Retinoids such as Granactive Retinoid are powerful compounds derived from vitamin A that are used extensively in topical creams, serums, and skincare products. Retinoids in skincare products are known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as treat acne. Retinol, a retinoid which many people use, is one of many retinoids on the market and so this can become difficult to know which retinoid to use.

Why are retinoids popular and what do they do?

Retinoids in skin products work to enhance cell turnover. They enhance the exfoliation of dead skin cells more rapidly which then reveals fresh, younger-looking skin underneath. In doing so they also help to smooth an uneven skin texture, fade dark spots and hyperpigmented skin, and improve the appearance of acne scars.

But the biggest reason for using retinoids is their ability to enhance both collagen and elastin in skin. These are proteins in skin that help to maintain firmness and elasticity, and their levels decline as we age which leads to wrinkles and loose skin. 

Studies indicate that vitamin A and its derivatives, such as retinol and retinoids, slow skin’s ageing process.¹ By enhancing collagen synthesis, retinoids give skin a more youthful appearance.

What types of retinoids are available?

There are several types of retinoids available including over-the-counter retinol, a retinoid that most people may have heard of. There are also several retinoids that are more powerful in action and available to purchase, and there are some retinoids that are only available on prescription as they are much stronger and are used for specific skin concerns such as acne. Many people cannot use retinol serums and creams because its use triggers dryness, redness, peeling, and general discomfort. 

Does retinol or a retinoid cause purging?

Retinoids enhance exfoliation. This helps to unclog pores, prevent dry skin blocking pores, and normalise the skin shedding process. It is this action that may bring trapped dirt and debris to the surface leading to the appearance of new breakouts or skin purging.

It is important to understand that this does not occur for everyone using retinoids, and if you do experience purging then this is a sign that the retinoid is working helping to clear out debris and should subside within a couple of weeks. 

Benefits of retinoids

Retinoids provide several benefits and depending upon the type and strength used, these include:

• Targeting uneven skin texture
• Increased collagen production
• Short- and long-term anti-ageing benefits in terms of reduced wrinkles
• Improved skin radiance
• Improved appearance of skin prone to pigmentation

These are just some of the benefits of retinoids for skin. 

What is Granactive Retinoid? 

Granactive Retinoid is the next generation retinoid which enhances cell turnover with anti-ageing benefits to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles with significantly less likelihood for irritation.²  Used in serums and skin creams, Granactive Retinoid, or hydroxypinacolone retinoate, given its proper name, is one of the most bioavailable, non-prescription forms of Vitamin A, one of the most studied ingredients to help reverse the signs of ageing and photo-damage. 

Granactive Retinoid v Retinol

People often like to compare retinoids such as Granactive Retinoid to Retinol which is the most common retinoid that most people have heard of. So how does this retinoid compare to retinol?

Granactive Retinoid has been found to be effective in reducing the signs of ageing skin with fewer side effects such as irritation, redness and peeling in comparison to retinol. Always wear a moisturiser with an SPF during the day. 

Although both Granactive Retinoid and Retinol will improve the appearance of ageing skin, if you have sensitive or redness-prone skin, Granactive Retinoid is less likely to cause irritation. 

How to use retinoids

Although there are several factors that govern how your skin will react to a retinoid, there are some general guidelines that I would recommend on retinoid use including Granactive Retinoid.

• Start slowly using Granactive Retinoid twice a week in the evening.
• If there is no irritation or sensitivity after a couple of weeks, then increase the frequency gradually to daily evening usage.
• Adjust frequency of usage as everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently at different times of the month.

Under no circumstances should topical retinoids be used during pregnancy, as this can lead to a build-up of vitamin A which may harm the foetus.

Which Granactive Retinoid should you choose?

DoSe Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum is an emulsion that sinks into skin quickly providing all the benefits of retinoids mentioned above. Unlike other retinoid emulsions and serums, Granactive Retinoid Serum goes one step beyond by combining Ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant with multiple benefits for ageing skin. Additionally, this retinoid serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. 

DoSe Granactive Retinoid Serum is suitable for all skin types and for all age range starting from the age of 20. It is beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin and can help clear breakouts and it can be incorporated through the ages to provide a more even skin tone, and achieve a firmer, youthful appearance. 

 

References:

1. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug; 36(4): 392–397. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Malwina Zasad and Elżbieta Budzisz
2. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology  Antiaging effects of retinoid hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin models.

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