Retinoids remain the most popular skincare actives in our community, and one of the most common questions I receive is, “When should I start retinoids for photoaging?” 📌 Quick review of retinoids: 🔘 The term “retinoids” refers to vitamin A derivatives. These include drugs (e.g. adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin) and cosmetics (e.g. retinol and retinaldehyde).  🔘 The active ingredient of retinoids is retinoic acid. Some retinoids directly provide retinoic acid (e.g. tretinoin), while others (e.g. retinol and retinaldehyde) undergo a stepwise conversion in skin to become retinoic acid.  🔘 Retinoid ingredients requiring multiple conversion steps are generally less potent and less irritating than those needing fewer steps. This is the retinoid conversion process: Retinyl esters ➡️ Retinol ➡️ Retinaldehyde ➡️ Retinoic acid. This is why retinol would be a good option for those who are starting retinoids and those with sensitive skin, while retinaldehyde may be better suited for more experienced retinoid users and those with resilient skin.  This post is done in collaboration with @MaeloveSkincare. Maelove has two retinoid products:  🌟 STARGAZE enhanced retinol serum with 0.25% encapsulated retinol - beginner/ sensitive skin option 🌟 MOONLIGHT advanced retinal serum with 0.11% enhanced retinaldehyde - experienced/ resilient skin option References: 10.1007/s40257-021-00594-8 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000003 10.1177/12034754211035091 PMID: 23839179 #maelovepartner