Retinol 101

Retinoids are a family of topical products derived from vitamin A. They are successfully used to treat many skin conditions such as photo-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, texture, dehydration, acne, inflammation in the skin... All of it!

The main difference in all types of retinoids is how potent they are, how easily they're absorbed (immediate or slower delivery), and how the skin responds. Retinols are the form most of us know them by. There are OTC Retinols, as well as medical grade retinols. Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) is the purest form of Vitamin A and is Rx only. This will give you quicker results, but will be accompanied by irritation/redness until your skin acclimates. Less potent formulations are available and tolerated by most skin types, but results will come as a slower rate.

We start to lose collagen and elastin in our twenties. Our aestheticians believe that we all need a good retinoid by this time. However, it is imperative to find the right one for you. This can be done by any of our professional aestheticians in our office! They recommend introducing these products slowly to allow your skin to build tolerance to this miracle worker.

SPF is essential when using retinoids because retinoids make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which is why often times we recommend applying your chosen retinoid at night. Please be mindful, if you're currently doing skin treatments or intend to start doing treatments with an aesthetician, you will have to stop use of your retinoid 3-7 days prior to your scheduled appointment.