Magic in a bottle? by Kelli Parisian August 07, 2018
Every skincare company wishes they had a miracle wrinkle cure in a bottle. Some even make false claims. You know, the product that will turn back the clock 20 years! Alas, skincare products can't work miracles. Even a plastic surgeon can only shave off about 10 years. But, they can certainly make improvements. There is an ingredient proven to improve signs of aging. It's called Retinol. Retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It works its magic by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing texture, and diminishing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Here's how it works: As we age, skin cells stop maturing and pile up. Retinols work on a molecular level to normalize cell turnover, basically telling your cells to renew themselves regularly, sweeping away the old cells. What's the difference between Retin A and Retinol? Retin-A is a prescription-only tretinoin cream. Tretinoin is another name for retinoic acid. RetinA products are stronger than the average retinol cream. The extra strength is known to assist with blemishes, reduction in wrinkles, boosted skin elasticity—but also major side effects. Due to its strength, RetinA can cause itching, scaling, burning, peeling, and extreme redness when using the medication. Retinol, on the other hand, is known to assist with wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and of course, cell turnover, without the side effects.
We took our own Retinol Plus Perfecting Infusion to the next level by formulating it with Hyaluronic Acid, a known moisture binder, eliminating the worry of irritation and redness. The addition of HA helps skin stay hydrated and glowing without irritation. While results aren't as quick as RetinA, averaging about three months, they're worth the wait! If you've got sensitive skin, retinol is a milder--yet equally effective--alternative to Retin-A. Remember to use your Retinols at night and use a moisturizer with SPF during the day. For more information on the benefits and warnings about Retinol in your skincare routine, read this article by Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.