Anti-Aging Retinoid Therapy for Women for Healthy Plump Skin

If you haven’t heard or considered an anti-aging retinoid therapy, you can at least open your mind for new facts. Though the information about retinoids goes a few decades back, not every woman takes advantage of it starting from her early twenties. Healthy plump skin cannot wait!

What Are Retinoids And Their Importance for Women’s Health

Retinoids is the only class of skincare ingredients that has scientifically proven anti-aging benefits. These chemicals are considered a gold standard for anti-aging treatment.

The term “retinoid” describes a family of ingredients that includes both prescription-only Retin-A (retinoic acid and its generic version tretinoin) and retinol. Retinoids are a class of ingredients chemically related to vitamin A.

Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A. When it’s applied topically, enzymes in your skin convert retinol into retinaldehyde and then into retinoic acid.

TIP: Sunlight deactivates retinoic acid. So only apply retinol skin care products before going to bed.

Because of this two-step conversion, retinol is a naturally gentle ingredient. While its results are slower, it has fewer side effects.

Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A. Retin-A does not need to be broken down by the enzymes in your skin before it can be used. Because you don’t have to wait for the skin to convert it, Retin-A works faster and is more powerful than retinol products.

But the added strength does come with a downside. You are more likely to notice side effects like dryness, redness, burning, peeling and flaking, while using Retin-A as compare to retinol products.

Your dermatologist will explain and recommend products for your needs before you step into this powerful anti-aging retinoid therapy skin routine.

Retinoid Therapy for Healthy Plump Skin

Topical Retinoids are known to improve skin texture and fade unwanted pigment by supporting an increased rate of cellular turnover.

But what earned retinoids their long-held reputation is their ability to promote collagen production and retention.

Collagen is what gives skin its structure, firmness and elasticity. Repeated sun exposure breaks down collagen and, with age, cells produce less an less collagen to repair the damage. Skin wrinkles, sags, and loses its fullness.

Check out a post on Sagging Skin during Menopause and anti-aging tips for women.

How Do You Increase Collagen Naturally?

Our body is a unique machine that makes many things it needs inside when we provide the right ingredients for every job. To make collagen, we need to provide amino acids we get from beef, chicken, fish, beans, eggs and dairy products, and vitamin C, zinc and copper to our body.

Eating from a variety of food groups, plenty of vegetables, fruit, ancient grains are some of the most important sources for collagen construction inside the body. Entire skin health benefits from a diet rich in fiber, antioxidants, protein and slow sugars. Whole foods are a dominant part of anti-aging tips for women.

Explore some truly amazing camu camu skin benefits for menopause women.

UV radiation is one of the major contributing factors to accelerated skin aging. This is known as photo damage or photoaging.

As there’s a substantial scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, Retin-A is approved by the FDA for the clinical treatment of photodamaged skin.

For you, it means that you can get skin treatments and prescription for Retin-A from your dermatologist.

Topical Retinoids Are Available Over the Counter

Anti-aging retinol products could be purchased over the counter or at the dermatologist office. Usually, the concentration of the retinol ingredinets in such retinol creams and lotions have concentration 5x, 7.5x and 10x.

One of the best over-the-counter retinol skin care products I’ve encountered is Hudson and James Retinoid Skin Rescue (you can buy it HERE, affiliate link).

Why I like this retinol product is thanks to its gentle formulation. Just look down below at its impressive ingredient list. When you begin using this formula, you will see the improvements in your skin very quickly. It is a 5% Retinol serum that will work on your fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation spots. And yes, it will boost collagen production in your skin as well.

Retinoid skin care
Exceptional ingredients in this Hudson and James Retinoid Skin Rescue over-the-counter product
Retinoid skin rescue ingredients

Whether you choose retinol or Retin-A is dependent on what your end goals are.

But it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Retinol can be a good first step before moving on to stronger, and potentially more irritating, Retin-A. Your skin gradually becomes accustomed to retinoids as you use them.

A properly balanced skin care regimen including topical moisturizers and sunscreen helps to build and maintain tolerance to anti-aging retinoid therapy and ensure its efficacy.

Check out this potent Luminesce Daily Moisturizing Complex with SPF 30 to maintain the quality and natural barriers within your healthy plump skin.

Skin Treatments that May Use Retinoids

Topical retinoids also act as anti-inflammatory and comedolytic agents (preventing formation of comedones in your skin) and work by unclogging blocked pores.

For those women who suffer from acne, retinoids add more power to topical antibiotics. Topical retinoids act like gate openers allowing the medication to come into the clogged pore and eradicate the underlying bacteria that caused the acne breakout. That is why your dermatologist may prescribe retinoid creams and lotions for acne treatment.

Learn about Infrared Light Therapy for Skin and Women’s Well-being

Retinoids are also used for treatment of skin pigmentation disorders such as melasma, actinic lentigines, and inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Your dermatologist knows the best how to proceed with treatments for you. Never try to figure out or use a hearsay when it comes treating your skin disorder! Professional help is the way to go.

Check out my post on the anti-aging Obagi skin care for hyperpigmentation. You may find it helpful as well.

Side Effects from Retinoids

Please note that these side effects are mainly experienced at the beginning of retinoid therapy. The most common side effects may include, but are not limited to:

Redness, dryness, and irritation of the skin
Mild burning or stinging immediately after the application
Scaling and peeling
Itching (knows as “pruritus”)
Photosensitivity to UV light
Initial acne or eczema flare-ups

That is why it’s super important to stick with the therapy and the use of the retinoid products in your skin routine. Some women even report that they have more wrinkles or worse wrinkles from using these retinoid products. Yes, it can happen in the beginning, as the skin is adjusting to the regimen.

If you have not seen a dermatologist who could professionally evaluate your skin needs, then go with the over-the-counter retinoid products. These retinol skin care solutions are in less active form. However, they will have similar effects to the prescription forms of Retin-A, but without irritation to the skin.

The key is to continue using your retinol skin serums, lotions and creams over time. The results will show up for you to see and celebrate.

Tips On How To Use Retinoids for Women’s Skin Routine

My personal dermatologist recommended to me the following guidelines in my use of the retinoid products. To be more specific, I got Retinol skin care product for my personal use to boost my own daily routine.

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Here are some tips and suggestions that I was given by my dermatologist to get the most of my retinol use.

Step 1 – Use a gentle cleanser

Wash your face with your choice of cleanser (green tea ingredient is a plus), pad dry, wait for 20-30 minutes before applying the retinoid cream or lotion.

This green tea cleanser is one of the most gentle I’ve ever used. It calms the pores while moisturizing them.

Step 2 – Use an oil-free moisturizer to reduce dryness

Use a retinoid product every other night for the first two weeks, unless instructed otherwise. If at the end of the second week you are not experiencing excessive dryness or irritation, you may start using the product every night. You can also add an oil-free moisturizer to alleviate the dryness.

I use this Luminesce night repair cream. It contains deeply hydrating, skin-conditioning ingredients and diminishes the look of fine lines.

Step 3 – Apply sunscreen daily during retinoid therapy

Retinoids may make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning regardless of the weather. Reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors.

This Luminesce SPF 30 moisturizing lotion is a great addition to any anti-aging retinoid therapy and skin routine. Healthy plump skin is the result of a combination of your personal actions you take every day.

Topical and oral Retinoids have many important functions throughout the body including roles in vision, regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, growth of bone tissue, immune function, and activation of tumor suppressor genes. Research is also being done into their ability to treat skin cancers. – Wikipedia

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98 Comments

  1. I haven’t tried retinoid therapy products. I would like to see what these types of products could do for my skin.

  2. This is interesting and very helpful information. The skin needs to try this too!

  3. As we get old, we tend to be paranoid with our skincare routine. I need this and that, I need to do this and that. Thank you for these recommendations and tips.

  4. I use retinol in my skincare routine and my skin loves it. And it’s so important to carry on using it as you get older x

  5. As I am entering in 30s I already am searching for anti aging techniques and I have headed this first time. I will surely consider it

  6. This is my first time hearing about Retinoid Therapy, and it sounds really amazing.
    I am aging, and I want to consider this therapy. Thank you for sharing this information with us I really appreciate it.

    1. Gervin,
      Retinoids are an excellent category in the skin care products that contribute to the anti-aging effect of a person.
      I adore quality retinoid products in my skin care regimen.

  7. I need to get a good headstart on plumping my skin. It’s starting to loosen a bit under my eyes.

    1. Monica,
      Good sleep is the number one I would go after.
      Then, do consider lymphatic self-massage for the face and neck. With age and lifestyle choices, our facial muscles can easily go into spasm, pulling the precious skin from its initial position.
      With regular massage, you can preserve your facial features no matter the age, literally.
      Skin care comes second, to feed and to nurture the skin.

  8. This was a really informative post. I need to take my skin care routine up the next level. I am guilty of not being consistent with taking care of my skin. I have noticed some wrinkles and I always think it is because I have lost weight. I am going to start using products with retinoid. Thank you for this helpful article.

    1. Eileen,
      Information can be too overwhelming, especially when we try to do something and postpone it.
      Begin with tiny steps.
      Make sure you buy non-toxic skin care that has effectiveness and solid ingredients in its formulation.

    1. Melissa,
      Retinoids are a power that is often under-estimated.
      I’ve been using them for years. And should admit that the quality of the products has improved dramatically.

  9. This is a lot of great information. I definitely want to keep my skin looking young. I don’t have a dermatologist so I will check out the over-the-counter options.

  10. What a great post. Maybe it’s the holiday season, but I’ve been looking at myself in the mirror a lot lately and thinking about ways to help my skin look and feel better. Thanks for the tips.

  11. I really want to try Retinoid Therapy, but I live in Florida and am out in the sun all the time. I’m a little worried about photosensitivity. I’ll have to check with my dermatologist.

  12. This is so informative. I bet my wife will love this article. She loves everything about self care or mental health awareness.

  13. I’m going to have to check this out more. I know how important it is to take care of your skin. It’s so important to find that right product too.

    1. Jayashree,
      Aging with grace and beauty begins as early as in our 20s.
      When women begin their active saving their skin in their 40s, the damage has been done.
      FYI: Retinoids are an excellent skin care ingredients that can be used as early as in early 20s. The skin care products are available and can be utilized to allow the skin to generate youth, literally, via building collagen and elastin.

  14. Retinol is a game change for more women who have shown signs of early aging; however, I don’t recommend it for young ladies who are all over the place, trying out retinol just to get a clear skin. It should be used properly, at the right age.

    1. Dalene,
      I totally agree with you to use the products in the right and age-appropriate ways.
      Working with a lot of dermatologists, I see a huge health trend to take care of a young skin early on. It just needs to be taught and communicated well and step-by-step.

  15. Thanks for the informative blog, another addition to my knowledge, it’s nice to know about these things.

    1. You are welcome, GRL!
      Knowing what’s available is powerful and makes a difference in quality of our skin care routine.

  16. I recently started using retinoid in my skincare routine. I haven’t noticed much difference, maybe I should try a new product x

    Laura

    1. Laura,
      You need to be aware of at least these factors:
      – Retinoid therapy takes time. Depending on the product strength and your skin type, it could be 6 weeks to 3 months.
      – What KIND of the Retinoids product are you using: Retinol, Retin-A?
      – Is the product an over-the-counter type or did you buy it from the medical office?
      – What is the strength of an active ingredient in it?
      – Do you have a skin care routine that actually accelerates the effect of your new retinoid product?

      Some over-the-counter products are absolutely least effective and have many chemicals you don’t want to have in your skin care.
      Lots to consider, but that is how it works.
      Thank you for sharing it.

  17. Very informative blog for those who are looking for anti aging skin care. I know few of my friends they are looking for new anti aging skin care product and I am sharing with them.

  18. I so appreciate the honest breakdown of infrared and retinoids for skincare. Gotta get on a better skin routine for sure! Any retinoid you recommend in particular?

  19. This is an interesting read because I never thought about collagens or Retinoids. I will think about what I eat more carefully for the sake of my skin.

  20. I’m in my 30s and I am taking care of my skin now. I am learning to find ways to add collagen in my life naturally too!

  21. With age and stress our skin needs help. Thanks to your very informative post I learned that proper diet and a daily skin routine is important in taking care of our skin.

  22. I’ve always been a firm believer that you should be starting a solid skincare routine from a young age! It’s definitely the key to anti-aging, and these are such great ways to accomplish that. 🙂

    1. Emily,
      Ditto. The earlier we jump on the skin care routine regularly, the healthier and stronger our skin will be and look.

  23. I am loving all of the information you provided in your post. Anti-aging skin products are something I love to find and learn more about. So thank you for writing such an informative post.

    1. Romy,
      You are welcome! Yes, retinoids are a powerful group of ingredients that can be used by anyone to maintain health and beauty of our skin.

  24. one of my main weaknesses is laziness in my skincare. I’m just the water-soap girl when it comes to my face but now, I think I really have to think about anti-aging or else I’ll look older than my husband in no time.

  25. I’ve been looking for a topical retinol cream, so this was good timing. I’m now 44 and starting to become much more conscious of what I put in and on my body! Great article!

    1. Catalina,
      Yes, a lot of information.
      Just focus on one need for yourself and locate the product to fit that need.
      Love and hugs!

  26. Lots of information here! I honestly have no idea what to check on skin care products before. Thank you for this!

    1. Ruth,
      Skin care products are very diverse category. You really need to do a ton of research before you start choosing the right products for yourself.
      I have been a skin care fan for a long time, since high school. I’ve done thousands of pages in research, reading clinical studies on many ingredients; did the self-care prep kits for my family and friends; had my own skin care recipes (and sold one recipe for commercial use); and keep myself updated on the current state of skin care products.
      It is a lot of stuff to learn to know!

    1. Toni,
      Just focus on your personal need and go from there.
      You may want to learn more, google more before you buy anything!
      If you have questions – please ask!

  27. I have to be careful with a retinoid. I know they are great but they really can make my skin super sensitive.

    1. Michael,
      Actually, this sauna blanket is great for men, too.
      As my blog audience is women, I do talk to women, mostly!
      But this infrared sauna is great for both genders.
      FYI: It comes from a New York spa with the same name: HigherDOSE
      If you’re in NYC, check them out. Let me know if you need a discount, I could request it for you!

    1. Claudia,
      Once you know how the skin products work and why you need to use them, you can devise your own plan that is unique to you.
      Let me know if you need a helping hand!

    1. Heather,
      The earlier we turn to skin care routine, the better.
      I have talked to hundreds of dermatologists and skin care professionals, skin care product formulators.
      What I heard from them is that we should have a skin care routine, using skin care products, when we are in our teens.
      I am a huge fan of non-toxic, green, non-GMO skin care. Plus I avoid any skin care product that has certain ingredients like PEGs and petroleum-derived ingredients.

  28. I desperately need to jump on the anti-aging bandwagon. I’m not getting any younger and I spend a ridiculous amount of time outside and don’t do a great job of protecting my skin and now I’m paying for it. 🙁 I’ll have to look into retinoids.

    1. Lisa,
      Stay calm, my awesome!
      What you need to do is small steps.
      First step is get your cleansing routine + toning + moisturizing in AM & PM.
      Use SPF moisturizer in the morning, not at night.
      Once you get this every single day done and loved, then evaluate your skin needs, and dive after them, one by one, in small steps!

  29. I am going to need something in a few years I see it coming. i want to look as youthful as I can and I need to drink from the fountain of J. Lo also

    1. Kita,
      Begin the process of pampering and protecting your skin today. Later may be too late.

  30. I had no idea there was a difference between retin a and retinol! Thank you for explaining this!

  31. As a woman, taking care of our skin is something that is very important, especially as we age. So finding a great product to help slow down the signs of aging is such a great way to help us look and feel our best.

  32. This is super helpful. I’d love to create a new skincare routine so it’s nice to know what things mean and what to look out for.

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