The Skincare Showdown: Retinol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid & Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - What You Really Need to Know
The Skincare Showdown: Retinol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid & Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - What You Really Need to Know When you walk into a beauty store or scroll through online skincare ads, you’re bombarded with terms like retinol , niacinamide , salicylic acid , and AHA exfoliants . They sound impressive. They sound science-y. But what exactly do they do ? How do you use them in your routine without turning your face into an angry red tomato? Let’s break it all down with the facts dermatologists know but often don’t tell you unless you’re paying $2,000 for a consultation. No fluff. Just pure, glowing truth. 1. Retinol (The Gold Standard of Anti-Aging) What It Is Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the most researched skincare ingredients in history. Think of it as the CEO of cell turnover . It tells your skin: “Out with the old, in with the new.” Retinol stimulates collagen production , reduces fine lines and wrinkles , fades hyp...