Retinol and retinoids have become the star words of skincare 2023. But do you know what their differences are? Are they for everyone? What other assets can they be combined with? Discover in this guide ALL about the ingredients that will bring out the best version of your skin.
Retinoids and retinol have gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to the great benefits they offer for your skin. Both are used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including wrinkles, dark spots, acne and uneven texture. In addition, they have also been shown to help stimulate collagen production. However, there are some key differences between these ingredients that are important to know before deciding which one is right for your skin type.
Retinoids
Retinoids or vitamin A derivatives are small, fat-soluble compounds with great antioxidant and cellular renewing power. Within the retinoids we find various forms, the most famous being retinol and retinoid esters:
- Retinol: Retinol is the most popular form of retinoids. This ingredient is converted to retinoic acid once applied to the skin, which helps stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike retinoids, retinol is gentler, however, not all skin tolerates it equally. Sensitive skin may take some time to get used to it and build up tolerance.
- Retinoid esters: Retinoid esters are the mildest form of retinoids and are often combined with other ingredients to reduce skin irritation. Therefore, they are excellent for first-time users or those with very sensitive skin and are also very effective.
Niacinamide and retinol: the winning combination
If there is one ingredient that is a complete match for retinol and retinoid esters, it is niacinamide. On the one hand, the ingredients featured in this post can often cause irritation, on the other hand, niacinamide has a great ability to repair the skin. Thus, this combination can increase tolerance and reduce irritation.
Retinol and retinoid esters Who can use them?
RETINOL: Normal, combination and oily skin.
RETINOID ESTERS: Dry and sensitive skin.
Retinol, retinoid esters… When to use them?
It is important to note that these ingredients can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is recommended to use them at night and apply sunscreen during the day. In addition, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually. Our recommendation:
First week: Apply two non-consecutive nights per week.
Second week: Apply every other day.
Third week: Apply every day if the skin tolerates it.
Have we convinced you to switch to the ingredients that are revolutionizing the cosmetics industry? If you have any questions feel free to comment through our social networks 😊.
