Retinol

Did you know that an estimated 95% of women across the world aren't getting enough Vitamin A? This critical nutrient is essential for normal skin functioning, helping to fortify your complexion with anti-inflammatory and collagen synthesis benefits. While it's necessary to focus on foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, dried apricots, kale and butternut squash as sources of this key vitamin - sometimes these dietary options just don't quite cut it! Consider supplementing your diet with a trusted skincare solution – Skin Complete – featuring both Vitamin A & antioxidants for total protection against photoaging signs, or skin perfecting complex from rejuvanated

Vitamin A is found in the following foods:

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Dried apricots

• Kale

• Cantaloupe

• Butternut squash

• Spinach

• Red peppers

To name a few!

But even eating these cannot always provide the amount you need for optimum skincare.

You can also consider supplementing with Skin Complete which is a Vitamin A and Antioxidant due from The Advanced nutrition programme, adequate internal absorption works on those deepest layers of the skin and has also been shown to improve the skins tolerance to topical retinol.

This is where Retinol comes into it’s own.

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A which can be used topically to treat the following concerns:

• Acne and breakout prone skin.

• Ageing skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

• Dull skin

• Pigmentation

As the years go by, we all want to hold onto our youthful complexion for as long as possible. Retinol is an incredible tool in this mission! A derivative of Vitamin A, it helps restore and refine skin's vibrancy with increased collagen production and thickness. Not only does retinol combat acne-prone skin or dullness but its most powerful effect is combating ageing - reversing wrinkles caused by thinning dermis over time. There isn't a fountain of youth out there – however through regular use of topical vitamin A (retinoid) you too can enjoy less age spots & fewer signs that show passing time on your face.

Basically, as we age, the epidermis thickens while the dermis thins. The use of retinoids inverts that aging process, so long-term retinoid users enjoy an epidermis with less age spots and wrinkles supported by a lovely thick dermis.

Early retinol usage also helps delay the aging process, so the best time to start using a retinol is in your early thirties, when your cell turnover rate begins to slow. One of the benefits of getting an early start on over-the-counter retinols is that you can hold off on prescription retinoids until your forties or fifties.

So, grab yourself a cup of tea and let me tell you all about Retinol…

Myth Buster

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been used in skincare products for decades due to its ability to boost collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne, sunspots, and other signs of aging. However, there are many myths and misinformation surrounding retinol and its potential side effects that can lead people to be hesitant about using it.

One common myth is that retinol will make skin sensitive to the sun. While it's true that retinol can increase skin sensitivity especially if you apply Retinol serum during the day , proper sun protection should always be used when using any type of skincare product, especially those with active ingredients like retinol. Wearing sunscreen during the day and avoiding extended exposure to direct sunlight can help protect your skin from UV damage.

Another myth is that retinol will cause skin irritation or redness. While this is a possibility if too much of the product is used or if you have particularly sensitive skin, this isn't necessarily the norm. In fact, many people find that their skin adjusts fairly quickly to retinol use after just a few weeks of regular use as long as they start slowly by applying only a small amount initially.

Finally, there are those who think that retinol won't work on certain types of skin but this simply isn't true either. Retinoid products are suitable for all types of complexions whether you have dry or oily skin; however it may take longer for people with very dry or sensitive skin types to adjust so taking things slow when first starting out is important in these cases too! Although everyone’s skin is different, almost every type of skin can benefit from them. Of course, a crucial exception applies to those who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, nursing or those using medication that contraindicates use.

The bottom line is that while there are some myths surrounding retinoids and potential side effects associated with them, they still remain one of the most powerful anti-aging agents available on the market today when used correctly. With proper sun protection and a bit of patience when adjusting your routine accordingly, anyone should be able to enjoy all the benefits without worrying about adverse effects!Some people fear Retinol and believe that their skin is too sensitive for it, some have tried them and discontinued them due to a reaction, and others fear that retinoids are not natural and should be avoided.

A few symptoms common to the beginning stages of retinoid use might explain why many people either fear to try them or discontinue their use before they’ve had the opportunity to revel in the improvements.

Retinoids can initially cause peeling and some redness, a process called facial Retinisation. Users should be aware that this is normal and to be expected — peeling and redness are side effects of retinoids working at a profound level to influence gene expression, resulting eventually in enhanced collagen production, skin smoothing and the evening out of pigmentation.

When people experience such symptoms, they often make the mistake of stopping their treatment program, then waiting until the skin gets “better” before beginning again. This is why it is so important to work with a skin specialist who can guide and support you along the way to help you maximise therapeutic benefits of the wonderful ingredient that is retinol.

So how can you get your maximum dose of age-fighting retinol without traumatizing your skin?

The Golden Rules of Retinol

1. Begin with a low concentration of retinol, such as 0.25%.

2. Start slowly, using the product every other night and gradually increasing usage to nightly application.

3. Apply only to dry skin, avoiding areas around the eyes and mouth that can be sensitive to retinol products.

4 Wash your hands after applying your Retinols as it is known to irritate mucous membranes if left on the hands then touched around the nose or eyes etc..

5 Always apply sunscreen when using any form of Vitamin A derivative such as Retinol (as it may make you more susceptible to sunburn).

6 Consult a professionalThere are some cases where we avoid recommending retinol (when your barrier is seriously impaired, if you struggle with rosacea or with certain conditions such as pregnancy) If you want to add retinol into your routine, you’ll need specific guidance on where to fit it in and how to get the best out of it for YOUR skin

7 Avoid combining other exfoliating ingredients in products used together with Retinol due to possible irritation .

9 Do not mix different forms of vitamin A – either prescription or over-the-counter – in one formulation without seeking medical advice first . 10 Store Retinoic acid creams away from light

1. Prepare your skin
   You may need to work on barrier function before beginning topical retinol therapy and studies show that continuing use of a barrier-enhancing cosmetic moisturiser during therapy improves the longer-term results.

2. Further preparation and enhancement
   Consider taking a Vitamin A supplement, studies have shown that the skin of someone consuming higher levels of Vitamin A are more likely to tolerate the application of retinol far more easily, this will lead to quicker results.

3. Avoid usage during the day
   Contrary to popular belief, retinoids do not contribute to photosensitivity, but retinoic acid can thin the outer layers of the skin by about a third, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn. However, Confining your usage to night-time. Retinoids degrade in the light, so you’re not getting your money’s worth if you use them during the day. In short: use retinoids at night only, use sunscreen daily, and try to avoid excessive heat, from either the sun or sauna.

4. Wear SPF. Always
   As you’ll now know from the above retinols should be left to the evening and I hope that anyone that considers themselves savvy about skincare is wearing a broad spectrum mineral based SPF 365 days of the year (Yes come rain or shine; we are protecting against UV not just the sun itself!) but it is exceptionally important to use an SPF daily when including a retinol in your routine, after all there is no point in attempting to correct your skin concerns when you’re not protecting it from further damage.

5. Be patient
   This is not an overnight process for anyone, and depending on the type of retinoid you use, the condition you are treating and the condition of your skin, it could take six to eight weeks before you start to see significant changes.

6. Order of application?
   The dermatologists answer is nothing to do with application decides how much of the retinol is converted into retinoic acid, the form of vitamin A that actually repairs skin. That's solely related to your skin's chemistry and retinoid receptors. So, the order of application can vary depending on what we are trying to achieve, generally if your skin is sensitised then we may suggest applying over your moisturiser to buffer the absorption, otherwise we would say to make it the first serum you apply.
   What matters is that you follow educated guidance and find the type of retinoid that best suits you, make it a part of your skin care routine, and be consistent in its use. You’ll be very happy you made the effort.

7. Waxing and Retinol use
   Specialising in waxing and skincare puts me in a good position to warn you about the use of retinol when you also choose to wax: Whilst Retinols are beneficial for your skin it does mean we need to be more mindful when waxing your brows or other facial areas. Normally when we wax, we remove some very superficial skin cells on the surface, if you are using retinol the chances are that these superficial skin cells aren’t present which means that your wax could cause grazing on your skin. I take steps to ensure we minimise the chance of grazing, I use mineral powder to barrier your skin prior to use and I work in small sections, I also use hot was as opposed to strip wax where needed. It’s really important that you make me aware if you have recently started using a retinol product that I am unaware of so that we can make an informed decision when It comes to hair removal. If you have introduced retinol and you have a wax booked, I would suggest discontinuing use for 7 days prior to be on the safe side.

Alumier Retinol:

When first starting to use retinol, I would always recommend using Alumier - starting on 0.25%, and over time you can move up to 0.5% and finally 1%.
Retinol Resurfacing Serum is a pure potent retinol serum that dramatically improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and skin texture, while evening skin tone.
Cutting-edge microencapsulated retinol allows for gradual timed-release overnight. By encapsulating the retinol and adding soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, honey, and sodium hyaluronate, maximal results can be achieved in comfort.
To order your Retinol and begin your journey to younger-looking skin, follow the link and use the details below: