It all started way back in the 1970s. Topical Vitamin A was used as a popular acne treatment at the time. But soon, skincare researchers discovered that this modest vitamin also helps with other skin problems.
By speeding the turnover of surface skin cells, these retinoid creams using a topical vitamin A sparked an interest in anti-ageing applications. Ageing skin that was prone to age spots and uneven pigmentation responded exceptionally well to this new-found, radical 70s skin treatment.
Soon enough, the researchers discovered that these retinoids could reduce fine lines and wrinkles, too. With the increase in collagen production and stimulating new blood vessel creation, scientists also found that retinoids improved skin color. Faded age spots, softened rough patches, more even skin pigmentation, and fewer wrinkles seemed like a miracle. But it takes 3 to 6 months of constant use to see any of these improvements. And for best results, patients wait 6 months to a year.
How do retinoids work?
Using vitamin A, retinoids neutralize free radicals in the skin that are often the cause of the collagen damage. Older skin produces less collagen leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and older looking skin. So, retinoids help preserve the current levels of collagen and promote the production of new collagen. It is this new production that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and helps prevent new ones. Retinoids are the most trusted anti-ageing ingredient on the market today.
How to choose the right retinoid for you?
Different types of retinoids treat wrinkles. Each one targets various skin types.
- Adapalene – Newly available over the counter (OTC) retinoid treatment
- Retinol – The standard over the counter (OTC) retinoid ingredient
- Retinaldehyde – An over the counter (OTC) ingredient stronger than retinol
- Retinyl palmitate – The least potent over the counter (OTC) ingredient for sensitive or extremely dry skin with not many wrinkles
- Tretinoin – A potent retinoid formulation only available by prescription
- Tazarotene – The most powerful retinoid formulation only available by prescription
Alcohol-based gels are usually more effective because the skin easily absorbs them, which makes them ideal for acne-prone skin, too. Mature and dry skin tend to react better to the cream-based retinoids.
Retinoids promise great results in the world of anti-ageing treatments. However, you do need to be patient as results do take several months. But wrinkles do improve using retinoids. So, don’t judge the results until you have been using the treatment for up to 1 year.