Retinoids: Anti-Aging Benefits
What Are Retinoids? Retinoids are one of the most popular ways to help skin look younger. They come from vitamin A and have been around since the early 1970s. Retinoids were first prescribed to treat acne. Now they’re used to fight aging skin, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. They come in many forms.

What Are Retinoids?

Retinoids are one of the most popular ways to help skin look younger. They come from vitamin A and have been around since the early 1970s. Retinoids were first prescribed to treat acne. Now they’re used to fight aging skin, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. They come in many forms.

How Retinoids Work

Retinoids don’t just peel away the top layer of your skin cells like an extra strong loofah. They trigger your body to make more collagen, a protein in your skin, muscles, and bones. It’s what keeps your skin elastic and firm. This means fewer wrinkles.

Natural vs. Synthetic

There are natural and synthetic retinoids. Natural retinoids come directly from vitamin A. Synthetic retinoids are man-made. Both trigger receptors in your skin. But synthetic retinoids don’t trigger as many, so they tend to be less irritating. That also means they may not work as well.

Types of Retinoids

Retinoids come in cream, gel, and liquid forms. Gels are usually stronger than creams, foams, and liquids, and are typically prescribed for acne. Creams are usually a good choice for aging skin. Retinoids come in different strengths, including 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Stronger formulas work better but can cause more side effects.

Retinoids for Wrinkles

Because retinoids help your skin make more collagen, they soften wrinkles and fine lines. They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your skin a rosy color. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth rough patches. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a popular prescription choice for aging skin.

Prescription or Over-the-Counter?

You can buy some retinoids, like adapalene (Differin), at the store. But you need a prescription for stronger ones like tretinoin (Retin-A). You can also get retinols at the store, which your body then changes to retinoids. They’re not as strong, so they’re less likely to make your skin red or itchy. And they take longer to work. Read more

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