Lauded by consumers and dermatologists alike, retinoids<\/a> are consistently praised for delivering high-impact results. A more luminous complexion, a smoother texture and a bit more bounce are just a few of the potential benefits of retinoids. But what about retinoids for the delicate eye area<\/a>? Or the dreaded \u201cretinol purge\u201d when pimples pop up and itch and tightness take over? Is the cost worth the benefits of retinoids? Keep reading to decide for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Retinoids<\/a> acts as a sweeping term for a range of products derived from vitamin A\u2014yes, the same nutrient that plays an essential role in immune health and vision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike retinol<\/em>, which might help stave off the signs of aging, retinoids such as tretinoin<\/em> generally require a prescription\u2014if ever there\u2019s a way to judge the difference between retinoid and retinol<\/a> in terms of product potency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tretinoin was the first retinoic acid to receive approval as a prescription treatment for acne back in 1971. Once available to the public, a curious thing happened: Consumers began noticing that their skin appeared more youthful and vibrant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This spawned not only the term \u201cphotoaging,\u201d but it also ushered in the advent of an array of different types of retinoids, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the brief history of retinoids behind us, the question remains: What do retinoids do<\/em><\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once retinol is absorbed by the skin, it goes through two processes of conversion\u2014first to retinaldehyde (RAL), and second to retinoic acid (RA). Retinoic acid has a great deal of sway on skin health in that it may: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This may translate to a complexion that\u2019s stronger, firmer<\/a> and more vibrant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what are retinoids good for, exactly? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every 28 to 40 days, your skin naturally sloughs off dead cells in a process known as desquamation. The faster your skin cell turnover, the sooner the fresh, unblemished skin underneath reveals itself. That skin tends to be brighter, healthier, and, well, newer.<\/em> This process slows as we age (think of a baby\u2019s naturally flawless, bouncy skin. That\u2019s because it regenerates at a significantly quicker rate than adults). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research indicates that using retinoids in your skincare routine<\/a> may accelerate<\/em> the speed at which you shed dead skin cells to give you that post-facial glow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you age, the underlying foundation of your skin may become disorderly, and grooves in the skin might emerge. Meanwhile, repeated facial expressions, like squinting and sipping through a straw, can contribute to the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Numerous studies suggest that retinoids have the potential to soften the appearance of both lines and wrinkles<\/a> by casting off expired cells and fostering collagen production. In turn, you may find yourself with smoother, more stretchy and more plump skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n Topping the list of desirable skin isn\u2019t just skin that\u2019s free from fine lines and wrinkles, but also a complexion that\u2019s satiny to the touch and appears illuminated from within. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin conditions like eczema<\/a>, excessive sun exposure, clogged pores<\/a>, dryness and weather may leave your skin flaky, bumpy, reddened or sallow. Here, the role of retinoids, especially retinAL<\/em> and retinOL<\/em>, becomes crucial. While retinAL<\/em> is known for its corrective properties in addressing more severe skin texture and tone issues, retinOL<\/em> is used for its preventative benefits, helping to maintain a smoother, more even complexion over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research demonstrates that Retin-A (tretinoin) is an effective measure for fighting off acne in part because of its ability to bar <\/strong>inflammation\u2014one of the chief causes of those red bumps inevitably correlated with adolescence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, retinoids may moderate sebum (or oil) production and decongest pores, where dirt and bacteria are notoriously known to hang out and provoke breakouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Given retinoids\u2019 power to fortify collagen levels, they may also iron out acne scars<\/a> while also easing the puffiness and irritation that typically arrive with pimples (and<\/em> in their aftermath). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Concerned about hyperpigmentation<\/a>? Retinoids curb the production of tyrosinase\u2014the enzyme in charge of generating melanin. Retinoids can amplify your efforts through their ability to lighten dark patches and expedite skin cell turnover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But it\u2019s only as effective as a handful of lifestyle changes, such as routinely wearing sunscreen and filling your plate with foods rich in vitamin B12. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of several misconceptions surrounding retinoids is that they shouldn\u2019t be applied on the fragile area around the eyes. Some experts hope to debunk this. Yes, the skin around your eyes is thinner and might be more prone to redness and irritation. However, these areas need to be specially nourished precisely because<\/em> they\u2019re so thin and delicate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Retinoids\u2019 capability to encourage collagen production may thicken and smooth these regions and tone down the appearance of crow\u2019s feet and other fine lines in the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying retinoids on your eyelids<\/a>, though? It depends on the product. Some formulas are gentle enough to be used in this sensitive spot\u2014and help tighten and lift<\/a> this ultra-important area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pregnant women\u2014as well as those who may become pregnant\u2014should avoid retinoids like tretinoin. If your derm gives you the green light to incorporate retinoids into your routine, it\u2019s crucial to do so with caution: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.\u202f<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n References for this information:<\/strong> The benefits of retinoids: the impact on skincare Lauded by consumers and dermatologists alike, retinoids are consistently praised for delivering high-impact results. A more luminous complexion, a smoother texture and a bit more bounce are just a few of the potential benefits of retinoids. But what about retinoids for the delicate eye area? Or the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":10741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1762894055:21"],"_edit_last":["21"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":[""],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"sidebar_products_use_global_default":["0"],"_sidebar_products_use_global_default":["field_63a349a11086a"],"sidebar_products_title":["Related Products"],"_sidebar_products_title":["field_6408d62123449"],"sidebar_products_items":[""],"_sidebar_products_items":["field_63a349a110878"],"sidebar_products":[""],"_sidebar_products":["field_63a349a0dadad"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["6"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Explore the powerful benefits of retinoids in skincare. Discover their role in skin renewal, acne treatment and overall health. Follow our guide for a deep dive."],"_thumbnail_id":["10741"],"_yoast_wpseo_title":["What are the benefits of retinoids, exactly? The basics you need to know before taking the plunge | Murad"],"_wp_old_date":["2024-01-12"],"post_views_count":["5190"]},"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":{"show_featured_image":true,"primary_category":{"term_id":5,"name":"Skin","slug":"skin","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":238,"filter":"raw"},"mobile_image":false,"sidebar_products":{"use_global_default":false,"title":"Related Products","items":""},"post_views_count":"5190"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10685"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10905,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10685\/revisions\/10905"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/10741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Understanding retinoids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The science of retinoids in skincare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of retinoids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Skin renewal and regeneration <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improved skin texture and tone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acne prevention and treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even out skin pigmentation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crow\u2019s feet and droopy, sagging eyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting your retinoid journey: what you should know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mayo Clinic Website<\/em>, Vitamin A<\/a>
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery<\/em>, 2022, volume 26, issue 1, pages 71-78<\/a>
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, <\/em>2021, volume 22, issue 3, pages 315-327<\/a>
Harvard Health Website, <\/em>Retinoids<\/a>
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Website, <\/em>Retin-A<\/a>
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, <\/em>2023, Volume 16, issue 1<\/a>
Oregon State University Website, <\/em>Vitamin A and Skin Health<\/a>
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, <\/em>2019, volume 36, issue 4, pages 392-397<\/a>
Cleveland Clinic Website, <\/em>Peeling Skin<\/a>
Dermatologic Surgery, 2021, <\/em>volume 47, issue 7, pages 974-981<\/a>
Mayo Clinic Website, <\/em>Keratosis pilaris<\/a>
StatPearls, <\/em>Tretinoin<\/a>
Practical Dermatology Website, <\/em>Inflammation and Acne Vulgaris<\/a>
Cleveland Clinic Website, <\/em>Retinol<\/a>
Cleveland Clinic Website,<\/em> Sebaceous glands<\/a>
Journal of Clinical Medicine, <\/em>2022, volume 11, issue 10<\/a>
Hindawi, <\/em>volume 2018, article 3067126<\/a>
Mother to Baby, <\/em>Fact Sheets<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"