What are retinoids?

Retinoids is the name given to the entire set of active cosmetic ingredients derived from vitamin A which, when applied to the skin, are transformed into retinoic acid. Some of these derivatives are more effective and sensitizing than others.

Within this family of retinoids the most used in cosmetic products are retinol, retinyl palmitate ( retinyl palmitate ), retinyl propionate (retinyl propinoate) and retinaldehyde (retinaldehyde).

Benefits of Retinol and Other Vitamin A Derivatives

Some of the most well-known benefits are:

• They increase the production of collagen and elastin, which means that they reinforce the structure of the skin, leading to a decrease in wrinkles and expression lines.
• It boosts cell renewal by improving the texture, appearance and appearance of the skin. Associated with this effect, there is an improvement in skin imperfections such as blackheads and clogged pores.
• They reduce the production of melanin, which improves the appearance of blemishes.
• Regulate sebum production.

How to include retinol in the beauty routine?

Despite being star ingredients in the fight against skin aging, retinoids can cause some adverse effects on the skin and, for example, cannot be used by pregnant women.

It is normal that in the first uses the skin feels more sensitive, tight, peeling and irritated, even so, these effects can be minimized if its use is correct, started slowly and together with the appropriate products.

Therefore, retinol should be applied at night on very dry skin and you should wait about 10 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the routine (for example in the case of a serum). The next day you should prioritize a routine with moisturizing products and never forgetting sunscreen.

The introduction of cosmetics with retinol or other vitamin A derivatives should be slow and progressive to favor the adaptation of the skin and reduce the likelihood of irritation. In an initial phase, concomitant use with other active ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, should also be avoided.

Product suggestions with retinoids

Mixed skin:

Oskia Retinoid Sleep Serum Level 1 (1)

Lixirskin Night Switch Retinol 1%

Alpha-H Vitamin A 0.5%

Sensitive skin:

Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinoid Night Oil (2)

Mature skin:

Oskia Super 16 Serum (3)

Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel (4)

This is one of our active ingredients that we don't forget about in our beauty routine. What's the ingredient you can't do without?

Take care of yourself, take care of your skin!