6 Reasons to Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine
Vitamin A is a super hero ingredient in dermatology. Retinol or retinoids are the preformed, or active, form of Vitamin A.
As a super pure Vitamin A derivative, retinol speeds up cell turnover, stimulates collagen production and exfoliates the top dead layers of the skin to reveal new cells underneath. It is the gold standard in anti-ageing but is also known for combating other skin conditions (keep scrolling to discover what these are!).
Pure retinol is considered to be far more effective than retinol derivatives: retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, retinyl retinoate and retinyl propionate. The potency of retinol-based products varies from brand to brand and product to product. Ultraceuticals, for example, has three Vitamin A serums in their range, each with varying concentrations of retinol.
Retinol is best used in the evening when you are not exposed to sunlight. If you do apply your Vitamin A serum in the morning, apply sunblock religiously throughout the day.
Start slowly with your retinol and build up usage over time, i.e. applying to your skin every other night until your skin gets used to the product. “We would always advise using the Ultra Vitamin A Range over a three-month period, starting at a lower dose and gradually building to a higher dosage to avoid any form of irritation; and also suggest that the product is used every alternate night for the first two weeks, gradually building to daily use as tolerated” explains Heather Vounnou, Ultraceuticals Global Education Innovator.
The latest generation of retinols are incredible at delivering a range of revitalising effects on the skin. Here are our top six reasons you should add retinol to your skincare routine:
Treats acne without drying the skin
Refines pores
Diminishes dark spots
Smoothes the skin
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Improves overall texture and tone of the skin.
Retinol is very potent and can strip and dehydrate the skin, so see a skin expert before starting on your retinol journey. If your skin turns red or peeling occurs, discontinue use. For more information about retinol and whether you should be adding it to your skincare routine, send us an email at relax@equipoisespa.co.nz or call us on 09-378 9696.