Dermatologists agree: your skin needs retinol

The skin specialists at Platinum Dermatology often have lively debates about the best skincare treatments. They argue the most effective way to help our clients enjoy the pleasures of glowing skin and discuss innovative ways to help them achieve a dewy, fresh-faced appearance. The goal: to provide customised skincare solutions to people who visit our practice.

Even as our dermatologists go back and forth on the merits of broadband light, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and cosmetic injectables, however, there is always consensus on one thing:

retinoids

This is true in dermatology practices everywhere. Second only to limiting sun exposure as a top tip for skin health, the use of retinoids is what skin professionals worldwide recommend for achieving facial radiance.

Here’s why…

8 reasons we love retinoids for skin radiance

Why are retinoids so popular? The proof is in the science. Retinoids have been scientifically proven to

1. Boost collagen production
2. Reduce wrinkles
3. Prevent fine lines
4. Speed cellular turnover
5. Even out discolouration
6. Brighten skin tone
7. Unclog pours

Retinoids are also an effective treatment against acne.

A retinoid by any other name is not the same for skin rejuvenation

The terms vitamin A, retinol, and retinoid are used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Their actions are similar, but unique. For facial rejuvenation purposes, retinol is broken down into more potent compounds called retinoids.

• Tretinoin, the most common prescription retinoid, contains up to 20x more retinoic acid than over the counter products. (Retinoic acid is the substance in retinoid responsible for fighting visible ageing.) These powerful prescription compounds are only available through a medical doctor such as you’ll find at Platinum Dermatology.
• Non-prescription, off-the-shelf preparations contain retinol. It is gentler than retinoic acid, but results take longer time to achieve.
• Pro-retinols (retinyl acetate, linoleate and palmitate) are the least powerful version of retinoid available.

Why would anyone want less retinoid when they could get more? Vitamin A treatments can cause redness and dry skin, and people with sensitive skin may have more success (and less reaction) with a gentler formulation. Additionally, the lower-concentration products are particularly well suited to treating the delicate thin skin around the eyes.

Retinol: the centre of your skincare regimen

Keeping your skin healthy and fresh is a big job. While retinol is an important element of your regimen, a glowing complexion requires a combination of ingredients and products designed to work together to give your skin exactly what it needs.

Many of the patients at Platinum Dermatology use Aspect Dr Skin Care products to achieve superior results. Aspect is Australia’s #1 clinical skincare line, with meticulously formulated cosmeceuticals for skin health and beauty. Aspect Dr can only be prescribed under the guidance of medical professionals because of the high concentration of active ingredients in the products. We use the Aspect Dr B serum to help client’s turbocharge the effects of retinoid with a patented blend of skin-fortifying sea plants and an energising cocktail of vitamins.

If you would like to be on the (Vitamin) A-List and use dermatologist-recommended retinoids to improve your skin, or if you have other questions about facial rejuvenation, please contact Platinum Dermatology on 02 8014 6500 or use the contact form on this page to schedule an appointment with us.