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Mikrodermabrazja czy retinol - Co lepiej działa na Twoją skórę?
Potential side effects of retinoids
All medications carry the risk of some side effects, and topical retinoids are no different.
Side effects of retinol
Potential side effects of retinol include the following:
Dryness: Because retinol speeds up your skin’s cell turnover—which allows it to address signs of aging—it’s possible to experience dry and peeling skin, particularly right after you add it to your routine.¹¹ This side effect may correct itself over time as your skin adjusts, but if dryness is persistent and uncomfortable, try using a lower strength of retinol.
Redness: Like dryness, redness may be a sign of skin irritation. You may experience redness after beginning retinol as your skin completes the adjustment process. Retinol can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so redness may be a sign of sunburn.¹² Treat your skin gently, moisturize, and always use SPF to reduce your likelihood of experiencing redness.
Itchiness: With dry, peeling skin may come itchiness—we’ve all been there. As your skin’s cell turnover cycle speeds up, you may feel an itchy sensation while your skin adjusts.¹³ Similar to dryness, give it some time, you may need to wait out the adjustment period before your skin settles. If your itchiness is disruptive and persistent, consider using a lesser concentration of retinol.
Side effects of tretinoin
Tretinoin may be more likely to cause side effects than retinol since it is stronger. These side effects are most likely to occur when first starting tretinoin or increasing your prescription’s strength. But don’t fret! We have tips to help you adjust to tretinoin, and you can reach out to your Curology provider for extra help and medical advice.
Potential side effects of tretinoin include the following:
Dry and/or irritated skin: Similar to retinol products, first-time users of tretinoin may have an adjustment phase after beginning to use the retinoid. During this phase, you may experience dryness, redness, or tightness of the skin.¹⁴ The good news? It’s likely this discomfort will subside after your skin adjusts to the active ingredient. Just don’t skip your moisturizer!
Which retinoid is best for my skin type?
Trying to find the right topical retinoid for your skin can be challenging. Your choice should hinge on several factors: what you hope to achieve for your skin, how sensitive your skin is, and considerations like product quality, price, and ease of getting your hands on it. So, let’s dive in and help you discover which retinoid might be right for your unique skin type and needs.
Is it better to use retinol or tretinoin?
Neither retinol nor tretinoin is inherently better, but one might be better for your personal skin:
While retinol can reduce fine lines and improve uneven skin tone and texture it’s less potent than other retinoids like tretinoin. It needs to be converted into a usable form (i.e., retinoic acid) by enzymes before affecting your skin cells.¹⁶
That said—don’t write it off. Evidence shows that retinol can be effective at treating certain signs of aging.
“Although tretinoin is considered the ‘gold standard,’ we all have unique skin!” explains Phelan. “Retinol may be a better choice for those who are seeking an over-the-counter product, have sensitive skin, or find they cannot tolerate prescription strength tretinoin at all.”
Tretinoin has both acne-fighting and anti-aging benefits. Available in gel, lotion, or cream form, tretinoin can help improve skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines but it also is a first line treatment for acne.¹⁷
If you don’t want to deal with a prescription, then stick with retinol—just be sure to research your product’s ingredients before using it. Researching takes a little extra time and effort, but it’s important to avoid ingredients that may cause breakouts and irritation.
Best retinoid treatment based on skin goal
Keep your skincare goals in mind when choosing a topical retinoid. Are you looking to treat acne or signs of aging? Both?
You should know off the bat that, while retinol treats signs of aging, it’s not proven to treat acne—tretinoin is likely the better option for those with both concerns as it is FDA-approved to treat both of these conditions.¹⁸ That said, tretinoin is available by prescription only, so you can’t just pick it up off the shelves like your everyday retinol serum. (If you’re a Curology member, you can access tretinoin—talk to your dermatology provider for more details.)
When to Use Retinol: Best Age, Time, Skin Care Order
Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in skin care products. It is used on the skin to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (patches of skin darker than the surrounding skin). Retinol is best used at nighttime, after washing and drying your face.
This article will discuss how to start using retinol, its benefits, and side effects. It will also discuss how to properly use retinol with other skincare products.
What is retinol and how does it relate to retinoids?
Topical retinol is a kind of retinoid—aka a vitamin A derivative. Think of retinoids as an umbrella term, and retinol as just one type of retinoid. The main role of retinoids is to stimulate skin cell turnover and promote the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure to our skin.¹
By encouraging faster cell turnover, retinol helps replace damaged, dull skin with newer, brighter layers. And by boosting collagen production, it aids in reinforcing the skin’s structure, making it appear more youthful.²
It’s also important to note the difference in potency and availability. Retinol is classified as a cosmeceutical, meaning you can buy it without a prescription. This sets it apart from other retinoids, like tretinoin, which require a doctor's prescription. However, while retinol offers many benefits, its efficacy in skin treatment is somewhat lower compared to some of its prescription-based relatives.³
How Long Does Microdermabrasion Take?
The microdermabrasion procedure only takes 15 to 30 minutes. When you arrive, your technician will take you to the treatment room and have you change into a gown. You’ll lay back on a bed, and the technician will cleanse your face to prep your skin for the procedure.
After crystal microdermabrasion, the technician will cleanse your skin to remove any stray crystals. As a final step, they’ll put moisturizer and sunscreen on your face.
Salons, day spas, and medispas often include microdermabrasion in a full facial treatment, along with a mask and facial massage. You can expect to spend about 60 to 90 minutes in the treatment chair for the total package.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of microdermabrasion treatments you need depends on what your skin goals are. As a one-off spa treatment, a microdermabrasion session will leave your skin looking bright and feeling buttery soft.
If you're looking to fix a specific skin problem, you'll need a series of treatments to see skin benefits. In general, the results you get from microdermabrasion add up over time.
The number and frequency of microdermabrasion treatments depend on your skin’s needs and your goals. Your technician can recommend the best treatment schedule for you, but you can probably expect to schedule six to 10 treatments spaced a week to 14 days apart.
Could I See Results After Just One Microdermabrasion Session?
You may notice your skin looks better soon after you have a single session of microdermabrasion done, but it can take several sessions to get the results you want.
