When it comes to skin care, most ladies will go to great lengths to ensure they look their best. One of the best discoveries of our time is retinoid cream. It goes on like butter and feels even better. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding retinoid cream.
What exactly is it? When should you wear it? Where does it fit into your skin care routine? Well, we’re about to clear all of that up for you so you’ll be able to confidently use retinoid cream and get the results you desire.
What Exactly is Retinoid Cream and What Does It Do?
You’ve probably seen both retinol creams and retinoid creams which can be pretty confusing. Retinol is a type of retinoid and retinol is Vitamin A. So retinoid cream includes multiple derivatives of Vitamin A. Since retinol is a type of retinoid, a retinoid cream can contain retinol. When a retinoid cream contains retinol, it can be pretty powerful stuff.
Retinoid cream is strong enough to improve fine lines and combat dryness while improving the tone and texture of your skin. It also combats dyspigmentation to improve the look of dark age spots. Since retinoid cream eliminates breakouts, it gives skin a firmer smoother texture for a more youthful appearance. Retinoid cream stimulates skin cell turnover and collagen synthesis so it will also help fight sun damage and improve elasticity.
How to Incorporate Retinoid Cream into Your Skin Care Routine
Retinoid cream typically works best when applied at night because sunlight can deactivate the retinol in the cream. Nighttime applications give the retinoid cream ample time to be absorbed by the skin for maximum results.
Normally you’ll want to apply retinol cream to a clean, dry face and neck area. Some dermatologists recommend washing and drying your face, then waiting a few minutes before applying a retinoid cream. This gives the natural oils time to return to your face before the application.
Retinoid Cream Works Best at Night
It is said that retinoid cream works best when applied sparingly. You should apply your moisturizer after applying your retinoid cream. You can also mix the two together and apply to your clean dry face but do not apply the moisturizer first. Applying moisturizer before the retinoid cream decreases the absorption and therefore the effectiveness.
If using it for a daytime application, you should apply your SPF afterwards. So, it goes retinoid cream, then moisturizer, then SPF if during the day. Each retinoid cream will have its own recommendations for daytime or nighttime use. If applying retinol cream during the day, just give your skin time to absorb the cream before exposing your face to sunlight.
Use Retinol Cream to Fight the Signs of Aging
Retinoid cream is best used to fight the effects of sun damage and free radicals. When applied properly and consistently, it fights the signs of aging by reducing fine lines and improving skin’s texture. Just remember to apply it to a clean dry face underneath your favorite moisturizer for best results.
