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What is a Retinoid?

In our previous post about dark spots, we mentioned adding a retinol or retinoid to your skincare routine. So what would adding a retinoid to your skincare routine do exactly?

Well let’s start with what a retinoid is. Retinoid is an umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen and speed up cell turnover, which helps with discoloration. Jennifer Linder, M.D., says, “The best anti-ager is sunscreen; the next is vitamin A. Nothing else approaches it.” It helps with acne, wrinkles and other signs of aging and even psoriasis.

As you age, your skin loses its ability to renew itself and its elasticity. This makes wrinkles, dark spots and lines more evident. Adding retinoids into your routine helps your skin boost collagen production in a more natural way.

The ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, so apply any creams just before bed for the best results. Also, ease yourself into using retinoids as they can cause dryness, redness and flaking. Start by using it every third night. If you don’t notice any irritation, then gradually bump it up to every other night. Call one of our certified dermatologists so you can determine the best retinoid for your skin.

If you have any questions about retinoids or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Erase It All With Retinol

Knoxville Dermatology Group - Retinol

There are plenty of anti-aging creams, serums—you name it—on the market today. So how do you know what works and what is all talk? Luckily, we have the answers from our board-certified physicians at Knoxville Dermatology Group.

Retinol is the number one anti-aging ingredient, and is prescribed the most by dermatologists. It is based on Vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores and boost collagen to reduce fine lines. In addition, it can speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin, sometimes in as little as four weeks.

The top three prescription-strength retinols are tretinoin (brands include Atralin, Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin). There are also over-the-counter retinols for those of you whose skin cannot handle the strength of prescription retinols.

In addition to softer lines and skin, retinols also banish acne and clear up your skin. Talk about a skincare double whammy! Use it once a day (or once every other day until your skin is used to it) at nighttime because retinol is photosensitive. Because of this, apply sunscreen with SPF30+ every morning after your usual skincare routine.

Have you tried a retinol yet? Ask us about it today at 865-690-9467.

Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Not To Be Combined With…

When addressing the needs of problematic skin, active ingredients such as retinol, benzoyl peroxide and alpha-hydroxy acid are often found in recommended skin care products. Their effectiveness varies; however dermatologists agree that mixing these strong ingredients can be counter- productive.

Retinol and benzoyl peroxide are exfoliating agents that clear existing acne and prevent new blemishes from forming due to its drying effects.  When mixed together, or even layered, the skin can experience excessive peeling, flaking, redness, and blistering, scarring and unwanted pigmentation.

Alpha-hydroxy acid- a chemical found in natural products acts as an exfoliating agent and can be used in combination with retinol. When using these together, the AHA should be applied in the morning whereas retinol is to be applied at night.

These aforementioned ingredients may cause increased sun sensitivity. Therefore, it is critical to wear a good, daily sunscreen to counteract UV sensitivity.

If you use retinol, benzoyl peroxide and/or alpha-hydroxy acid, be mindful of the amount you use. These ingredients are potent and often cause irritation. When using products with these ingredients, dermatologists suggest using small amounts at first in order to build tolerance.

For more information about these ingredients and/or other products that address problematic skin, consult your dermatologist at Knoxville Dermatology Group.