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Interview - How to get the most from Retinoids. New | Use | Misleading percentages

Get the Most from Your Retinoids: What Are the Best OTC Options?

Jennifer Tilney, CEO of Platinum Skin Care, shares her expertise on retinoids, retinol, and how to get the most out of them for your skin.

Do Retinoids Really Work?

Absolutely—they’re one of the most effective skincare ingredients available. Whether you're dealing with acne, signs of aging, or uneven texture, retinoids are often the first recommendation because they work on so many different skin issues.

Types of Retinoids

Retinoids come in many forms, and it can get confusing. At the top are prescription-strength options like tretinoin. Below that are retinaldehydes, followed by retinol, and then esters such as palmitates, acetates, and propionates. There are also newer retinoic acid esters like Granactive Retinoid.

Prescription options are the strongest but can also be very irritating. They’re pure acid forms that work immediately but often take months to acclimate to. That’s why many people prefer over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives.

Red Flags When Shopping for OTC Retinoids

Be cautious of products that claim high percentages of retinol. Often, companies state they have 1% retinol, but it's actually 1% of a blend that contains retinol—not 1% pure retinol. Also, check the color of the product. Retinoids are naturally yellow, and a product that isn’t yellow may not contain a high enough concentration to be effective.

Jennifer showed examples:

  • Retinol is yellow.
  • Granactive Retinoid is a brighter yellow.
  • Retinaldehyde is deep orange, almost reddish.

So, if your cream isn’t yellow, it might not be effective.

Best Retinoids

Jennifer’s top picks are Granactive Retinoid and Retinaldehyde.

  • Granactive Retinoid is a retinoic acid ester that works instantly without needing to convert, and it’s less irritating.
  • Retinaldehyde is just one step away from pure retinoic acid. It converts once and is the most potent OTC option available.

Retinol is also effective but slightly less potent than the other two.

How to Use Retinoids for Best Results

Consistency is key. You won’t see results overnight—you need to use retinoids regularly, ideally for at least 30 to 90 days. Start slowly with powerful formulas, like using them three times a week, then gradually increase frequency as your skin acclimates.

Always use retinoids at night. Sunlight can break them down, reducing effectiveness. In terms of routine, apply serums first, then creams, then oils. Platinum Skin Care’s retinoid is a creamy serum, so it typically goes after lightweight serums and before heavier moisturizers.

Who Should Avoid Retinoids?

Some people are too sensitive and may experience rashes or irritation. If that’s the case, try using retinoids less frequently, diluting them, or switching to alternatives like bakuchiol—a plant-based option that mimics retinoid effects without irritation.

Who Should Definitely Use Them?

Anyone with hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, aging skin, acne, or texture concerns. Retinoids boost collagen and elastin, smooth the skin, and shrink pores—making them a powerful all-in-one treatment.

Fusion A: A Unique Blend

Fusion A, Platinum Skin Care’s signature product, combines all three types: retinol, Granactive Retinoid, and retinaldehyde. This blend allows for immediate and delayed action, delivering benefits at different stages. It's designed to suit anyone who wants the benefits of a prescription-like product without the prescription.

Take the Quiz and see which is best for you now: https://www.platinumskincare.com/fusion-a-retinoid-concentrate/

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