Recently, the use of retinoids has sparked extensive discussions online. However, many users still have numerous concerns about the different versions of retinoids and their effects. This article will answer seven major questions that people are curious about, helping you better understand retinoids, especially the recently popular fourth-generation retinoid, Aklief.
Many people are curious about how fourth-generation retinoids (Aklief) compare to the first-generation retinoid (tretinoin). From my experience, while I personally believe that first-generation retinoids are more potent, Aklief tends to cause relatively less discomfort during use, making it perhaps a better choice for some skin types. Secondly, regarding whether tretinoin is superior to third-generation retinoids, I think third-generation retinoids are particularly suitable for oily skin, as they often do not produce noticeable sensations after use, whereas the situation is different for dry skin.
If you have used retinoids and retinol multiple times but find that even first-generation retinoids do not cause peeling, it might be that your skin has become relatively tolerant to these products. However, using tretinoin may still cause some peeling initially. Does this mean we can use fourth-generation retinoids long-term? In fact, retinoids are drug-like products, and we recommend that if you are intolerant to fourth-generation retinoids, you can opt for a more tolerable retinol as a substitute.
Many also want to know how long it typically takes to see results after using these retinoids. It is important to note that these products do not show immediate results, and it usually takes about two weeks before you begin to feel your skin becoming smoother. To see significant changes, continuous use for two to three months is typically required, as this duration helps to eliminate deep-rooted acne components.
As for whether using retinoids may cause acne, the answer is yes. Some individuals may experience purging, but there is no need to be overly concerned. In fact, many tiny acne lesions (micro-comedones) hidden in pores may surface more easily during hormonal fluctuations. Thus, purging can be viewed as a detox response that helps to clear the skin. If you encounter severe issues while using retinoids, it is advisable to seek guidance from a doctor, but this does not mean you should completely stop using them.
Regarding whether retinoids can help eliminate acne scars, it depends on the types of scars. Retinoids cannot remove indented acne scars, but they can indeed provide some assistance for pigmented acne scars, red scars, or dark scars.
Finally, many are curious whether it is okay to use moisturizing products before or after applying retinoids. The answer is yes, but if you have acne-prone skin, you need to choose your moisturizer carefully, especially oily products, and avoid overusing them to prevent exacerbating pore blockage.