Glossary

Retinoid

A group of active substances derived from vitamin A that speed up cell renewal and are used for acne and photoageing. They can cause irritation and sun sensitivity; they are not used in pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy, and a physician is consulted before use when breastfeeding. A break may be needed before some procedures.

Articles that mention this term

Treatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardStart With a ConcernDark Spots and Melasma: Causes, When to See a Physician and What Treatments Are AvailableWhat sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory spots are, when to see a physician, why sun protection is essential and what treatments are available.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesBotulinum Toxin (Commonly Called “botox”): What It Is, Who It Suits and What to Watch ForHow botulinum toxin works, who it suits, how the procedure is done, its side effects and when to see a physician. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesFractional Laser: How Suitable Is It for Acne Scars, Wrinkles and Skin Texture?How ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers work, what to expect for acne scars and wrinkles, recovery and pigmentation risk. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesRadiofrequency Skin Tightening and Radiofrequency Microneedling: What Can You Expect?How do radiofrequency and radiofrequency microneedling work, who are they suitable for, how many sessions are needed, what are the risks? A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardGuidesAftercare Following Medical Aesthetic Procedures: General Principles and Warning SignsGeneral aftercare principles after injections, laser, peels and device treatments; what is normal, and when to call your physician or 112.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreMedical Aesthetics in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Which Treatments Should Be Postponed, and What Should You Discuss with Your Physician?Why injections, lasers and peels are postponed in pregnancy and breastfeeding, which skin care steps are usually acceptable, which ingredients to discuss.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardGuidesSkin Care and Medical Aesthetics in Your 20s: What Is Necessary, and What Is Not?Skin care in your 20s: sun protection, acne, a simple routine, why most procedures are unnecessary, and warning signs in social media trends.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

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