Tretinoin & Retinol Skincare: What’s the Big Deal?
I started researching and polling friends about the best skincare (more to come on that), and one thing kept popping up: Tretinoin. Maybe I’m a novice in the skincare world, but Tretinoin is new to me. Why is everyone raving about it? Am I just late to the party, like usual? As I started diving into it, I realized I was using it without knowing.
Mind you, I am not a doctor, scientist, or skincare expert. These are my personal findings from internet research and talking to my gals. If you are a Tretinoin expert or dermatologist, I’d love to hear your point of view!
Long story short, Tretinoin is a synthetic retinoid derived from Vitamin A (Think “Retin-A”). Out of all the awkward things I dealt with as a teen/early adult (and there were A LOT), I was spared from excessive acne. But a few of my friends dealt with it, and Retin-A was their savior. From what I’ve read thus far, Tretinoin is, first and foremost, an acne treatment. However, it’s also used to improve sun spots and fine lines. FINE LINES!! Tell me more, you say? OK!
Retinoids (like tretinoin) activate the generation of skin cells, which increases collagen production, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Additional benefits are known to be the lessening of rough skin, fading age spots, and general smoothing of skin.
So, while most of us are, hopefully, done dealing with acne (excpet the lovely fact it’s popping up in perimenopause), we clutch our pearls whenever anyone mentions fine lines and aging skin.
I haven’t used most of the specific products below since this is new to me. BUT… I have asked my besties for recommendations, and I trust my ladies! Sidenote that I feel is necessary to share: Sunscreen is a MUST when using “Trets” as they make skin extra sensitive to sunlight.
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Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
I had to include one splurge for those of you who want to go big. With a big ol’ price of about $380, it’s been known as the “facelift in a bottle.” I am not able to spend that kind of money just now, but a friend of mine who loves her skincare swears by this. She said it has made a difference with her fine lines and smoothed her skin. I would love to know what you think if anyone gets this or has tried it!
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If you use retinol creams, please let me know what you love!
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