How Often Should You Use Retinoids?

Retinoids are a hot skincare ingredient because they can boast incredible results. As with any skincare ingredient, though, retinoids require a bit of trial and error to determine how much and how often you should use them.

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What is a Retinoid?

Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and are effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing blemish scars and dark spots from sun damage, helps to even skin tone, helps to improve the appearance of a healthier-looking skin texture, and helps smooth skin.

In the skincare industry, retinoid is the umbrella term for products with retinoic acid. But for the sake of this article, retinoid refers to products with a higher concentration of retinoic acid, unlike retinol, which has a lower concentration, and tretinoin being the prescription-strength version. When it comes to the retinol vs retinoid debate, there is no right or wrong answer. Rather, you should choose which one suits your skin type.

What is Bio-Retinoid?

Bio-retinoid is not related in any way to vitamin A, but has a retinoid-like effect on the skin that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also tends to be gentle on the skin, making it the perfect skin care ingredient to incorporate into your routine if you have sensitive skin. At REN Clean Skincare, we use a plant-derived alternative to retinoid called Bidens Pilosa, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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How Often To Use Retinoids

Whichever retinoid product you choose, developing a routine to ensure you actually use it is key to seeing results. With gentle products, such as those above, that contain plant-derived retinol, you can use retinoids as often as every day. As with any new product, though, allow your skin some time to adjust to using retinoid-containing moisturizers, serums, or oils. You can do this by applying the product every other day or night, and after a week, if your skin is responding well, increase application to every night.

For a nighttime routine that will leave your skin radiating vitality, check out our line of Bio Retinoid products powered by Bidens Pilosa, our plant-derived retinoid alternative.

When You Can Expect Results

There’s no sense in incorporating a new ingredient into your skincare routine if it doesn’t deliver results, right? Retinoids are not one of those ingredients. If you use retinoids consistently, you surely will see results, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Here is a good idea for how long you need to use retinoids to see skin changes take effect.

Typically, the stronger the retinoid, the more quickly you will see results, but mild formulas can be just as effective when given the power of time. So, go on, snap some before pictures and watch your fine lines gradually diminish. Your skin becomes gradually firmer and more supple thanks to the power of consistently using retinoids.

About the Author

Camille Poggi is a doctor in Pharmacy (PharmD.) and is passionate about skincare and how the skin works in general. She specializes in the cosmetic industry and worked for renowned companies in France like L’Oréal and Chanel before moving to London. After being a training manager for 4 years, Camille is at ease with explaining how products work in the skin and how to adapt her speech according to the audience.

She joined REN in January 2020 as International Training Manager and moved to the Research & Development team earlier this year to be the new Scientific Education Manager. A tailored-made role where she assesses and leads all technical communication and ensures scientific compliance is always met. She’s also involved in new product development from the earliest stages. Finding a way to create sustainable skincare products and making sure the message is properly delivered and understood is definitely a big challenge but also her favorite part working for REN.

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