BEAUTY ANÉ AURET
Skin deep Confused about what retinoids are and what they do? Ané has the answers... RETINOID VS RETINOL: What’s the difference? And how to choose the right one for your skin
Retinoids have long been considered an anti-aging powerhouse and one of the most effecti e topical treatments to promote skin renewal, significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade pigmentation, smooth skin texture, improve skin elasticity, brighten skin tone and boost collagen production. But with terms like retinoids and retinol often being interchanged, how do you know the difference between them, and, most importantly, how do you choose the right one for you? Retinoid is an umbrella term for the whole family of vitamin A derivatives, including overthe-counter products containing Retinol and prescription treatments like Retin-A. Regardless of which type of retinoid you choose, the only type that our skin is able to use is called retinoic acid, the active form of Vitamin A. Retinoic acid binds to the retinoid receptors in our bodies, where it boosts cellular repair and renewal processes. This means that all other forms of retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid before the skin is able to use it. Here is our quick guide to Retinoids and how to use them in your routine. Retinoid – the full on one Retinoids get faster results, but can potentially cause more irritation and need a prescription.
• Some of the strongest retinoids are pure retinoic acid and don’t need to go through the conversion process, which is why they are so much more potent and therefore need a prescription. • This means that retinoids can be more irritating than over-thecounter retinol and should be slowly ramped up to limit irritation. Retinol – the ‘be patient with me’ one Retinol is gentler than retinoid and can be bought over the counter. But it takes longer to reveal results.
etinol is a specific form of vitamin A that’s available in many relati ely afforda le o er the counter skincare products i.e. serums and moisturisers. No prescription required. • These gentler, over-the-counter retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid by the enzymes in our skin before we can actually get their enefits. • Be aware: just because it’s gentler than prescription retinoids, it doesn’t mean that you won’t experience irritation. So, which one should you choose?
Most skin types can tolerate a retinol or retinoid but you have to make sure to choose the right retinol/retinoid product for you. etinoids are incredi ly effecti e topical skincare ingredients and it’s important to take your skin concern and type into consideration. Speak with a dermatologist or your facial
“Retinoids have long been considered an anti-aging powerhouse”
aesthetics expert to help you decide whether prescription retinoids or an over-the-counter retinol is a better option for you. Who can’t use these ingredients?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s recommended to avoid using retinols and retinoids altogether. A small percentage of people are super sensitive and sometimes have a ery di cult time tolerating a retinoid.
How to use your retinol products in your skincare routine...
Whether you use retinol or prescription retinoids it’s important to carefully incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine especially when you re a first time user. • Start slow and increase gradually. Use every third night for a couple of weeks, then every other night for another couple of weeks. If your skin is tolerating the product well it’s possible to use every day. • Start with a low percentage like 0.2 per cent if your skin is ultrasensitive or potentially 0.5 per cent for normal skin that tolerate active ingredients well. • Check instructions or get advice on how to layer your retinol/retinoid with other products in your routine
i.e. an acid based liquid exfoliant. • Use only at night. • Use a gentle skincare routine and follow with a moisturiser to help protect the skin barrier. • Always wear a broad spectrum SPF during the daytime as your skin will be more sensitive to UVA and UVB rays. What to expect...
Once you start using a retinoid or retinol product your skin may get worse before it gets better. This period is called retinisation and may in ol e peeling aking dryness and redness while your skin is adjusting to the product. This is temporary and will settle down, usually after a couple of weeks. How long to see results?
Anything between two and twelve weeks depending on the product and how well your skin responds. Some people may start to see a difference in as little as fourteen days ut don t gi e up after the first 2-3 weeks if you don’t see results. The key is consistent use.
Ané Auret is a self-confessed beauty obsessive and founder of Bath-based skincare brand Ané. Learn more at www.beautybyane.com and follow her on Instagram @beauty_by_ane
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