Why you need...ARETINOID

Understanding the hero ingredient for younger-looking skin

- JESS BEECH.

Confused about retinoids? They are a family of ingredients derived from vitamin A. Retinoic acid, the most potent, prescription-only form, is at the top of the family tree, with ingredients like retinol, retinal and granactive retinoids on the branches below. All retinoids increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, plumper and smoother skin, just at varying speeds and strengths. Retinol (with an ‘o’), in particular, has had some bad press over the years, because its anti-ageing benefits tended to come with initial redness and flaking. This has led to retinal (with an ‘a’) and granactive retinoids becoming more popular. Retinol isn’t falling by the wayside entirely, though - brands are just adding extra ingredients to their formulations to offset the chance of irritation. Better skin with no side effects? Sign us up!

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