Widely considered as the gold standard in skincare, retinoids, such as retinol, are derivatives of vitamin A – a key nutrient needed in order for our skin cells to function properly.
‘Retinoid’ is an umbrella term used for the various forms found in over-the-counter and prescription skincare.
Types of vitamin A:
The pure form of vitamin A (retinoic acid) is the only form that can be used by the skin to produce a physical effect. In topical skincare, retinoic acid can be found as tretinoin. To deliver results, once applied, all other forms of vitamin A need to be converted by the skin into retinoic acid.
The more conversion steps a retinoid needs, the weaker it becomes. It will still work; it’ll just take longer. Retinoids that require fewer conversion steps (e.g. retinal) can offer quicker results.
There are a number of different forms of vitamin A used in skincare. The most common, by order of strength, are:
* HPR is a retinoic acid ester – it is directly related to retinoic acid and therefore does not need to convert. It can be used in higher percentages as it is gentler on the skin.
What does it do?
Increases skin cell renewal (the rate at which new skin reaches the top layer) and helps stimulate key processes such as collagen and elastin production.
How does it benefit the skin?
Almost everyone can benefit from adding a retinoid to their skincare routine due to its ability to address numerous concerns:
Prevents premature ageing by slowing the breakdown of collagen
Minimises the appearance of lines and wrinkles
Improves firmness and elasticity of the skin
Regulates oil production and skin cell turnover, helping to unclog pores and reduce acne
Smooths skin texture
Fades hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone
Repairs sun-damaged skin
Where can you find it?
You will usually find vitamin A in serum or oil form, but you can also find it in eye creams, exfoliants and moisturisers. A serum is your best choice for the most efficacious results.
Who needs it?
Those looking to target signs of ageing – particularly fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation – and anyone experiencing stubborn breakouts/acne.
Retinoids are fine to use if you are breastfeeding. While the industry is confident that over-the-counter retinoids are also safe to use while pregnant, the general medical consensus is, if in doubt, avoid them until after your baby has arrived.
While there are a variety of skincare myths that often circulate, retinoids draw particular attention. With this in mind, we asked board-certified dermatologist, Ranella Hirsch, to bust the most common myths around the gold-standard ingredient.
Heather Wish, Skincare Education Specialist at Paula’s Choice
Find out all you need to know about this all-star ingredient with Heather Wish, Skincare Education Specialist at Paula’s Choice.
What is azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly dicarboxylic acid* with unique properties that deliver:
Mild exfoliating action that helps unclog pores and refine skin’s surface
Skin tone-evening properties that visibly fade post-acne marks and other discolourations
Have you been using a retinoid for a while now and are ready to dial it up a notch? Here’s what you need to know.
What are retinoids?
The gold standard in skincare, retinoids (an umbrella term used for the various forms found in topical skincare), such as retinal, are derivatives of vitamin A – a key nutrient needed in order for our skin cells to function properly. They work by increasing skin cell renewal (the rate at which new skin reaches the top layer) and helping to stimulate key processes such as collagen and elastin production, altogether leaving the skin with a smooth, radiant and even appearance.
Find out all about the journey of the long-awaited Skin Rocks Skincare in our interview with Founder, Caroline Hirons.
When did you first decide you wanted to launch a skincare line?
I have a note in my phone from 23rd April 2013, so nearly 10 years ago, where I listed out what I would launch under a different name. These were my early thoughts of it, as I’ve always looked at overhyped claims and thought ‘if I had the opportunity, I would do it better than this’. Now, there is so much goodness in the industry that the thought has switched from ‘I will do better than this’ to ‘I want to do our best work’.
While there are a variety of skincare myths that often circulate, retinoids draw particular attention. With this in mind, we asked board-certified dermatologist, Ranella Hirsch, to bust the most common myths around the gold-standard ingredient.
Heather Wish, Skincare Education Specialist at Paula’s Choice
Find out all you need to know about this all-star ingredient with Heather Wish, Skincare Education Specialist at Paula’s Choice.
What is azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly dicarboxylic acid* with unique properties that deliver:
Mild exfoliating action that helps unclog pores and refine skin’s surface
Skin tone-evening properties that visibly fade post-acne marks and other discolourations
Have you been using a retinoid for a while now and are ready to dial it up a notch? Here’s what you need to know.
What are retinoids?
The gold standard in skincare, retinoids (an umbrella term used for the various forms found in topical skincare), such as retinal, are derivatives of vitamin A – a key nutrient needed in order for our skin cells to function properly. They work by increasing skin cell renewal (the rate at which new skin reaches the top layer) and helping to stimulate key processes such as collagen and elastin production, altogether leaving the skin with a smooth, radiant and even appearance.
While there are a variety of skincare myths that often circulate, retinoids draw particular attention. With this in mind, we asked board-certified dermatologist, Ranella Hirsch, to bust the most common myths around the gold-standard ingredient.
Heather Wish, Skincare Education Specialist at Paula’s Choice
Find out all you need to know about this all-star ingredient with Heather Wish, Skincare Education Specialist at Paula’s Choice.
What is azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly dicarboxylic acid* with unique properties that deliver:
Mild exfoliating action that helps unclog pores and refine skin’s surface
Skin tone-evening properties that visibly fade post-acne marks and other discolourations
