The skin sometimes requires not only cosmetic care, but also treatment. For these purposes, various means are used, among which retinoids have proven themselves well - this is a group of medicinal substances used to eliminate many skin problems. Therefore, before you buy professional cosmetics, you need to familiarize yourself with the issue in more detail.
What are retinoids
Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds related to retinol - vitamin A. It includes both biological forms of the substance, including itself, and synthetic derivatives. Natural forms enter the body with food, where further synthesis of vitamin A takes place. They are yellow, orange or red in color and are known in plant sources as pigments, for example, carotene, which gives color to carrots and tomatoes.
Synthetic derivatives of the vitamin do not differ from natural ones. In the body, they act similarly to retinol:
- Regulate the formation of new cells and cellular structures;
- Support intercellular communication.
- Promote cell specialization
- Blocks excessive neoplasm of sebaceous gland cells
- They support the formation of tissue decay products and their excretion.
According to the method of application, retinoid agents are divided into 2 groups:
- External - are part of creams, ointments and gels;
- Systemic - applied orally (that is, through the mouth).
What problems can retinoids help with?
Indications for use:
- acne;
- Rosacea
- seborrhea;
- hyperpigmentation;
- Lichen planus;
- Eczema;
- Ichthyosis;
The effect of retinoids and tips for use
The effect of retinol compounds is manifested in the normalization of the sebaceous glands, the cessation of inflammatory processes, the acceleration of skin regeneration and the synthesis of collagen.
Retinoid substances have different effectiveness. Topical retinoids are used for mild acne. With moderate and severe, systemic drugs are prescribed. Retinoids are also used for acne when other treatments have failed.
Acne treatment with retinoids is often combined with other drugs. Cleansing their pores facilitates the penetration of medicinal creams into the deeper layers of the skin.
They also prevent clogging of pores by dead cells. It reduces the formation of dimples and acne scars.
Retinoids side effects
- redness of the skin;
- Dryness and irritation of the skin
- Edema.
Most of these manifestations are associated with the mechanism of action of the funds and disappear after 2 weeks.
Systemic retinoids have a teratogenic effect: they affect the development of the fetus and child. It is unacceptable to use these funds during pregnancy and lactation.
How best to use retinoids
At the beginning of treatment, skin irritations are possible. To reduce and prevent side effects, the following recommendations should be followed.
- The use of retinoids should be started with a minimum dose, gradually increasing it.
- If redness appears, the products must be used every other day to adapt the skin to them. It is not recommended to stop using immediately.
- Limit your time in the sun. It is possible to use retinoids in the summer, but it is advisable to start the treatment in the spring to ensure that the skin becomes accustomed. In the summer, try not to be under the sun for a long time during the hottest part of the day.
Sufficient efficacy and safety with careful use allows the use of retinoids for the face. In simpler cases, you can use the acne remedy on your face with retinoids yourself, following the instructions. But treatment with systemic drugs should be carried out under the supervision of specialists.