Retinoids have many forms and functions. They are a medical treatment for skin conditions such as wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging. They can be ingested or applied topically. Retinoids are comprised of chemical compounds that are related to Vitamin A. Retinoids bind with and activate certain retinoic acid receptors in your skin. Vitamin A is known for its benefits and promotion of healthy skin. People take retinoids to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, aging, and pigmentation problems.
This chemical compound does wonders for these skin conditions and more. Hyperkeratinization is another condition that retinoids treat. Hyperkeratinization is an issue where your skin has trouble shedding old, dead skin cells. If you skin doesn’t shed these dead skin cells, your pores can become clogged and cause more damage. Of the effects retinoids have on your skin, their anti-inflammatory properties are often the least noticed because of the irritation they cause when you first start using them.
When you use retinoids for an extended period, they tend to change the genetic makeup of your skin for the better. Over time, they teach your skin to perform its normal tasks, like dividing and making new skin cells, even better. Retinoids can also correct the damage done to your skin by the sun and acne when taken over a long period. For those who do not have such significant skin problems, retinoids can act as a prevention method for many of these conditions including aging and wrinkles.
While retinoids do a great job of protecting and treating skin, they cannot correct uncorrectable damage or stop the aging process altogether. Over-the-counter retinoids are available, but a doctor’s prescription might be required to receive higher dosages of this medication.
