Retinoids in men's skincare: everything a man needs to know

Retinoids in adult men's skincare: why do they work so well?

Retinoids, which are various forms of vitamin A, are widely used in cosmetics, extensively researched, and scientifically recognized as effective ingredients.
Vitamin A is naturally found in human skin, where it participates in numerous functions. Adding vitamin A through cosmetics is effective because it can act at a cellular level and improve skin function in many ways!

Vitamin A is especially known and recommended as an enhancer for adult skin, as it stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, a crucial support protein that maintains the skin's structure and elasticity. Since the natural production of collagen begins to decline around the age of 25, it is advisable to start using retinoids even at this early stage. (Though it's never too late to start stimulating your tissues with vitamin A!)

Numerous benefits of retinoids

For most people, the natural amount of vitamin A in their skin was last at an ideal level as a newborn. When environmental stressors (e.g., UV radiation being the worst) start bombarding the skin's vitamin A reserves, their quantity decreases, and the skin does not function as ideally as it could. This manifests in various ways in adults. Symptoms can include fine lines, lack of firmness, uneven tone, dullness, impurities, and other imbalances. However, when the skin is nourished externally with vitamin A products, one can expect benefits such as the following:

• Skin smoothing, plumping, and firming
  
• Rejuvenation, skin brightening
  
• Fading of pigment spots, more even tone
  
• Balanced sebum production, reduced skin congestion
  
• Reduced sensitivity
  
• Improved moisture levels

Men's skin, in particular, with its more active sebum production, thicker structure, and the stresses caused by shaving, benefits from the support offered by retinoids.

The golden rule of retinoid use

Start usage cautiously. Even if your skin is strong and thick, the skin's reaction to vitamin A depends on the number of vitamin A receptors in the cell nuclei. If the receptors are insufficient to receive the amount of vitamin A applied to the skin, the skin's tolerance will be exceeded, resulting in a "vitamin A reaction." This manifests as redness, flaking, pimples, and itching, among other symptoms. It is not dangerous, but if it occurs, you should take a break from the product until the skin calms down. So, start slowly and let the skin get used to the product. This way, you can gradually increase the frequency of product use and its strength without unpleasant side effects.

Retinoids are found in cosmetics in various strengths: e.g., different retinyl esters, retinol, and retinal. The skin converts them into retinoic acid. Some forms are already chemically closer to retinoic acid, which makes them more effective but also more irritating to the skin. Therefore, the stronger the formulation, the slower you should start using it and rely on the product's instructions. Those with very sensitive skin should start with esters. With stronger retinoids used at night, sun protection during the day is necessary, and they should not be applied on the same day after shaving.

Patience pays off

In the first few months, you will notice changes right on the surface. The skin becomes cleaner, smoother, and brighter. In the long term, you will also notice effects beneath the surface. You will start to see differences in firmness, fine lines, and any scars and pigmentation changes.

Retinoids are thus powerful and highly effective in improving skin condition and revitalizing adult skin. Try SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum from our selection: Use the serum at night after cleansing and finish with a moisturizer. Use once a week for the first two weeks, then twice a week for the following two weeks. This way, you can slowly try to increase the frequency of use and find a suitable rhythm for your skin. Remember UV protection during the day. Try one of Korea's most popular high-SPF sunscreens: ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++  

Have you tried retinoids or would you be interested in trying them? Leave a comment below!