- Ali
Are you in on this beauty secret? Retinol is still an under used ingredient for many of us and yet it’s the ingredient that can make the biggest difference to our skin.
There are skincare ingredients and then there’s retinol. Wrinkle slayer extraordinaire and A-list anti-ager, it’s a superhero amongst skincare, and yet many of us are still confused about what exactly we’re supposed to do with it. It’s reputation for being irritating has put many off it, we’ve all seen those horrific pictures of celebrities leaving clinics with heads bowed and bright red faces. Perhaps you’ve had a bad experience in the past? It’s worth stating that not all retinols are created equal but if you get it right upping your (vitamin) A game can literally take your skin to the next level…
What is retinol?
Retinol is one of the main forms of vitamin A. It’s an essential vitamin needed for new cell growth, as well as the health and maintenance of tissues and skin cells.
So what’s the difference between retinol and retinoids?
Retinoids simply refer to vitamin A derivatives. Over-the-counter retinoids such as retinol [vitamin A], retinaldehyde [retinal] and retinyl palmitate [an ester of vitamin A] can all be very useful. Retinol has fewer side effects than retinoic acid (prescription strength). As it converts on the cellular level of the skin and can take several months for visible results to be evident.
Retinoid esters, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate are the weakest in the retinoid family and make a good starting point for beginners with sensitive skin.
How does retinol work?
Retinol works on so many different levels. Firstly, and the most immediate cosmetic benefit, is the exfoliation that takes place as the cells in the base layers are stimulated to reproduce. This pushes out the dead cells at the surface that can contribute to skin’s dull appearance.
You will start to see an improvement in fine lines, tighter pores and a brighter complexion due to better blood flow to the skin. Retinoids can also treat acne and improve pigmentation giving it it’s reputation as the best multitasking anti-ageing ingredient around.
Who can use it?
Most skin types would benefit from using a retinoid and I’ve seen huge results even in younger skin so anyone over the age of 30 should give them a go.
People with very sensitive skin or who experience rosacea flare-ups would need to be more careful and check before starting on a product.
Does it make skin sensitive to sun?
Tolerance to UV will dip for everyone during the first weeks of use as the skin adjusts to such an active ingredient so it’s important to limit sun exposure and wear a sunscreen especially if in the sun or on a skiing holiday.
How to use retinol
I love the Arbonne products with Retinol as I trust their ingredient policy (they have over 2000 ingredients on their banned list which is way more than even legislation from the EU enforces) and all their products have plants at their centre rather than chemical formulations.
Two of my favourite are the Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads and the Counter Spot Essence. I use them both as part of my daily routine together with my RE9 skincare which supports healthy ageing.
Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads
Abonne’s proprietary retinoid solution with skin resurfacing pads gently exfoliates to promote cell turnover at the skin’s surface and brightens to help significantly reduce the look of dark spots and fine lines.
Nightly skin resurfacing pads with a “fresh pour” active solution remove the dead, rough layer of skin to help maximise absorption of the remaining products in the nightly skin regime
Nightly use reveals youthful, radiant, luminous looking skin in one easy step
Minimises the risk of irritation as a result of skin conditioners and soothing botanicals in the formula
Helps deliver dermatologist results with an improved appearance of overall skin health without the irritation caused by peels or other retinol products
Dermatologist tested
Key ingredients
Retinoids, along with other ingredients, helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and skin discolouration; with continued use, skin tone and clarity is more evenly restored
Phytinol helps promote the appearance of improved skin tone and surface smoothness to deliver an even, less lined look
Mandelic acid encourages surface cell turnover, resulting in an even toned skin appearance as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles
Bisabolol, from the chamomile plant, calms the skin.
Retail £96/Preferred Client £76.80 for 60 day supply
Counter Spot Essence
Reduce the look of spots and wrinkles in one step and wake up to even better looking skin. Arbonne’s controlled release, ceramide-encapsulated retinol works together overnight with punarnava root extract to target dark spots both now and in the future with continuous use.
Powerful lightweight essence formula exfoliates, resurfaces, and refines the look of pores to improve texture and clarity of skin in one quick step
Retinol delivery offers gradual release throughout the night during the skin’s repair and renewal cycle, supporting the appearance of youthful, smoother, and firmer skin in the morning
Ceramide-encapsulated delivery format keeps the retinol in its most active, pure, potent form
Reduces the appearance of age spots, dark spots, sunspots (UV spots), and skin discolorations, supporting an overall improvement in skin tone, both now and in the future with continuous use
Proprietary formula, containing Arbonne’s retinol and sustainable, fair trade certified aloe vera juice has been tested and shown to be non-irritating
Specialised airless tube packaging preserves optimal retinol stability
Non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Key Ingredients
Proprietary complex with controlled release ceramide-encapsulated retinol, stabilised vitamin C, and phytinol, works synergistically within the formula to help improve the appearance of dark spots, skin tone, smoothness and radiance
Punarnava root extract helps minimise the appearance of age spots, dark spots, and UV spots now and in the future, with continued use
Sustainably sourced aloe vera, containing vitamins and minerals that are taken from the inner part of the leaf, help moisturise to soothe and support skin’s natural ability to maintain a healthy looking glow.
These two products can be used in combination but should be introduced gradually alternative usage on a daily basis. Speak to your Arbonne Independent Consultant about the best skincare regime for you.
Retail £66/ preferred client £52.80
To book a FREE skincare consultation to determine the best skincare regime for you and your skin please get in touch.
