How to Pick the Best Form of Retinoid for You

Retinoids can be fantastic for maintaining healthy skin, reducing the signs of aging, and treating various skin conditions.

But there are several forms of retinoids, so how do you choose the best type for you? Let’s find out.

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What are retinoids?

Retinoids are a class of compounds that are derived from vitamin A. They can play a key role in skin health. For instance, they can potentially reduce inflammation, regulate the growth of cells on the surface of your skin, and unclog pores.

You can also get retinoids for wrinkles, to decrease their appearance. But it is important you consult with a skincare specialist to find the right form of retinoids for your specific skin type and any skin conditions you have.

Retinoids with a higher potency can treat conditions like acne, psoriasis, and pigmentary disorders. So, let’s take a look at the different types of retinoids that skin care specialists could recommend for your precise needs.

Retinol

Retinol is an alcohol form of vitamin A. Skin Care specialists generally recommend it for people over the age of twenty-five who want to reduce the signs of aging.

It works by stimulating the production of collagen and firming up the skin. It also fights free radicals and makes cellular turnover, which is your skin’s natural way of exfoliating, faster. In turn, wrinkles and dark spots can fade.

Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl palmitate is basically retinol combined with palmitic acid, which is a fatty acid. It is the gentlest type of retinoid, so it is recommended for people who have very sensitive skin and who cannot tolerate other forms of retinoids.

The high concentration of retinyl palmitate helps to reduce wrinkles and smoothen skin texture.

Retinaldehyde

Also known as retinal, retinaldehyde is the aldehyde form of vitamin A. It helps to boost collagen and make your skin firmer. But, although it is fairly gentle, it can cause irritation to people who have sensitive skin.

If you want a stronger form of vitamin A but cannot tolerate retinoids in the form of retinol, going with retinaldehyde is a good solution.

Retinoid Acid

This acid form of vitamin A is very effective in treating dark spots and wrinkles, so if you are looking for anti-aging remedies, retinoid acid could be the right form of retinoid for you.

However, it is a very strong form of retinoid and it can cause the skin to peel and flake. It can potentially cause dryness and irritation as well. So, it is best used by people who have tried all other types of retinoids and decide they need something stronger.

A dermatologist can help you decide whether retinoid acid or another form of retinoid is the right option for your specific skin type and any skin conditions you may have.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

The newest form of retinoid on the block is hydroxypinacolone retinoate. It is great for treating acne and can be helpful for reducing wrinkles too.

It is a very gentle form of retinoid, so it is ideal for anyone who cannot tolerate traditional retinoids.

Summing Up

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A. They are commonly used in skincare products to help limit the signs of aging on the face, such as reducing wrinkles. They are also used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

However, depending on the type of skin you have and your specific skin condition, some forms of retinoids could cause irritation.

Therefore, before you begin using retinoids, it is recommended you get advice from a skincare specialist, such as a professional dermatologist. You can then start using the best form of retinoid for you.