Retinoids — a vessel of golden-amber retinoid oil with a glossy droplet on warm linen
INGREDIENT

Retinoids for Skin

The first retinoids were FDA-approved as a topical acne treatment more than four decades ago. With time, dermatologists noted that patients who used the product also reported brightercomplexions, along with fewer age spots and wrinkles.

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What are retinoids?

Retinoids can be natural or synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A and are used in prescription andover-the-counter skincare formulations. This potent ingredient affects cellular processes andhas been proven to increase collagen production, boost skin cell turnover, and prevent and correct signs of photo-aging.

What are the benefits of retinoids?

Smoother, younger-looking skin is the main benefit of retinoids. With consistent use, you will begin to see improvements in tone, texture, and clarity within six months. Studies and anecdotal evidence have established that topical retinoids deliver several skin benefits:

  • Soften the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
  • Fade dark spots
  • Exfoliate to reveal fresh, vibrant skin
  • Slow collagen degradation from UV exposure
  • Improve skin firmness and elasticity
  • Decrease breakouts
  • Increase epidermal thickness for better skin hydration

High UV Exposure

Keeps your skin healthy even if you spend a lot of time in the sun. The sun's heat dries out areas of unprotected skin and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause burning and photoaging.

High Screen Time

Protects against HEV Blue light’s digital pollution. When you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, blue light can rob the skin of healthy collagen levels. Continued exposure can cause worsening of melasma, skin discoloration, fine lines or, in some cases, an increased risk of melanoma, or skin cancer.

Pollution Protection

Helps fight the effects of pollution on your skin. Polluted air contains small nanoparticles which cause premature aging. Clinical studies show that people with low pollution exposure levels have brighter, healthier, more radiant looking skin.

Retinoids help with these skin types

Oily skin
Retinoids reduce the tendency of cells to clog up pores, and it is especially helpful for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

Normal skin
Retinoids are a great exfoliant for normal skin and reduce signs of aging and pigmentation.

By age

Calibrated for every age

AGES 20 AND BELOW

It refines the skin, making it smoother, creating a more even skin tone, a brighter appearance, and gives you radiant skin from within.

AGES 21 - 33

It is a perfect fit to address the primary skin care concerns for people in their 20s and early 30s. Make it a part of your regular skin care routine for healthy, beautiful skin.

AGES 34 - 46

This is a great time to make it a part of your skincare routine as you start thinking about incorporating more ingredients with anti-aging benefits.

AGES 47 - 64

It is a great bet for consistent, everyday incorporation in your skincare routine as it not only will tighten up your anti-aging regimen but also help you achieve firmer, more youthful skin.

AGES 65 AND ABOVE

As skin matures, it tends to lose hydration and feel dry. This helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Usage guide

How to use retinoids?
Wait 10 minutes after washing your face before applying retinoids, and keep in mind that a little goes a long way. A pea-sized dab is sufficient for your entire face. After it has a few minutes to penetrate, you can layer on other products, such as moisturizing creams or oils. It's best to start with a low concentration-- around 0.03%-- and as your tolerance levels rise, you can bump up to stronger formulas, up to a maximum of .1 %. Because retinoids exfoliate the skin, temporarily making it thinner, always use a broad- spectrum sunscreen in conjunction with this ingredient.

When to use retinoids?
Retinoids are sensitive to UV light, which causes the components to degrade more rapidly. For this reason, dermatologists recommend applying retinoids at night, just before you go to bed. It is never too early to begin incorporating this powerful anti-aging ingredient into your skincare routine, especially if you have sun damage, acne, or pigmentation irregularities. Your mid-to-late twenties are a great time to start using this Vitamin A derivative.

What are retinoids found in?

Most retinoids are featured in anti-aging and skin brightening formulas intended for evening application, such as intensive night serums, creams, intensive moisturizers, and oils.

Are retinoids suitable for sensitive skin?

Retinoids can be irritating to sensitive skin. That said, many people can tolerate this powerhouse active if they let their skin acclimate slowly over a period of weeks. As notedabove, always start with a low percentage (.01-.03%) and look for entry-level formulas that incorporate hydrating, soothing ingredients. Sensitive skin types may also fare better with cream-based retinoid products, which tend to be less drying than gel-based versions. If youhave psoriasis, eczema, or an active rosacea flare-up, consult your dermatologist before usingretinoids.

Things to keep in mind

Retinoid side effects

Typical side effects of retinoids include redness, dry skin, and flaking. The best way to minimize these effects is to ease into the product, applying a small amount every third night. As your skin gradually acclimates, you can increase this to every other night until your skin is prepped for a nightly application.

Ingredients to avoid with retinoids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic and lactic acid can deactivate retinoids, so don't use them together. The same goes for benzoyl peroxide.

Find out if you need retinoids

Should retinoids be a mainstay in your skincare regimen? The PROVENskin quiz can help you find the right products for your skin type and concerns.

The PROVEN system

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A gentle wash with exfoliating and toning properties — calibrated to your skin.

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Lightweight daytime hydration — formulated for your skin.

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Personalized Night Cream

Overnight repair with the active ingredients your skin needs most.

Clinically proven. Consciously made.

  • In a 28-day clinical study, 87% noted softer skin, 94% noted smoother skin, and 81% noted a brighter complexion.

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  • Formulated and filled in an FDA-approved US laboratory. Made stateside, end to end.

Getting the most from retinoids

Retinoids reward patience, so ease in slowly and protect your skin while it adjusts.

  • Ease in gradually Start with a low concentration around 0.03 percent, applied every third night. As your skin acclimates, move to every other night, then nightly, working up to a maximum of 0.1 percent.
  • A pea-sized amount A little goes a long way. A pea-sized dab covers the entire face, and more only raises the odds of redness and flaking.
  • Apply at night Retinoids break down in UV light, so dermatologists recommend applying them just before bed. Wait about 10 minutes after washing, then layer moisturizer on top.
  • Never skip sunscreen Because retinoids exfoliate and temporarily thin the skin, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. It protects the fresh skin retinoids help reveal.
  • Keep them separate Do not layer retinoids with AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid, or with benzoyl peroxide, which can deactivate them. If your routine calls for both, use them on alternating days.
Real results

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Kimberly C.'s skin before and after PROVEN — Acne · Redness
“It’s so clear and I can go without makeup and it looks amazing. I used to be so ashamed to walk around with no makeup, had terrible acne! This has been a game changer for me!”
Kimberly C.
Acne · Redness

Persistent inflammatory acne + barrier disruption = gentle sebum balance + barrier rebuild system.

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Sources
  1. National Library of Medicine (NCBI)