Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A compounds that treat acne & reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, they often come with side effects including dryness, redness, flaking & irritation. Gentler, over-the-counter retinol can be found in cosmetic skin-care products like night creams, serums & moisturizers. Adapalene, a synthetic retinoid, is available as the over-the-counter drug Differin. Prescription-only retinoid acid (Retin-A) is more effective, yet harsher on the skin & available in different strengths.

Get started with retinoids by using an over-the-counter product it three times per week to see how well your skin tolerates it. If you can use it that often without any issues, you can increase your usage to three to four times per week. If you need something stronger, due to severe acne or signs of aging, consider using Differin or a prescription retinoid. Experiment with using lower-strength formulations once or twice a week, then consider adjusting upward in strength and frequency.

When using a prescription product, you must follow your dermatologist’s instructions. In general, using just a pea-sized amount on dry skin in the evenings after cleansing will keep the product from causing too much irritation. Follow that with your moisturizer or mix your retinoid with the moisturizer to help buffer it.

Experts caution against exfoliating and using retinoids together because both can cause irritation, especially when used one right after the other. If you want to use both, try exfoliating and using your retinoid on alternating evenings, or exfoliating in the morning and using the retinoid at night. Also, because retinoids increase your sensitivity to the sun, make sure you’re always using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Lastly, avoid retinoids if you’re pregnant.

Pregnant women must be careful about what they apply to their skin, as some skincare product ingredients are not safe during pregnancy: prescription retinoids, over-the-counter retinols, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Some of these ingredients should be avoided after delivery, especially if breastfeeding. Topical products like retinoids can be absorbed into the skin then excreted into breast milk or transferred to a baby’s skin upon contact.

Below are some alternative ingredients to address problems like acne, dryness and hyperpigmentations. Before using any products during pregnancy, make sure to get your doctor’s approval.

AZELAIC ACID: a topical used to treat rosacea that kills bacteria found in pores and decreases keratin production. It helps decrease redness and acne and reduces pigment production, helping to diminishd ark marks created by acne.

NIACINAMIDE: a form of vitamin B3 that possesses anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. It helps to alleviate acne and rosacea and its nonirritating nature makes it an attractive option for dry or sensitive skin.

VITAMIN C: an antioxidant replacement for retinoids that treats dark spots and general skin-tone issues. When used in conjunction with mineral sunscreen, it can boost collagen production and fight sun damage.
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HYALURONIC ACID: an incredible, natural skin hydrator that moisturizes and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.

Signs of aging manifest slowly and steadily if you are regularly following a daily skincare regimen. However, if you’ve been less consistent with your at-home care, you could be aging faster than necessary.

​1. Wrinkled Hands
We often neglect our hands when it comes to skincare, even though they are more exposed to sun than other body parts. Consequently, your hands may age faster than your face. The skin on your hands is delicate, tending to thin out and become leathery as wrinkles develop. Use a hand & body lotion rich in not only hydration, but in anti-aging ingredients used on the face: vitamin C, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, jojoba oil and shea butter. Your skin’s barrier will be stronger, resulting in more supple, stronger skin that locks in moisture and repels irritants.

​2. Crow’s Feet & Laugh Lines
Crow’s feet and laugh lines are among the very first signs of aging. Over time, your skin produces less collagen and those wrinkles that appear from squinting and laughing become permanent. Combat them while strengthening your skin with a serum rich in stem cells, phytonutrients & vitamin C. These ingredients encourage smoothness and stimulate cellular renewal.

Signs of aging manifest slowly and steadily if you are regularly following a daily skincare regimen. However, if you’ve been less consistent with your at-home care, you could be aging faster than necessary.

1. Increase in Brown Spots
Brown spots (hyperpigmenttions) are obvious signs of aging. They result from your body’s melanin overproduction, occurring when your skin is overexposed to the sun. Fight them back, and prevent future dark spots, with serums containing botanical brighteners & vitamin C. Be sure to use sunscreen over any serums to ensure their effectiveness (as well as diminish the effects of the sun’s harmful rays.) Mineral sunscreen, SPF 30 or greater, absorbs quickly without a white cast or residue and doesn’t clog pores.
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2. Dry Skin, Even After Moisturizing
As skin ages, it produces less and less oil, and the lipids (natural moisturizers) in your skin decrease. To replenish this natural store and keep moisture locked in, employ a highly emollient moisturizing crème that contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and/or shea butter. Together or apart, these ingredients restore hydration and boost your skin’s lipid layer for continual hydration.

1. Not Moisturizing Breakout-Prone Skin
Because oil can lead to clogged pores and eventually breakouts, many acne-sufferers don’t moisturize their skin. It is a common misconception that skin prone to acne and breakouts should be dried out. In fact, it is even more important to moisturize it as breakouts are exacerbated by inflammation and dryness. Building back the skin's healthy barrier cannot be done without effective hydration. There are many amazing lightweight formulas on the market that work well for acne-prone skin. Just don't forgo moisturizing altogether.
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2. Using Too Many Products in Your Routine
Using lots of different products to try and help skin can often lead to overstimulating it, leading to more problems. Not paying attention to product ingredients and the interplay between those ingredients leads to skin conditions like breakouts. A simple, pared down skincare routine (cleanse, tone, serum, moisturize) gives your skin has a chance to get used to a regimen and build back its strength.

1. Overusing active ingredients and acids such as retinol & salicylic acid
It's natural to drown a breakout in strong ingredients that will dry it up and fix things instantly. Calming, antibacterial ingredients like rose water, tea tree and witch hazel are great for this. Acne-prone skin may be dehydrated, so it is essential to focus on hydration and calming by treating the skin with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to build the health of the skin. 
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2. Avoiding sunscreen because they’re too oily
Many traditional facial SPFs can feel and look greasy on the skin, clogging pores and hence creating more blemish issues. However, there are many formulations that are completely non-greasy and work to protect the skin from the sun while not bothering problem skin. Look for oil-free, mattifying and organic sunscreens.

1. Lighten up your skin-care routine
In the summer, your skin-care routine may need to be a little more lightweight. The heat and humidity of summer means you can swap out a heavier cleanser (think cream or oil cleanser) in favor of a gentle, foaming option.

2. Use a dual-purpose moisturizer
To help lighten things up, switch to a combination lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen 30 or higher. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, losing one skin-care step with a combination moisturizer/SPF can help keep skin clear.
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3. Don’t stop moisturizing completely
Despite hot and humid weather, you still need to moisturize. Even if your skin already feels oily, you should always follow cleansing with a moisturizer. Moisturizers reestablish the outermost layer of the skin, protecting us from harmful pollutants and chemicals, while preventing further irritation or dryness. A lightweight moisturizer will help keep that outer layer nourished without feeling too heavy on your skin.

Morning: 

1. Cleanse with a neutral cleanser, double cleanse if you’re not prone to skin sensitivity.
2. Apply an antioxidant serum to reduce free radical damage; Vitamin C-based serums work on both dry and oily skin types.
3. Finish with a moisturizer that contains sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.

Evening:

1. Cleanse with a neutral cleanser, you can use the same one you use in the morning.
2. Apply a repairing serum to help in turning over new skin cells & stimulating collagen production to repair any damage that has occurred throughout the day.
3. Finish with a moisturizer that is lighter in texture.

**Don't forget to pack some nourishing sheet masks to pamper your skin on a whim.