etinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, an essential nutrient that supports healthy cell growth and skin function. When applied topically, retinoids penetrate beneath the surface of the skin to boost cell turnover—helping the skin shed dead cells more efficiently while encouraging fresh, healthy cells to rise to the surface.

This renewal process delivers a wide range of benefits: it smooths fine lines and wrinkles, evens out tone and texture, and helps prevent and clear acne by unclogging pores. In short, retinoids work at the cellular level to reveal brighter, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin.

Retinoids come in various strengths and forms, from over-the-counter options like retinol to prescription-strength retinoic acid. While incredibly effective, retinoids require careful use to minimize irritation and achieve the best results.

All retinoids ultimately work by converting into retinoic acid—the active form that directly affects the skin. While retinoic acid itself acts immediately, other forms must first be processed by enzymes in the skin. Each type of retinoid represents a different stage of this conversion process, which impacts how quickly and strongly it works.

• Prescription-only

• The purest, most potent form of vitamin A—it doesn’t require any conversion in the skin.

• Delivers results quickly but is also the most irritating, often causing dryness, peeling, and sensitivity.

• Most used for advanced concerns like deep wrinkles, severe acne, or significant sun damage under a dermatologist’s supervision.

• Most common over-the-counter form

• Converts into retinoic acid in two steps.

• Effective for improving fine lines, skin tone, and mild acne, but results appear more gradually than with tretinoin.

• Gentler than prescription-strength options, though it can still cause dryness or peeling if overused.

• More potent than retinol

• Requires only one conversion to become retinoic acid.

• May provides faster results than retinol with fewer side effects than tretinoin.

• A great choice for those with sensitive or dry skin who still want noticeable results.

• Plant-based option

• Not a true retinoid, but it delivers retinol-like benefits, including smoothing skin, reducing fine lines, and providing antioxidant protection.

• Especially effective when combined with retinaldehyde for enhanced results.

• Ideal for sensitive skin types or those who prefer natural skincare alternatives.

If you’re new to retinoids, the key is to start slowly and give your skin time to adjust. This gradual approach helps build tolerance and minimizes irritation. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start with a lower concentration
   Look for formulas containing 0.5% retinol or less. If your skin is especially sensitive, consider beginning with a retinal or a bakuchiol blend for a gentler introduction.

2. Introduce gradually
   Apply your retinoid just 2–3 times per week in the beginning. As your skin adapts, you can work up to every other night, and eventually nightly use—depending on your tolerance.

3. Apply a pea-sized amount
   With retinoids, less is more. Use only a pea-sized amount for your entire face, applying to clean, dry skin in the evening. Avoid the delicate eye area unless your formula is specifically designed for it.

4. Buffer with a barrier-supporting serum
   Before applying your retinoid, layer a hydrating, barrier-strengthening serum (like Hydrinity HA Restorative Serum and Epicutis Lipid Serum). This helps cushion the skin and reduce irritation without compromising results.

5. Follow with moisturizer
   Seal in hydration and reduce dryness by layering a nourishing moisturizer after your retinoid.

6. Protect with sunscreen daily
   Because retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, use them at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning without fail.

• Hydrinity RetaXome – Hydrinity’s newest corrective serum is the first retinal treatment powered by a biomimetic exosome delivery system. It strengthens fragile capillaries, calms redness, and targets dark spots and fine lines for a visibly clearer, more resilient complexion.

• Sorella Apothecary Resurfacing Elixir - this winning formulation combines retinaldehyde, bakuchiol, vitamin C, and niacinamide for maximum brightening benefits and a smooth, soft, renewed complexion.

• iS Clinical Retinol Emulsion - This innovative formula (available in both 0.3% and 1% concentrations) brightens and firms the skin while reducing inflammation and soothing the skin. It uses encapsulated retinol with DNA-repairing technology to protect the skin with maximum restorative benefits.

• Rhonda Allison Salicylic "A" Serum - This formula combines the benefits of retinol with salicylic acid to control oil production and relieve blackheads in the skin to improve acne and texture. We love how this serum leaves the skin looking smooth as glass the following day.

• Skin Script Glycolic and Retinol Pads - These wonder multi-use pads help to clear the pores and reduce breakouts, while lifting dark spots and hyperpigmentation. They can be used a few times per week or daily for thicker or oil skin.

While retinoids are highly effective, they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Certain skin conditions and life stages call for extra caution—or complete avoidance.

• Rosacea – Many retinoids can worsen redness and irritation for those with rosacea. However, gentler innovations like Hydrinity RetaXome are specifically designed to support sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. Always consult with an esthetician before starting.

• Inflamed Acne – Retinoids are excellent for preventing clogged pores and treating non-inflamed acne, but when acne is red, swollen, and irritated, retinoids may initially make symptoms worse. In these cases, calming and anti-inflammatory treatments are a better starting point.

• Folliculitis Barbae (Shaving Bumps) – This condition often involves inflammation and sensitivity, which retinoids can exacerbate. Gentle exfoliation and barrier-supportive products are safer alternatives.

• Pregnancy or Nursing – Retinoids (both topical and oral) are not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stick with pregnancy-safe alternatives, such as bakuchiol or hydrating, antioxidant-rich serums.