Can Retinol Help With Skin Problems
Retinol, while not as strong as retinoids which are over the counter, can still be used to treat acne, reduce fine lines, boost collagen production, reduce dark spots,, help skin renewal, and improve skin texture. When applied topically you can see the results and how it helps promote healthy skin, so add this to your skincare regimen.
Best Retinol Creams For All Skin Types
- Best higher concentration:LOreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream
There are many buzzworthy skin care products and ingredients on the market these days, and retinol is one of the most well-known.
While retinol is widely available in over-the-counter products, its important to know about its benefits and potential side effects, since its not recommended for people with certain skin conditions.
Myth No : Drugstore Retinoids Are Junk
There are two types of prescription retinoids: retinoic acid and tretinoin, which are the strongest types and have the highest risk of irritation, and three types of over-the-counter, drugstore retinoids: retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, and retinol, says Gohara. Not one of them is better or worse than the other theyre just totally different formulations, with each one better suited for certain skin types over others, and prescription formulas generally geared more toward acne.
Got all that? Cool. But we know that doesnt really help you figure out what to slather on your face. Goharas suggestion: Talk to your derm to find out which retinoid to use . So heres Goharas second suggestion: Start with a product that has retinaldehydelike Avène RetrinAL+ 0.1 Creamthe mildest of the retinoids, which is well-tolerated by most sensitive-skinned people and will still produce noticeable effects within two or three months. If you dont have eczema, rosacea or sensitivity issues, though, youre probably safe using drugstore products with retinollike Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, which can be a great option for anyone, says Gohara, and also why youve heard so much about them.
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How Retinol And Retinoids Are Different:
| Fun Fact: Retinol is actually a type of retinoid.
When speaking of retinoids alone, most people are referring to the prescription versions, such as tretinoin , tazarotene , or isotretinoin . Retinol, on the other hand, while also a member of the retinoid family, is available over the counter.
Worth noting: Retinol isnt the only type of OTC retinoid. There are also retinoid esters, like retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate, as well as the formerly Rx-only adapalene, which is now sold as Differin. However, retinol is generally considered to be one of the most potent of those you can purchase without a prescription.
Prescription retinoids are stronger than retinol because they have a more direct line to the skin cells. Heres why: In the most basic terms, retinoic acid regulates gene expression by activating the retinoic acid receptors on skin cells. This leads to a host of skin benefits, including increased collagen production and accelerated cellular turnover. In the skin, topical retinol undergoes a two-step oxidation process that turns it into retinoic acid, allowing it to communicate with cells in a language they understand. Prescription retinoids pretty much are retinoic acid already, so theyre good to go out of the tube.
I Only Trust Zinc Oxide Sunscreen And I Wear It 365 Days A Year
Every day I apply one of my Sheer Strength Pure Physical SPF 50+ zinc oxide sunscreens. My skin will not tolerate chemical sunscreen ingredients and I avoid them like the plague. Chemical sunscreen intolerance is normal for someone with sensitive skin such as me. Plus, over my 35+ year career, Ive done well over 200,000 skin exams on active Californians, allowing me to compare the protection of different sunscreens. Zinc oxide products clearly give the best protection, there is no question when you look at peoples skin under magnification all day. I only trust my skin to zinc oxide.
I wear my Matte Tinted SPF 50+ or Invisible Creme SPF 50+ on my face every day. I apply my Spray SPF 50+ on all other exposed skin such as my neck, chest, back of my hands etc. I touch up during sun exposure days with my SPF 30 Refresh Powder. When swimming, I wear my water resistant Spray SPF 30. These are all hypoallergenic and free of chemical UV filter ingredients meaning they are ideal for eczema-prone skin.
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The New Retinoid Rules For Sensitive Skin
The ultimate guide to choosing a formula that works for you and surviving the initiation process.
While dermatologists are nearly united in their unwavering adoration for retinoids”the single most important class of ingredients for healthy skin,” notes dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D.the sensitive among us tend to have more of a love-hate relationship with the vitamin A derivatives. Because along with four-plus decades of studies supporting their ability to boost cell turnover, ramp up collagen growth, neutralize free radicals, diminish pigment production, shut down acne and ward off skin cancer , comes the inevitable adjustment period, something docs call “retinization”and we call six weeks of raw, flaky, no-concealer-can-hide-this hell . Still, according to New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., “even sensitive skin can be trained to tolerate vitamin A derivatives,” so really, the only women who shouldn’t use retinoids are those who are pregnant or nursing.
Navigate Rough Patches Like a Pro. Knowing that irritation is normal doesn’t make it any easier to wake up to. But derms swear these tools can help mend skin fast:
1) Two tabs of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugaspirin, Advil, Alevecan bring relief within an hour or so, according to Engelman.
2) The gentlest cleansing brush or softest washcloth, circled over skin with zero pressure applied to buff away annoying flakes as needed.
The Rules Of When And Where To Apply
It’s best to introduce a retinoid slowly but surely. Redness, dryness and flaking can be minimised or avoided by gradually building your skin’s tolerance, so limit your initial use to once or twice a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin acclimatises. At night-time only, apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to clean and dry skin, avoiding the eye area, advises Linda Blahr, Head of National Training at SkinCeuticals. For optimal results, wait at least 30 minutes before applying other skincare products.
If you’re using a retinoid, you can skip other exfoliators like AHAs & BHAs as you will have already done the work. Doubling up can compromise the skin, because combining acids and retinol can cause irritation. So stick to one or the other. As far as mixing it with other active ingredients Dr. Ewoma says: From my point of view, you can. However, if you were a newbie to the retinol game, please don’t do a pick and mix on your face by putting a bit of glycolic and a bit of vitamin C and a bit of retinol all in one. That’s the quickest way to burn your face. But yes, if you’re a well-seasoned skin junkie, and you feel confident, you have quite resilient skin, you can, in theory, combine. she then adds: When combining serums, you need to make sure that theyre complementary i.e. same skin concern.
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What Recommendations Do You Have For Over
In general, one of the best things you can do for eczema is to find a great moisturizer. Lotions can be a bit drying, as they have a higher water content, so board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology, Dr. David Lortscher recommends picking a heavier cream with ceramides or petrolatum.
If your skin is particularly dry or if you’re exposed to very cold dry air, you should begin using a thin layer of a heavier moisturizer in the morning to help protect your skin. Moisturizing is the key to improving skin barrier function, resolving symptoms much faster, and reducing relapse with continual treatment.
Myth No : Retinols Peel Off The Top Layer Of Your Skin
Uh, nope. We mean, kind of, depending on whether or not you irritate the hell out of your skin to the point where it peels off in sheets . Unlike 99 percent of the products you slather on that just hang out on the surface of your skin, retinoids sink in and immediately start triggering cell turnover for newer, fresher skin.
A young persons cells turn over every 28 days, on average, but as you creep into your late 20s and 30s, the cycle slows down and cells take longer to regenerate, causing drier, more-wrinkled skin, says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD and assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
But dont freak out, you 90s babies. Retinoids have been scientifically proven to increase collagen productionthe stuff thats responsible for younger-looking skinso if you start using a retinoid today, your collagen levels will stay higher and more productive as you age in comparison to your non-retinoid-using friend whose collagen and elasticity will continue going downhill, says Gohara. Basically, youre guaranteed to have fewer wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines than if you didnt use anything at alland 2028 you will thank 2018 you for that.
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Dangers Of Retinol Cream: Final Thoughts
At the moment, retinol is in a similar state to CBD. Both have benefits and adverse side effects, but not many have been proven.
So, if you are using retinol and you find that it is improving your skin, keep at it. Do you find that retinol is irritating your skin or causing any of the negative side effects we mentioned above? Substitute it for another skincare cream, or consult your dermatologist.
Interested to learn ore about retinoids? Check out our blog:
What Are The Benefits Of Bidens Pilosa
Though now people are trying to see if bidens pilosa can be part of a skin-care product, traditionally in many nonWestern cultures, its eaten for its expected health benefits, says Dr. Li. Early, early data suggests that it may have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Camille Poggi, RENs scientific education manager, explains that bidens-pilosa extract contains something called phytanic acid, which can activate the same receptor in your skin that retinol does. Once this receptor is activated, it increases the production of collagen and elastin everything that makes the skin firmer and also reduces inflammation in skin and controls pigmentation. But unlike retinol, it does all this without irritation. Its opening the lock, but with a different key, says Poggi.
These benefits are major for anyone with super sensitive skin who cant tolerate retinol, especially those with eczema or rosacea. Dr. Li recommends a patch test though, noting that plant-based ingredients in general can still cause irritation. If your skin tolerates it well, you dont necessarily need the long and slow introduction typical of retinol. Another differentiator: You can use the ingredient morning, night, or both and even in combination with traditional retinol, if you want. Theres no contraindication because it targets the same pathway but not with the same molecule, so it wont overwhelm the skin, says Poggi.
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I Rely On Hypoallergenic Pharmaceutical
As a dermatologist, I know the value of using a good anti-aging skin care routine. I started in my late 20s during my dermatology residency and now I’m 62 years old! Time flies and for an old tanning-addicted blond California teen, I know my skin care routine has taken years off my skin aging curve. I depend on retinoids, professional AHA glycolic acid creams, green tea antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to fight the appearance of facial skin aging. Having eczema-prone skin makes anti-aging skin care is tricky and I’ve worked out the kinks for my complexion.
Avoiding And Recognizing Triggers
Eczema can get worse when you come in contact with irritants or triggers. One part of a good skin care routine should be taking active steps to avoid contact with known triggers.
If you dont know what triggers you have, you may want to keep a journal to help you determine the possible cause of your flares. This way, you can potentially avoid them in the future.
Also, keep in mind that not all triggers come from chemicals or irritants.
For example, the National Eczema Association states that cold, dry air can trigger an eczema flare. During the winter, you may need to change your routine a bit to help keep your skin protected.
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I Use A Botanical Face Oil At Night
I always top my anti-aging night routine with my Omega Enriched Oil. I apply a few drops in my palm, pat my palms together then pat my face with the oil. On the rare night when Im giving my skin a rest from anti-aging products, I apply my Daily Face Cream boosted with a few drops of my Omega Oil. My dry, sensitive skin loves the botanic oil formulation of my Omega Enriched Face Booster Oil.
I actually made my Omega Enriched Face Oil for my dear Australian friend Lorraine who has similar skin to mine. Its been so popular with my sensitive skin patients that I decided to make it available to everyone. I blended organic kukui, rosehip, pomegranate, argan and other oils with borage and sea buckthorn key ingredients to heal and support sensitive skin barrier.
Mineral oil and petrolatum, both time-honored dermatologic moisturizing ingredients, also work well as a heavy moisturizer for eczema-prone skin. But they lack the other attributes of botanical oils such as fatty acids that mimic skin lipids, antioxidants and vitamins known to benefit skin health. I prefer hypoallergenic eczema-friendly botanical oils.
Why Does Eczema Appear On The Hands
There can be a variety of reasons why eczema appears on the hands. For example, the hands can be affected by irritant or allergic contact dermatitis or both at the same time.
Coming into contact with irritants such as dust, detergents, cleaning agents, airborne sprays or even just frequent hand-washing can cause irritant hand eczema . The skin on the palms of the hands is much thicker than elsewhere on the body and is normally able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear. But in people who regularly immerse their hands in detergents or solvents, the protective barrier of the skin breaks down, and eczema may develop. People who have this form of hand eczema often have a history of eczema in childhood.
Allergic hand eczema arises as a result of an allergic reaction to a particular substance in the environment. It is possible to be allergic to a number of different substances, but common causes of contact sensitivity include nickel, fragrances, preservative chemicals, rubber and various plants, amongst other things. Once a persons immune system has identified a substance as harmful, they will react to the substance every time their skin is exposed to it, and this reaction becomes more severe on every exposure to the allergen.
When an allergic reaction of this kind is suspected, your GP should refer you to a dermatologist, who will normally perform patch tests to try to identify the allergic cause.
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Does Eczema Get Worse In Different Seasons
According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon of Preston Dermatology, cold weather and dry air often go hand in hand. Too much dry air can zap your skin of natural moisture. Dryness often leads to itching, which then leads to scratching and inflammation, she explains.
On the other hand, hot weather can also irritate eczema. Heavy perspiration can lead to itchy skin as well as prolonged exposure to water is another eczema-trigger. Water can cause dry skin, which can lead to persistent itching,” adds Dr. Solomon.
Myth No : Stronger Formulas = Fewer Wrinkles
This is the most amount of wrong that wrong can be, and we have the studies to prove it.
The retinoid classification system is so screwed up that people have no idea what type of formula theyre supposed to be using, says Gohara, queen of all things #true. You absolutely do not need prescription-strength retinoids to get the same effects in collagen production and cell turnover. Yes, youll probably see results from using an intense, high-dose prescription product a little bit faster than when using a milder formula, but youll also run the risk of hardcore irritating your skin if you use the wrong formula.
Plus, in the end, the results will be the same. Studies have shown that super low-strength retinoids of 0.025 percent had the same anti-aging effects on skin when compared to a moderate-strength retinoid of 0.1 percent over the same course of time. so can we please stop slathering our skin in high-dose formulas and wondering why were peeling and burning?
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Retinol Vs Retinoid How Do You Know Which One Is Right For You
Almost every type of skin can benefit from regular application of one of these vitamin A derivatives.
If its your first time trying the ingredient or your skin is inherently sensitive, an OTC product will be your best bet. Advances in delivery systems, as well as in the ingredients themselves, mean that OTC retinols are both highly efficacious and have a low chance of triggering an unpleasant response.
However, reactive types should also look for an OTC retinol formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as rambutan and bakuchiol, to act as an additional side-effects safeguard.
If youre already seeing a dermatologist you trust, and he or she suggests youd benefit from an Rx retinoid, definitely consider giving one a shot.
Regardless of whether you go the prescription or non-prescription route, start by applying your topical of choice a couple of times a week, working up to every other day, then dailyassuming your complexion can tolerate it.
In the case of both retinol and prescription retinoids , too much of a good thing isnt wonderful. You wont get better/faster/stronger results if you spackle on a thick layer of your treatment product. In fact, youll likely end up upsetting your skin. All it takes is a pea-sized amount of a retinol cream or retinol serum to cover your entire face. Thats it.