Increasing level of stress and poor nutrition coupled with the modern lifestyle are causing our skin to sag, no matter what our age is. Retinoids are the secret ingredients in our anti ageing skincare products which work at the deeper layer of our skin. Retinoids , Retinols and Retin -A are same at the root level, i.e., Vitamin A derivatives. While there are some compounds which work directly upon application are stronger, called as Retnoids, there are others which need to be converted to Retinoic acid first by the enzymes present in our body to work effectively. They are called as Retinols. So, Retinols are less potent than Retinoids but are excellent if you are new to this. Retin- A is a type of Retinoid only which is highly effective and stronger than Retinol to work upon wrinkled and saggy skin.
Highly effective Retinoids used in treatment of wrinkles are Tretinoin( also know by the brand Retin-A), Adapalene, Retinaldehyde, Tazarotene and Retinyl Palmitate. All are vitamin A compounds only and require prescription to buy the products. However, Retinols are easily available over the counter at any cosmetic shop.
Since Retinoids and Retinols help in cell regeneration by removing the dead cells and other cell debris from the pores, they make the skin photosensitive and hence, you must use a broad spectrum Sunscreen before moving out in Sun.
Next episode will cover what are the broad spectrum Sunscreens and the system to measure it......PA+, PA ++ and PA +++.
