cellular level, not just a topical level like most skincare products do, they’re able to deeply resurface your skin, which can completely transform your complexion over time.

How to use retinoids?

It is best to use a retinol serum in the evening because this component has been found to break down when exposed to sunlight, which reduces its effectiveness. If dryness or irritation occurs when using retinol, reduce your application frequency until your skin adjusts.

If you're using a retinoid, you can skip other exfoliators like AHA’s & BHA’s, as you will have already done the work. Doubling up can compromise the skin because combining acids and retinol can irritate. So, stick to one or the other.

On the other hand, make sure you're vigilant with your SPF. Retinoids increase cell turnover, so they can make skin temporarily thinner and therefore more fragile, and at the same time, retinoids are prone to increase photosensitivity within the skin. So, always use a high, broad-spectrum sunscreen subsequent morning when using this product BeautiPura® Extra care Sunscreen Broad-spectrum SPF 50 is the best option for you.

Are there any side effects of using Retinoids?

It’s possible to experience side effects like mild flaking or irritation when starting to use retinol. So, it’s best to space out applications until your skin adjusts. This might mean applying a retinol serum two times a week and gradually increasing application to three times a week and then every night as the skin’s tolerance increases. When applying retinol or retinoids in general, avoid direct contact with the eyes and lips.

Can you use products containing Retinoids during summer?

Your retinoid routine doesn’t have to change when the weather warms up. Regardless of the season, it's always advised to apply retinoids at night. In addition, during summer, it's advisable also to use a high SPF sunscreen if you're using a product containing Retinol as wearing a good sunhat!

Choosing BeautiPura® Retinoids Products

Erase signs of aging while improving skin texture and tone with BeautiPura®Retinol Ceramide Capsules Fine Lines & Wrinkles Erasing Night Serum. An advanced Formula to repair damaged skin Firmness and elasticity, minimize the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles While Delivering Antioxidant Protection against Age factor and cellular damage due to Pollution, UV, and oxidative stress.