Dr. Teo Soleymani: How to Improve & Protect Your Skin Health & Appearance

Retinoids

Teo Soleymani explains that retinoids work by activating transcription factors and binding to retinoic acid receptors, which can affect gene transcription. This makes them highly effective for improving skin quality and appearance. However, due to their potential for severe birth defects, they are tightly regulated. Soleymani emphasizes the importance of using prescription retinoids over over-the-counter retinols, which are often ineffective and unstable after a year 1.

Protects your skin, keeps you looking young, reduces skin cancer risk, grows new collagen. Literally the only consequence is that when you first start, your skin may be a little bit red or peely as the skin acclimates or turns over.

--- Teo Soleymani

He advises that everyone should be on prescription retinoids for optimal skin health and anti-aging benefits.

   

Retinols

Teo Soleymani contrasts retinoids and retinols, explaining that retinols are inactive versions of retinoic acid and require conversion to become effective. Over-the-counter retinols are often marketed for anti-aging but lack the efficacy of prescription retinoids. Soleymani notes that while retinoids were originally developed for acne treatment, their benefits for anti-aging and skin health are significant 2.

The over-the-counter stuff is not very effective, if at all. The shelf stability. Many studies have shown that almost all retinoids over the counter retinols over the counter are basically unstabilized by one year. So you don't even know what you're paying for.

--- Teo Soleymani

He recommends consulting a dermatologist to obtain effective prescription retinoids.

   

Safety

Teo Soleymani discusses the safety and long-term benefits of retinoids, including their ability to revitalize skin and reduce cancer risk. He highlights the disconnect between the public's understanding and the medical community's knowledge about retinoids. Soleymani stresses the importance of advocating for these medicines through modern social media 3.

We now know that certain laser devices, certain resurfacing devices, not only improve the appearance of your skin clinically, they reduce your risk of skin cancer by 20%, maybe greater.

--- Teo Soleymani

He also mentions that laser treatments can complement retinoid use for enhanced skin health.