How much do we suffer from things like acne, blemishes, and wrinkles on our skin? You may have heard of the name ' Retinoid ' as a solution to this. Some people say that this is a 'magic' for all skin problems. Retinoids are actually a very powerful and effective medicine. But it is very important to be fully aware of it before using it. So today, let's talk about these retinoids.
Retinoids for acne control
If you have severe acne that's difficult to control with other treatments, retinoids may be a good solution for you. Simply put, they work by removing dead skin cells and oil from your pores, unclogging them.
When the pores are cleaned in this way, other medicated creams you use will be absorbed better into the skin and will start to work better. Also, this will control the appearance of new acne. Therefore, the formation of scars caused by acne can also be significantly reduced.
How do you use this?
Usually, doctors recommend using it once a day, at night, after washing your face thoroughly and leaving it on for about 20-30 minutes. You don't need to use a lot, a pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face.
Things like this may happen at first, don't be afraid!
When you first start using retinoids, your skin may become a little red, flaky, and may even temporarily increase in acne. This is normal. It's just a matter of time until your skin gets used to the new medication. To minimize this, you can use it every other day. Or mix it with your moisturizer and apply it. This will go away in a few days.
Retinoids for wrinkles and aging skin
Wrinkles and sun spots are a common problem for many people as they age. Tretinoin is the first retinoid approved to treat wrinkles.
This increases the production of collagen, a protein that gives our skin a youthful appearance. Collagen is like the pillars of a building. When it is strong, the skin becomes less prone to sagging and wrinkles. In addition, it rebuilds the fine blood vessels that supply the skin, giving it a healthy pink color, fading age spots, and reducing the occurrence of some spots ( actinic keratosis ) that can develop into skin cancer.
Although not as strong as prescription retinoids, some over-the-counter retinoids can help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin to some extent.
Remember, to see results from retinoids for wrinkle reduction , you need to use them for at least 3 to 6 months. It can take 6 to 12 months to see the best results. So it's important to be patient.
Use of retinoids for other skin conditions
In addition to acne and wrinkles, retinoids are used for several other skin conditions .
- Psoriasis : This condition is caused by skin cells dividing too quickly. Retinoids can control the rate at which these cells grow. They are usually used in conjunction with a steroid cream.
- Warts: Doctors may recommend retinoids for flat warts, especially those on the upper arms, when other treatments have failed. Retinoid creams work by inhibiting the growth of wart cells.
Side effects and things to be aware of
Although retinoids are a very useful drug, there are a few things to be careful about when using them, as they can have some risks and side effects.
| Common side effects |
|---|
| Excessive dryness and inflammation of the skin. |
| Temporary change in skin color (darkening or lightening in some areas). |
| Sun sensitivity. Skin becomes red quickly. |
| Skin redness, swelling, peeling, or rarely blistering. |
How can these risks be reduced?
Follow these steps to minimize these side effects and get the most out of retinoids.
- Sun protection: This is the most important thing. Your skin will be very sensitive to sunlight while using retinoids. So, limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. Avoid the sun, especially between 10 am and 2 pm. If you are going outside, be sure to use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It is also a good idea to wear long-sleeved clothing and a hat.
- Use the right amount: Do not use more than the amount or frequency prescribed by your doctor. Applying more will not provide faster results and will only increase side effects.
- Use a moisturizer: Using a good moisturizer while applying retinoids can greatly reduce skin dryness.
Pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant in the near future should avoid using retinoids for any reason. This can cause serious harm to the developing baby. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
Take-Home Message
- Retinoids are not just a cosmetic product, they are powerful medications. Therefore, always use them only under medical advice.
- When first starting out, start with a small amount, about a day apart, until your skin gets used to it.
- It is essential to use sunscreen during the day while using retinoids.
- It takes time to see results, so be patient and continue using it. Don't expect overnight results.
- This is absolutely not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you experience any problems or discomfort, talk to your doctor immediately.
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