How to support the skin of patients using retinoids

Retinoids are one of the most effective groups of active ingredients in modern cosmetology and dermatology. Their ability to regulate keratinocyte proliferation, normalize differentiation processes, control sebum secretion and stimulate neocollagenesis makes retinoids a basic component of acne, photoaging and hyperkeratosis treatment protocols. However, the systematic use of retinol and its derivatives is inevitably accompanied by irritation, imbalance of the skin's protective barrier and microinflammation of varying degrees of severity.

Retinoid-induced skin reactivity

Typical manifestations are erythema, peeling, dryness, tingling, burning, tightness, transient hypersensitivity to the sun. Some patients develop persistent irritation, which may resemble mild rosacea or seboderma. In such cases, it is worth considering the diagnosis of retinoid dermatitis - an inflammatory reaction associated with impaired barrier function and the accumulation of oxidative stress.

Pathogenetically, retinoids reduce stratum corneum thickness and increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In parallel, they increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and weaken the microbiome, which leads to impaired skin tolerance even to common stimuli.

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