Should I be using a retinoid?

Todays blog is all about retinol, retinoids, and tretinoin—all of which fall under the vitamin A family. If you’ve ever heard people rave about how their skin looks smoother, glowier, or more youthful, there’s a good chance one of these ingredients is involved. They’re absolute game-changers in skincare, and once you start using them, they really become a long-term staple in your routine.

So, what do they actually do? In a nutshell, they speed up your skin’s cell turnover, which means your skin sheds old cells and produces fresh, new ones more quickly. This process helps to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin’s feeling a bit uneven or tired, these can make a massive difference over time.

They’re also fantastic for acne—in fact, that’s what they were originally created for! Retinoids help regulate oil production by calming down overactive sebaceous glands, which can lead to fewer breakouts and clearer skin overall. The downside? That reduction in oil can make your skin feel dry, tight, or flaky, especially when you’re just starting out.

They are first line for hyperpigmentation too, as they can break it down and prevent further spreading of the pigment

But don’t stress—it’s totally normal, and manageable with the right approach. A really good moisturizer is key to keeping your skin comfortable and balanced. I always recommend starting slowly—use it just twice a week to begin with, and then as your skin builds up tolerance, you can gradually increase to four or five times a week.

It’s all about consistency and patience with these ingredients—they don’t give instant results, but the long-term benefits are so worth it.

All you need is a pea sized amount - it is definitely not the more the merrier with this treatment option. I use Obagi in clinic and it is the best of the best!