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“[Retinoids] thicken the epidermis through increased cell proliferation at the top level.

They stimulate collagen production and inhibit the breakdown of collagen that already exists.

Woman putting eye cream on her face

They also block several inflammatory pathways that exacerbate pimples and acne,” she said.

Now, retinoids are omnipresent.

This is also why its used in most OTC products.

Woman smiling and wearing serum

Unlike retinol, which requires two steps to become retinoic acid, retinal or retinaldehyde only needs one.

However, skin irritation is more likely with this retinoid derivative.

The only difference was that retinal did not irritate participants as much as retinoic acid.

Serums and creams on a tray