ARE YOU USING 2018'S NUMBER 1 SKIN CARE INGREDIENT?

2018 has seen a shift from the popular hyaluronic acid ingredient to the retinoid and retinol ingredient sector. Hyaluronic acid was a hit and surged onto the Beauty scene last year for having amazing plumping and hydrating benefits. Whilst this is all well and good, this year there has been a shift back to the strong stuff. The savvy skin care buff is wanting an ingredient in their skin care regime that will work at slowing down the ageing process whilst assisting with acne and scarring.  

Retinoids is a term for the Vitamin A ingredient family. There are several types of Vitamin A that can turn back time and assist in acne control.  

Retinoic Acid is the full compound of Vitamin A. It packs a punch, it can be highly irritating to the skin causing flaking, itching and redness. Most Retinoic Acid users can only use their product for a few months or they move to only a few times a week. Eg. Retrieve 

Retinol and Retinaldehyde convert to retinoic acid in the dermal layer of the skin without the dryness and irration that the full compound can cause. These styles of products can be used daily and give the skin a consistent daily supply of Vitamin A to keep your collagen in full production. Eg. Skin Matrix Rebuild Level 1 and Level 2. 

Why should you be using the number 1 skin care ingredient of 2017? 

Vitamin A is one of the most powerful ingredients to stimulate collagen and elastin smoothing fine lines and increasing the appearance of firmness. It can even out skin tone, minimize pores – yes seriously!, and smooth and refine the skins surface.  

Vitamin A assists in acne prevention by regulating excessive oil flow. Vitamin A will also assist in scar improvement as the skins cellular turnover is increased, the skin is encourage to regularly rejuvenate.  

Tips for getting the most out of your Retinol product 

• Understand that in the first month of use your skin may feel dryer, this is completely normal as it is a sign that your skin is starting to turnover quicker than prior to your Retinol use. To counteract this initial dryness, make sure you are using a moisturiser that is hydrating enough and moisturising morning and night. Exfoliate at least once a week to remove the excess build up of dead skin. If dryness persists, stop using your Vitamin A product, wait for the skin to return to normal, then start again but use only every second or 3rd night and build up to nightly until your skin can tolerate daily use. If this occurs you may consider buying a Vitamin A product next time with less % of Vitamin A in it.  

• Make sure you use sunscreen daily. Using Vitamin A will make you burn much quicker in the sun. I recommend clients stop Vitamin A use at least one week before a summer vacation (unless they are savvy SPF and hat wearers) to prevent getting burnt.  

• You cannot use Vitamin A products if you are pregnant or lactating. This is purely to play it safe as too much vitamin A (in supplements) whilst pregnant is not good for bub. 

• Do not open your Vitamin A product, air and light will make your product go off and your Vitamin A ineffective. Vitamin A reacts quickly to oxygen and light, so be sure to keep it out of the sun and preferably buy a Vitamin A that is in clear glass packaging or jars. Opaque packaing is best so that no light can get to your elixr of youth! 

Some Retinol Products I recommend: 

Aspect Retinol Brulee is a great way to start Vitamin A. Aspect Retinol Brulee contains Lanablue that counteracts the sometimes drying effects of retinol.  

Skin Matrix Rebuild Level 1 and Level 2. : Beta Glucan, Vitamin A and a peptide workin synergy with Retinol to rebuild the scaffolding of the skin – collagen and elastin 

PCA Skin Retinol Renewal with Restorative Complex: Botanicals and Retinols blend to fight the early signs of ageing.  

View our other Anti-Ageing and Skin Rejuvenating Serums here and start to refine and rejuvenate your skin.