Hey Squad!Welcome back to our blog 🙂 I have been toying around with the idea of using retinol for a while now but been so scared because I didn’t know much about it. Shamiela (my bestie) has had the most amazing results,I mean sis doesn’t even have a fine line in her face – I want that. Macne has also been showing me flames and I desperately need to change up something in my regular routine to combat it and have flawless skin.
Aren’t Retinol and Retinoids the same thing?
No. Retinols are generally over-the-counter products(OTC) whereas retinoids would need to be prescribed (in our country)
Touted as the only tested and proven product to work it’s antiaging magic, leaving you with smooth and glowing skin. Retinol and Retinoid are basically Vitamin A, the latter being a purer form of it. Retinoids have the powers to treat acne, prevent dullness, promote plump firm skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It can also increase collagen production as well as increasing the rate of skin cell turnover,
When should I consider using them?
This product is mainly promoted as an anti-aging product – so starting them once you reach your mid 20’s – it can be started earlier for the other reasons above but because it is such a potent product please consult your GP before using it(whether you are over mid-’20s or not)
How often should I use it?
For optimal results, it would be best to use it every night because it builds collagen and helps repair the skin.it is very important to build up your skins’ tolerance to the product – so you could start with a retinol firsts and then see how your skin reacts to it, spacing your usage from 1 once a week to every 3rd day , then every second day and then every day. once you can use a retinol every day, you could be ready for a retinoid and build up your tolerance in the same way.
It is very important to keep the skin hydrated during the day as well as using a sunscreen every day (which you should be using already ). Coupling your vitamin C can also be great as it will fight off any free radicals.
Consistency as with many things in life is key. If you don’t use it regularly you won’t be able to see a difference in your skin.
What are the side effects?
These can be very drying so it would be a good time to invest in a great moisturizer with active ingredients focusing on hydration eg hyaluronic acid.
If you have sensitive skin or if irritation occurs, you can use the buffer method whereby you apply your moisturizer to your face before you apply your retinol/retinoid.
There can also be peeling when using these products.
As mentioned above, I haven’t used any retinols/retinoids in my routine as yet, so below are some products that I have been checking out as well as a picture of the retinoids Shamiela uses.
Skin functionals has taken the skincare world of SA by storm and putting out high quality products for us to benefit from – this serum is as affordable as R65 for a 5ml , so if you aren’t sure that it is ,this would be a great place to start, click here to check it out
We cant talk skincare without mentioning The Ordinary, sis is everything she claims to be and more. The ordinary products can be bought from cut beauty
These are the retinoids that Shamiela uses, retinoids are all basically the same they will only differ on potency, they are all Retin-A but each brand had their own Retin-A variant
This article is a very basic introduction to Retinoids and Retinols, the info is a lot and would be very long and tedious to read all in one go if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to leave your comments below and I can answer them in a future blogpost for you.
Hope I was able to answer a few of your questions surrounding Retinols and Retinoids and looking forward to your comments.
Don’t forget to check out our previous post , where we unbox our February #SquadboxSA here
Until Next Time
xoxo
Coco
