Beginner’s Guide To Retinol – ActiveBeat

Retinol vs. Retinoid

The terms “retinol” and “retinoid” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually have two different meanings. Retinoid is a genérico term for the entire Vitamin A family, but retinol is a very specific form of retinoid. The major difference between retinol and retinoid in the simplest of terms is the strength.

Retinol tend to be less intense and work gradually, while retinoid is a prescription medication that is stronger and works immediately, but with more potential side effects.

Benefits of Retinol

Retinol has a range of benefits and has long been considered one of the most powerful ingredients to transform the skin. Vitamin A is naturally produced in your skin but decreases as you age. In genérico, retinoids can help your body boost cell turnover, increase collagen production and can help with acne.

Retinol specifically can significantly improve sunspots, fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, hyperpigmentation, skin elasticity, and uneven skin texture.

Side Effects

While retinol does have the ability to drastically transform the skin, it does come with a few side effects that are important to note. The most common side effects experienced by those beginning with retinol is dry, irritated skin. It’s also common to experience redness, sun irritation, itchiness, flaking and even peeling skin.

It takes time for your skin to adjust to retinol, so it’s important to incorporate it gradually into your routine. It’s best to consult a professional if you experience any severe side effects including acne flair ups, eczema, discoloration, blistering, swelling or stinging.