The proliferation of skincare products is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s great that medical science can now isolate and customize skincare treatments to create effective, professional-strength and over-the-counter product combinations for virtually every skin type, skin tone, and skin issue.
On the other hand, the beauty industry now advertises so many products—with new ones released virtually every day—that it’s hard for consumers to sort the science from the nonsense.
The fact is, retinoids are straight science. Instead of a marketing ploy built around an empty claim, retinoids got their start in medical skincare from the get-go, and then medical science experts developed med-spa-strength and OTC non-prescription retinoid products. Now, no matter what kind of Bradenton skin you’re in, all types and ages are reaping the benefits of the many amazing retinoid-based products out there.
And here at Bellagena, our expert aestheticians are happy to be your Bradenton retinoid skincare guides.
What Are Retinoids?
The term “retinoid” refers to a number of skincare products derived from Vitamin A, including subcategories like retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters.
Topical retinoids are divided into six classes: tretinoin (ie “all-trans retinoic acid”), adapalene, tazarotene, trifarotene, alitretinoin, and bexarotene.
Where Do Topical Retinoids for Skincare Come From?
Originally retinoids were discovered and then derived from animal products, including eggs, fish, and even chicken livers. Then plant-derived retinoids (from squash, sweet potatoes, carrots and even cantaloupe) gained traction.
But nowadays, the medical and beauty industries primarily utilize retinoids synthesized in labs.
While we often give preference to natural products, in the case of retinoids, scientists have long pinpointed their formulas and know exactly what molecules need to be created. (Especially since retinoids were approved by the FDA for acne treatments way back in 1971, and are some of the most studied ingredients in the skincare industry.)
As such, the lab-made synthetic retinoids are effective and easily controlled. Plus, they’re better for the environment.
What Do Retinoids Do?
While there’s a broad spectrum of retinoids in terms of their strength and the conditions they can treat, generally speaking, retinoids slow cell death, protect collagen, and promote keratin. All of these activities add up to anti-aging properties.
Scientifically, they do this by binding to the cell’s retinoid receptors and changing the way particular genes express. Retinoids actually perform vital tasks all over the body, including in the formation and repair of organs like the liver and heart, the eyes, and the nervous and immune systems. (That’s why getting Vitamin A in your diet is important, too.)
What Skin Conditions Can Retinoids Treat?
While their modern-day medical uses began with prescription-strength acne treatments, we now have such a well-studied variety of retinoids that they’ve been harnessed for products that treat all kinds of conditions, including:
- Aging/wrinkles
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Hyperpigmentation
- Inflammation/swelling
Retinoids are Safe for All Skin Types and Tones
Not only are retinoids versatile in terms of the conditions they treat; they’re also good for most people and types of skin.
The primary counterindication for retinoid skincare is allergy or irritation. So if you’re new to retinoids, keep an eye out for increased redness, dryness, or other indicators of an allergic reaction. (Especially if you have a darker skin tone and/or skin of color, which is more prone to developing hyperpigmentation from these reactions.)
Talk to Your Bradenton Skincare Experts About Retinoids for You
While you may be wary about skincare catchwords, rest assured, retinoids are the real deal. Still, you need to know what types of retinoids will give you the outcomes you’re looking for without irritating your skin.
Always talk to your friendly Bradenton skincare experts at Bellagena about the best products for you. And if you’re looking for retinoids, we’ve definitely got your skin covered!
