What's The Fuss About Retinoids?

Discover why retinoids are still considered the top anti-ageing ingredient type after over 30 years

- Yuen Yi Ying

Retinoid. Retinol. How about Retin-A? You may have heard of one of these names, and their promises to plump up wrinkles, slow down premature skin ageing and boost regeneration. And you heard right. While a multitude of anti-ageing ingredients floods the beauty scene every year, there’s nothing quite like a retinoid.

Considered the gold standard for anti-ageing ingredients since the 1980s, retinoids have the most robust evidence for their anti-ageing properties, explains Dr Ong Xiangning of Aeras Medical Aesthetic Clinic. That explains why retinol infused products continue to hit the market year after year.

What retinol does and how it works

Retinol’s biggest claim to fame is how well it works to delay signs of ageing. It speeds cell turnover, fends off free radicals and promotes collagen production to firm and smooth skin, reducing the look of wrinkles. On top of these, retinol can also help to clear acne, minimise the look of pores (due to firmer skin), reduce the look of uneven pigmentation and brighten your skin tone.

Retin-what?