column (e.g. in newspaper)
2024.07.02
Dr. Bianca explains how to suppress retinol's A reaction! Also covers the difference between retinol palmitate and tretinoin, plus skincare tips.
With deep medical insight cultivated as an internal medicine specialist, I bridge aesthetic surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. Having spent my childhood in China, I communicate fluently in Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean. Possessing an international perspective—evidenced by invitations to present at overseas conferences—I actively promote techniques as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for GOURI and REJURAN®. My specialty procedures include double eyelid surgery, skin-nurturing boosters, and body hyaluronic acid treatments. My approach leverages the holistic understanding of the body cultivated through internal medicine to guide patients toward natural, healthy beauty.
Hello.
Dr. Hime of BIANCA CLINIC, also known as Senki Akashi.
Hey everyone, are you using retinol in your daily skincare routine?
When speaking with patients, I often hear concerns like, "I'd like to try retinol, but I'm afraid of the A reaction."
Seeing posts on social media saying "It turned red" or "The skin peeled off," along with actual pictures, might make you feel anxious.
However, with the right knowledge and proper usage, retinol can be a powerful ally in achieving beautiful skin.will become.
This time, we'll cover what retinol actually is, how the A reaction works, the differences between types, and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
I'll explain from a doctor's perspective.
BIANCA Akashi Senki, MD Profile
Spent childhood in China and is trilingual in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. After graduating from Nagoya University School of Medicine, she specialized in internal medicine with a focus on diabetes and endocrinology, becoming a board-certified internist. Subsequently, she gained experience performing over 5,000 surgical procedures and injectable treatments at a major cosmetic surgery clinic, later serving as director of a clinic in central Tokyo. She specializes in eye area surgeries, particularly double eyelid suture procedures and dark circle treatments. Currently at BIANCA Clinic, he supports patients in achieving a naturally beautiful glow from the inside out, encompassing all aspects of cosmetic surgery, medical aesthetics, and cosmetic dermatology.
＜Professional Affiliations and Qualifications＞
・Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Board-Certified Internist
・Japanese Diabetes Society
・Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
・Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
＜Check out more information about Dr. Akashi Senki's Aesthetic Medicine here＞
Dr. Akashi Senki's Instagram account isHere
The official Instagram account for BIANCA isHere
The official YouTube account for BIANCA isHere
What exactly is retinol?
Retinol is a member of the vitamin A (retinoid) family.
Supports skin's regenerative power,Reactivates cells weakened by aging and UV damageThere is work.
Vitamin A (retinoids) has many derivatives, but among them, retinol is arguably the most popular in both aesthetic medicine and skincare.
The main functions of retinol are as follows.
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Promotes skin turnover: Exfoliates dead skin cells and improves dullness
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Boosts collagen production: Enhances firmness and elasticity
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Suppression of sebum secretion: Prevents clogged pores and acne
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Strengthening the stratum corneum: Enhances moisture retention and prevents dryness
In other words, retinol is,Aging care ingredients that rebuild skin from the rootThat's why.
What is A reaction (retinoid reaction)?
When you start using retinol, you may experience symptoms such as redness, itching, peeling, or stinging.
ThisA reaction (retinoid reaction)is called.
This reaction occurs when skin that has been deficient in vitamin A for many years suddenly receives stimulation, causing cell turnover to become dramatically more active.
In other words,Skin training period to acclimate to retinolSomething like that.
Symptoms often subside within a few days to weeks, but if you experience pain or severe inflammation, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Types of Retinol and Differences in Strength
Retinol has different stages based on its “concentration” and “chemical form,” and the type you use affects how the A reaction manifests and how quickly results appear.
| Type | Features | Tendency to react | Usage Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retinyl Palmitate | The mildest and least irritating. Ideal for daily care. | weak | Also included in general cosmetics |
| Retinol | It strikes a good balance between effectiveness and irritation, being milder than tretinoin. | Moderate | Doctor's cosmetics, etc. |
| Tretinoin | Pharmaceuticals. Strong keratolytic action with high efficacy. | Strong | For use only with a doctor's prescription. |
For first-time users,Start with retinyl palmitate or low-concentration retinolIt would be better to do so.
The key is to gradually increase the concentration once your skin has become accustomed to retinol.
Tips for Minimizing Skin Reactions in Your Skincare Routine
Here are some key points to minimize the A reaction caused by retinol.
① Start with low concentrations and small amounts
At firstOnce or twice a week, evenings onlyUse it. Once you get used to it, gradually increase how often you use it.
② Thoroughly moisturize and protect against UV rays
During the A reaction, the stratum corneum becomes thinner and more prone to dryness.
Moisturizing cream and sunscreenEvery day without fail.
③ Do not use with other irritants
Avoid using with exfoliants, high-concentration vitamin C serums, whitening serums, etc., and firstLet's see how things go with retinol alone.。
Offense or defense—which retinol should you choose?
Retinol comes in two types: "defensive vitamin A" and "offensive vitamin A."
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Daily CareRetinyl Palmitate... Mild enough for daily use.SA Serum / ZO SKIN Daily PD / Environ C-Quence Serum
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Offensive (Intensive Care)Retinol/Tretinoin... For those seeking improved firmness and radiance. Prone to causing A-reaction,Use under the supervision of a physicianIt's reassuring.
At Bianca Clinic, our doctors meticulously adjust the concentration, frequency, and combination treatments (such as peeling treatments and Potenza) according to your skin's condition.
Summary: A reaction is a sign that your skin is renewing itself.“
A reaction is nothing to be afraid of,Temporary reactions occurring through the correct processis.
By continuing to use retinol without rushing or panicking, while paying attention to your skin's changes, it will bring your skin a noticeable firmness and translucency.
It's important to use retinol products that suit your skin.
By the way... I personally use this one.
SA SERUM is a meticulously crafted product developed over five years by Dr. Iwama, a leading aesthetic dermatologist.
Bianca is a favorite among doctors and nurses!
BIANCA CLOSETWe do carry them, so please check them out.
▼For more on retinol, be sure to check out Dr. Manami's blog post here!
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