RETINOL – The GOD of Resurfacing

Remember that we’ve talked about several active ingredients in cosmetic products? Well one of the most widely used in the market of professional beauty products is retinol, that is used as a resurfacing ingredient in either creams or serums. This post will answer all the questions you might have if you’re thinking of introducing retinol into your skincare regime.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that has been used for years in products to fight against ageing. It has the ability to activate cell metabolism and promote collagen production. Retinol can be easily absorbed by the skin and it’s found naturally in a variety of foods such as green vegetables, egg yolk, fatty fish and more. By using a well-created and stable retinol cosmetic product like the serum of AlumierMD you can achieve the improvement of several skin concerns and problems and earn a smoothing skin appearance free from marks, discolorations, lines, wrinkles and large pores. It basically has the ability to restructure the whole surface of the skin and make it look softer and more even. But bear in mind that in any case, before using such a medical grade product, you should consult your specialist first about whether it is a suitable ingredient for your skin and which is the problem that you want to deal with. It’s worthy to mention also, that retinol is considered as a fairly sensitive ingredient that can be easily oxygenized. That is why the packages used in this case are specially processed, and are always in a tube, so that the product doesn’t come into contact with light or air.

Why should I be careful when I use retinol?

The downside in case of overuse is that it causes dry skin and skin irritation. Very sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate the retinol easily. Although it’s recommended for every skin type to treat many concerns, but with a caution to the sensitive skin. Also, its use causes sensitivity of the skin to sun exposure, as a result of which it can cause burns more easily and faster. That’s a reason why it should be used at evening time and while being in treatment the use of a sunscreen with an SPF at least over 30 is absolutely necessary! All forms of retinol are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactating.

Can I use retinol during the summer?

If you want to use retinol in the summer you can, but it’s necessary to apply daily sunscreen with a high protection index (over 30), because the risk of getting a sun burn is quite high! Always it’s recommended though to avoid peak hours and it would be better to wear a hat when you go out during the daytime. This means that you can use it all year round without worrying about the season, if only the instructions that are given to you by a skin specialist for its use are carefully followed.

When can I start using it?

There is no set age at which you can start using retinol or any of its derivatives. But, usually the women who benefit the most are from 20 and onwards. You must introduce a retinol product really slowly into your skincare routine as your skin needs some time to fully accept and adjust on its use, until you progressively reach the point to use it every night. Of course you can always ask your specialist for more information about its use.

What does it do?

Retinol is the most complete and most effective resurfacing and anti-ageing ingredient. It’s widely used in cosmetic products, because it helps to smooth the surface of the skin, to eliminate dark spots and wrinkles and improve skin’s texture and tone by stimulating collagen and speeding cell turnover. It’s also known for its protective effect on the skin, as it neutralizes the free radicals produced in it by harmful factors.

How can its action be enhanced?

The known and effective action of retinol can be enhanced by the presence of other hydrating factors to balance the effect, or any other soothing substances. It’s also often combined with different aesthetic treatments to ensure the ultimate action against wrinkles, but also tightening, hydration and protection of the skin. For instance, you can have a look on the following recommendations…

AlumierMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum

This medical grade product except from the retinol as its main ingredient, it also contains vitamin B3, honey and hyaluronic acid to increase tolerability and one more of the active ingredients called Matrixyl Synthe’6 that penetrates deep into the dermis to boost the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Its use is only for the evening time after your cleansing step and before your moisturizer. You must don’t forget that you need to start slowly to use this product like every 2 to 3 days at the beginning and then gradually to increase its frequency to nightly as your skin adjusts. You might notice some grade of peeling of the skin (flaky appearance) or an uncomfortable sensation at the very beginning of using it but this is a normal effect that calms down after the skin adjusts on this resurfacing product. If any sensitivity occurs or any other unbearable feeling that you might have, don’t hesitate to contact your specialist for extra advice on how to deal with such a situation.

AlumierMD Retinol Eye Gel

This is a formulation especially for the delicate eye area, to use only at night time, because it contains pure, microencapsulated, retinol that firms, tightens and strengthens, by also reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, while allantoin, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate soothes and hydrates this sensitive area. You should introduce this product slowly into your skin routine and apply it after cleansing with the ring finger, gently by patting under the eyes, along the brow bone and over crow’s feet, being careful not to rub or stretch the delicate area.

AlumierMD Neck and Décolleté Firming Cream

This is a luxuriously firming cream that helps to prevent, smooth and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance in the neck area. As it contains low levels of encapsulated retinol it helps to firm, strengthen the skin and improve its elasticity, while licorice evens out skin tone and the gentle flower acids exfoliate dead cells to promote skin renewal. You should apply a small amount after cleansing only in the evening time, by massaging in an upward motion. This product must be introduced slowly into your skin routine until you reach the point to use it every night.

P.S. All the above retinol containing products are for external use only and must not be used if you are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant.

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