Retinol 101

It’s the most famous form of Vitamin A. The most researched, most clinically proven vitamin for topical application, able to treat a whole range of skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, and loss of skin firmness. That’s right, we’re talking about the age-defying miracle worker; Retinol.  

A lot of us are all too familiar with accumulated skin damage caused by long term sun exposure, lifestyle factors and environmental ageing, and the effectiveness of using Retinol to treat these concerns has been well documented. The plethora of positive benefits have earned this hero ingredient centre stage in any serious skin care regime. 

But don’t just take our word for it! There are more than 1000 published studies on the skincare benefits of Vitamin A, for a myriad of different skin concerns from premature ageing through to problematic skin struggling with blemishes and breakouts. On top of these benefits, Vitamin A is also excellent for helping to speed up skin renewal and reveal fresh, plump new cells, making it a favourable addition to regimes targeting post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Retinol is such a powerhouse for our Alpha-H formulators, we’ve taken this must-have ingredient and put it to work in a range of targeted solutions to assist with a wide variety of skin concerns in differing formats, so you can choose which is perfect for you.

Retinol works best when added gradually to an existing night-time routine. The golden rule “go low and go slow” is a great one to apply with Retinol to achieve maximum results with minimum downtime. Start with a lower percentage formula 1-2 evenings a week, gradually building to alternate evenings once your skin is responding well. You can then think about increasing the percentage over time. 

Vitamin A Serum 

Vitamin A Serum contains 0.5% Retinol which is time-released while you sleep, improving delivery into the skin for better efficacy. This creamy nourishing serum also boasts skin supporting lipids like calming Evening Primrose Oil and antioxidant Tomato Fruit Extract, making it ideal for those with a more delicate or potentially reactive skin, or those new to Vitamin A.  

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Beauty Sleep Power Peel 

Beauty Sleep Power Peel contains 0.5% Retinol combined with dual exfoliating ingredients Glycolic Acid and Papaya Enzyme, to proactively speed up the skin’s metabolism for smoother, firmer skin and a brighter, more even tone. Those new to Retinol and accelerating acids may like to apply this one as a 5-10 minute wash off mask once a week to help build tolerance. Familiar with Retinol and looking to supercharge your regime?  Use it at night once or twice a week as a sleep-in power peel. 

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Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum 

Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum combines 1% Granactive Retinoid with powerful age-defying skin revitaliser Glycolic Acid in an industry first, overnight treatment. A new era form of Vitamin A, Granactive Retinoid acts similarly to a prescription Retinoid without the associated downtime. Boosted with powerful antioxidants and skin plumping Tripeptide-5, apply Midnight Reboot Serum on alternate evenings under your preferred night cream for a visibly firmer, more even complexion with vastly increased suppleness upon waking.  

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If you’re completely new to Retinol, bear in mind that it’s important to introduce products gradually as the skin’s metabolism takes time to speed up and can exhibit some initial signs of resistance including temporary flaking, mild breakouts, or a drying effect. This is completely normal and should settle after the skin has adjusted.  

If you’re still unsure, or have any further questions about Retinol or how best to introduce it into your own routine, click here to book in for a Live Virtual Skin Consultation with one of our qualified Skin Specialists.