Retinol is a cosmeceutical ingredient that has been well recognised and valued in active skincare. Retinol come from the Vitamin A family, often referred to as Retinoids. There are pros and cons with using Retinol, however the fact remains that it offers many more benefits than drawbacks.
Retinol should be regarded as the first and foremost Vitamin to be used in anyone’s daily skin routine. Dermal clinicians and Dermatologists often refer to Retinol as the “gold standard” anti-aging cosmeceutical ingredient. It is the most well studied ingredient with proven effectiveness.
RETINOL SHOULD ONLY BE APPLIED PM
Retinol is known to break down when it is exposed to sunlight. Generally, it is recommended to be used at night for this reason. However, it can also be used through the day, typically clients use milder strengths in the morning and higher strengths in the evening. As Retinolserum is quickly absorbed, it can be applied under a moisturiser and before a sunscreen for extra protection. Using it twice a day will accelerate results.
RETINOL THINS YOUR SKIN
Retinol does not thin your skin. In fact, it is the absolute opposite! Using a good quality Retinol has been proven to increase the epidermis thickness and boost the production of collagen, therefore also thickening and plumping the dermis. Retinol is a gold standard in any skin regime, not only is it effective for skin rejuvenation, it also is used to clear the skin of acne.
RETINOL PEELS YOUR SKIN
Retinol accelerates skin cell production and turnover. The rate of turnover increases as new skin cells are rapidly produced and replace the dead surface cells. The skin can become mildly flaky initially, which is why the myth was born. As the skin naturally acclimatises with regular use, the flakiness disappears and the skin’s appearance improves, becoming more radiant and even in complexion.
RETINOL IS ONLY FOR MATURE SKIN
Although it was originally used for mature skin, it has since proven to be extremely effective on problem skin and in preventing the signs of ageing. In addition to Retinol’s rejuvenating properties, it has a long track record of beneficial effects for acne skin conditions and for improving skin texture and colour. By stimulating cellular turnover, it prevents skin build up, unclogs and accelerates the skin’s natural healing ability.
RETINOL & VITAMIN C SHOULDN’T BE USED TOGETHER
Vitamin C is a primary antioxidant and is incredibly beneficial to the skin. Combined withRetinol, the two work well to improve the skin, reversing the signs of aging and helping to prevent sun damage.
However, formulation is important, depending on the type of Vitamin C; the fat soluble forms such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate & Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbates can be formulated with Retinol without any problems. Whereas the water soluble form of Vitamin C known as Ascorbic acid, is acidic and does not work well with Retinol. Generally, this is the type of Vitamin C that is used in inexpensive brands.
RETINOL – TAKES A MONTH TO SEE RESULTS
The skin cellular turnover of the epidermis takes 4 weeks approximately. However, using Retinol will begin to improve the skin immediately. Changes are noticeable within days, and within a couple of weeks the skin will feel softer, look smoother and clearer.
The best results are seen in regular users and long-term users, clients that use Retinol for years or decades have younger skin than before starting, and in comparison to their peers that do not use Retinol.
STOP RETINOL IF IRRITATION OCCURS
It is common that some clients will experience mild flakiness and irritation due to the acceleration of the cellular turnover. Rather than foregoing Retinol it is better to use Retinolevery 2-3 days initially and build to daily use. It is important to be consistent as any flakiness and irritation will subside with regular use. This is a sign that changes are rapidly taking place and is a normal initial response. You should not cease use as this hinders obtaining the results.
RETINOL IS LIKE ANY OTHER ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS
Retinol in fact is vastly different from any other antioxidant Vitamins, Vitamin A is the most important controller of skin growth, differentiation, and maturation of skin cells. It is converted within the skin and binds to the DNA in cells to stimulate repair. As our skin is exposed to UV light, it depletes the Vitamin A in the skin, causing deficient levels which can lead to damage, pigmentation, ageing and skin cancers. The application of Retinol combats the cellular damage and so is considered the most valuable ingredient in skincare.
Retinol should be number 1 on everyone’s skin regime list! It is far the most proven cosmeceutical treatment to repair and improve the skin’s health and aesthetics. The most appropriate Retinol formulation is best assessed in consultation with a qualified DermalClinician.
For a comprehensive skincare consultation, please call (03) 8686 5786.
