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Retinoid is the common name of a group of drugs derived from vitamin A, which effectively treats many skin problems, contributing to comprehensive skin rejuvenation. Retinoid is considered a great invention of dermatology, Retinoid products are now widely used. However, around the Retinoid group of drugs, there are currently many inaccurate "rumors" with no scientific evidence, making many people hesitate to use this group of drugs.
1. “Rumor 1”: all Retinoids are the same
What is a retinoid? Retinoids are a group with many compounds derived from Vitamin A, which help treat various skin problems such as acne retinoids, wrinkle treatment, melasma, and overall youthful skin. . Retinoids include both prescription (OTC) and over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications come in many forms such as creams, gels, serums, eye creams, night creams, etc.
Some of the most commonly used forms of Retinoids include:
2. “Rumor 2”: Skin-thinning retinoids
Because one of the common side effects when starting to use Retinoids is skin peeling, people often misunderstand that Retinoids make the skin thinner. However, the fact that retinoids stimulate the production of collagen helps to thicken the skin. The skin-thickening effect contributes to the prevention of skin aging, as one of the natural signs of aging is thinning of the skin.
MORE: Retinoids for anti-aging skin
3. “Rumor 3”: Young people cannot use Retinoids
Retinoids were originally only used to treat young adult acne. It was not until the 1980s, when there were studies that showed that retinoids could bring other benefits to the skin such as smoothing wrinkles, lightening the skin in hyperpigmented skin, that retinoids were used for many purposes. against aging. As such there is no age limit in using Retinoid. Instead, it's a match between the type of Retinoid and the skin condition that needs to be treated. Many studies have proven that, after sunscreen, retinoids are one of the best anti-aging ingredients.
4. “Rumor 4”: Retinoids will make skin more sensitive to the sun
Many people worry that using Retinoids will make their skin more sensitive to the sun, but this is not true.
Many studies have confirmed that retinoids do not increase the risk of sunburn. However, this does not mean that while taking Retinoids you do not need appropriate sun protection. Sunlight accelerates aging, thereby reducing the therapeutic effects of retinoids.
5. “Rumor 5”: You will see the treatment effect after 4-6 weeks
The truth is that it will take longer for the medicine to work. For over-the-counter retinol pills, it can take up to six months, for tretinoin it can take about three months for the medication to take full effect.
6. “Rumor 6”: If your face is flaky or red, you should stop using Retinoids
Dryness, peeling or redness of the skin when using Retinoids is a very common side effect, especially when starting to use the drug. Before having beautiful skin, most cases go through this stage. These side effects usually subside after 2-4 weeks as the skin adapts to the medication.
7. “Rumor 7”: Daily Retinoids Need To Be Effective
Normally, Retinoid will be used daily. However, if used a few times a week, it also helps to significantly improve the skin. How quickly treatment results depend on the strength and type of retinoid used.
8. “Rumor 8”: The more Retinoids you use, the better the results
Using too many Retinoids products may not increase the effectiveness of the treatment of skin problems, on the contrary, it will make unwanted side effects such as dry skin, peeling, ... more serious. Therefore, only a sufficient amount of the product should be used. The recommended amount is one pea-sized drop for the entire face.
9. “Rumor 9”: Retinoid should be avoided in the skin around the eyes
Most people think that the skin around the eye area is very thin and sensitive, need to avoid using Retinoids. However, the skin around the eyes is often where wrinkles appear first. The collagen-stimulating effect of Retinoid will be very good for this skin area. If the skin around your eyes is sensitive, you can apply a moisturizer first, then apply a Retinoid.
10. “Rumor 10”: Higher Retinoids Give Better, Faster Results
Many people believe that using the most active or highest concentration Retinoid product will bring better results. However, this is not true, if the drug is used or the dosage is not appropriate, the side effects may be more severe.
The doctor prescribes a Retinoid, instructs how to use it after the examination, considering the factors related to the patient's skin condition. One person's prescription may not be right for another. Therefore, you should not arbitrarily buy Retinoids for treatment, especially prescription drugs.
11. “Rumor 11”: Retinoids help exfoliate skin
Due to the side effects of drying and peeling, many people mistakenly believe that Retinoids help exfoliate the skin. In fact, irritation, dryness, and peeling only occur during the first time of using the drug, when the skin has not yet adapted. Retinoids are not able to remove dead skin cells.
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, they are considered antioxidants, helping to accelerate skin regeneration. New, healthy cells will progress to the surface of the skin, replacing old skin cells, leaving you with bright, smooth skin.
12. “Rumor 12”: Sensitive skin cannot use Retinoids
Retinoids can irritate sensitive skin more than normal skin, but people with sensitive skin can still use Retinoids by applying a moisturizer before using the Retinoid, or mixing the Retinoid with a moisturizer.
13. “Rumor 13”: Only prescription Retinoids are effective
Many people think that only prescription powerful Retinoids are effective. However, the reality is that there are many over-the-counter, over-the-counter Retinoids that can still deliver amazing results. For example, Differin (Adapalene) is an acne retinoid sold at drugstores. Adapalene helps slow down the process of keratinization, reducing skin sensitivity to inflammation caused by acne. Adapalene can both help treat acne and help with aging skin conditions.
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Reference source: healthline.com