Retinoids: The Skincare Must Have!

**Updated June 2025

Let's talk about retinol!! 

What is retinol, and what does it do?

Retinols, or more accurately, retinoids are derived from Vitamin A and can exist in several different forms. They vary in potency, from prescription only versions that treat acne, to more gentle options that can improve skin's texture and appearance.

I think that just about every person should have some form of Vitamin A  in their skincare routine. It can help address multiple skin concerns such as breakouts, pore size, sun damage, texture, fine lines, and wrinkle-- it's pretty much an antiaging power house.

Keep in mind that any form of retinol should be applied at night after your serums, and  before your moisturizer. Always wear sunscreen during the day, because there is no point in using retinol to heal sun damage if you turn around and let it get re-damaged immediately.

Primary forms of Vitamin-A:

1) Retinoic Acid (also known as Tretinoin) is the most potent Vitamin-A derivative, and only available through prescription. It's biologically active, and is able to immediately bind to your skin's receptors, quickly encouraging cell turnover. Primarily for treating acne, Retinoic Acid is an effective treatment, but is much too strong for people without acneic skin.

2) Retinol is the most common version of Vitamin-A, and is gentler than Retinoic acid, making it gentle enough for most people to tolerate. Retinol penetrates the dermis, and takes two conversions to turn into retinoic acid on the skin. It then helps speed up the cellular turnover to promote brighter, smoother, healthy-looking skin. The highest percentage of Retinol that you can get is a 1%, but .25% and .5% are common concentrations too.  Remember the higher the percentage, the more likely you are to have some redness, irritation, and some flaking of the skin.

2) Retinaldehyde or Retinal has the same benefits as retinol. It is quicker and more effective too, since it works at the cellular level and takes only one conversion to turn into Retinoic acid. Retinal is the most potent Vitamin-A that you can get over the counter. Most skin types can tolerate this form of vitamin A but there is still the chance that it may cause irritation and redness, so it might not be the right choice if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

3) Retinyl, (in forms like Retinyl Palmitate, or Retinyl Acetate) is the gentlest retinoid, requiring three conversion turns to become retinoic acid. That makes it even gentler and less likely to cause irritation than retinol, and its benefits are much less noticeable. So, rather than being a primary ingredient in retinoid serums, retinyl forms are typically included in moisturizers, cleansers, and even eye creams, where a subtle increase in cell turnover is useful.

Retinoid Benefits:

• reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• minimize pores
• smooth and even out texture
• brighten dull skin
• regulates oil production 
• helps fade dark spots 
• can help plump the skin.

Important Warnings and Considerations:

• Retinoids are for PM use only. Do not apply during the day.
• Retinoids frequently cause redness, flaking and irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin, or who are new to retinoids.
  • Always start slow with a new retinoid product, only applying once or twice a week.
  • Slowly step up application, eventually applying every other night.
  • If excessive irritation or flaking occur, reduce frequency, find a less potent product, or stop use all together.
• Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during the day.
• Do not use products containing retinoids if you are pregnant or think you might become pregnant. Consult with your doctor before using a retinoid while breastfeeding.

Retinoid product recommendations:

Senté Bio Complete Serum

With a blend of Retinol and Retinyl Safflowerate, this retinoid serum is a balanced and gentle, time-release retinoid treatment.

The formula includes Senté's patented HSA molecule, which helps repair skin and reduces irritation, making this a good retinol for beginners.

Allies of Skin Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream