All About Retinol
We have all heard about them: retinoids, retin-A, retinols… The skincare miracle. Do I need a prescription? Should I comb through the drugstore aisle? Are you confused? Let me help.
Retinoids are compounds derived from the Vitamin A family. They minimize the appearance of wrinkles, bolster skin thickness and elasticity, slow the breakdown of collagen, and lighten brown spots caused by sun exposure. The tiny molecular size is perfect for topical application: it can penetrate deep into the skin to work its magic.
The difference between Retinoic Acid and Retinol
Retinoic acid (commonly known as Retin-A) and retinol are both in part of the retinoid family. Retinoic acid is found only in prescription creams. Retinol is less potent and gradually converts into retinoic acid in the body at a cellular level.
What does that mean? The prescription formulas that contain Retinoic Acid, Retin-A or Tretinoin will work faster, but might cause more irritation: redness, drier-than-usual, lightly peeling skin. Retinol is gentler than retinoic acid and biochemically it does exactly the same thing over time.
Why use a product with retinol?
The natural skin cell turnover process takes about 28 days. Unfortunately, that process slows down as we age. Retinol prompts surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. When used regularly, retinol can reduce signs of aging and improve skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance. Retinol acts as an antioxidant that fights to repair damaged skin cells, and prevents future damage.
Retinol also helps exfoliate the skin, leaving your pores clear, and can as such be a useful tool to combat acne. It furthermore helps to reduce the bacteria that causes breakouts on your skin.
How to use it
If you are looking to start adding a retinol to your skincare regimen, it is a good strategy to start with a lower concentration product and work up a tolerance. Even with that, it might take two or three weeks for the skin cells to adapt to the retinoic acid and begin to tolerate the ingredient. Start slowly (as in once or twice a week) and increase gradually. Retinol is not an overnight miracle. Most formulas require a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks to see change in the skin.
Just like after a peel, any new skin is delicate and should not be exposed to the sun. That is why a product with retinol should be used at night time.
Why opt for skincare retinol
The key to skincare formulated with retinol is the ‘care’ component. Look for trusted skincare that uses retinol in combination with other ingredients that soothe, protect, reduce redness, hydrate and retain moisture, as well as are anti-inflammatory. As always: the goal is balanced, healthy skin.
Retinols can be a wonderful addition to the anti-aging skincare regimen and are highly effective in combating acne. I am here to support you on your journey of skin invigoration.
Enjoy 20% off your tried-and-true existing Image Skincare Retinol products at Skinvigo (while supply lasts) as we make room for the new Ageless+Retinol Line.
NEW Products at Skinvigo
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant: it slows the rate of free-radical damage from environmental stressors such as UV rays and pollutants. Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron. They look to bond with other molecules destroying their health in return and thus causing photo-aging of the skin, collagen damage, skin dryness, wrinkles, disease and even the formation of cancerous cells. The skin relies on antioxidants such as Vitamin C for protection: antioxidants scavenge free radicals and neutralize them.
The Vital C hydrating antioxidant ACE serum sports three forms of Vitamin C to combat free radicals, fine lines, and promote collagen. These essential vitamins, amino acids, green tea extract and natural skin brighteners aid in maximum hydration and promote radiant, healthy-looking skin. The serum's lightweight texture provides ultra effective absorption with a fresh, energizing aroma. Give this daily multi-vitamin for your skin a try this spring! $84
Vital C hydrating eye recovery gel, is an Image Skincare bestseller for a reason: This hydrating, cooling and refreshing eye gel helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. The perfect antidote to tired eyes, it works to brighten, hydrate and refresh the eye area while delivering the nourishing benefits of Vitamin C. At $67 it is the perfect product for those looking to add an eye product to their regimen.
The Image MD restoring eye recovery gel from Image Skincare's professional MD line is an advanced collagen eye gel that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles while providing intense hydration to the delicate eye area. High-performance ingredients are absorbed into the skin through the exclusive IMAGE Skincare Advanced Delivery Technology. Targeted peptides, marine collagen microspheres help to plump the appearance of crepey skin. Up your skincare game with this power product! $115
Contact me for these products and those you already love!
NEW - Peel Series
Pigmentation and lines have met their match with these results-driven treatments.
The Image Skincare lightening lift combines the most innovative and effective botanical brighteners luminescine and seashine® with echinacea plant-derived stem cells and anti-aging peptides immediately leaving the skin younger looking and luminous. This powerful AHA in an organic aloe vera gel base targets and corrects all forms of pigmentation to leave skin even toned and illuminated.
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The Image Skincare Wrinkle Lift is an ultra-resurfacing blend of glycolic acid combined with retinol that visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles leaving skin firm and revitalized. Buddleja stem cells reduce irritation and diminish photo-aging, botanical coffee, and peppermint energize, while eucalyptus and ylang-ylang purify the skin.
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These no-frills treatments are offered as a series of four and include two targeted products to take home for optimal results. Best to be spaced two weeks apart. ​
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***Please discontinue all Retinol products 72 hours prior to this treatment. Please do not use Retin-A products 7 days pre/post treatments. Please refrain from facial waxing 7 days pre-post treatment.***
NEW - Microcurrent Add-On
Upgrade your facial with safe, effective and non-invasive microcurrent technology.
By mirroring the body’s own natural low level electrical current, microcurrent technology can tone the facial contour, leaving the facial landscape visually lifted and the skin plump, hydrated and firm. Microcurrent stimulates the skin powerhouse that provides energy for key cellular functions, including protein synthesis which aides in collagen and elastin production.
