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Retinols, the Beauty Secret.
Here’s What You Should Know Before Using a Retinol Product
One of the most misunderstood skincare products on the market is retinol, which is why we felt compelled to address it head-on. Because an effective beauty regimen goes way beyond a moisturizer, we want to help you learn how the safe use of retinols can help you get the flawless skin you deserve. They are no longer just a pimple clearing solution, they’re used to reverse skin aging, prevent acne breakouts, reduce oil production, exfoliate, and stimulate collagen formation.
It’s true that the most common side effects when introducing retinols are dryness, irritation, redness, sun sensitivity, peeling or flaking skin, but when you are under the guidance of a skin expert like our team at Beautique Medical Spa, you can be sure that using retinols in your skincare routine will be safe and effective, even in the warm and sunny McAllen climate.
Reverse the Signs of Aging with Retinols
Retinol, a strong form of vitamin A, has been typically thought to be a means for achieving clearer skin. That is partially correct, but it also does a lot more. Retinol is a crucial remedy in treating signs of aging and other complexion concerns such as acne. Retinols contain a derivative of Vitamin A which can be found in lots of over-the-counter skincare products (i.e. moisturizers, face serums, acne treatments). Once retinols are introduced to the skin the enzymes in the skin will convert it into retinoic acid. After it is converted, retinoic acid starts taking effect because this is a pretty complex process, it can take anywhere between eight to twelve weeks before you may actually start seeing the visible results.
Not All Retinols are Created Equal: Here’s Why
Lots of information to take in, am I right? Don’t worry, this is why Beautique Medical staff has done the research and found the facts in order to keep you in the loop.
The retinols we use here at Beautique Med Spa in McAllen will make you want to come back for more! And that’s not all – the retinols that our clients use as part of their homecare are pharmaceutical-grade too. First, you need to understand why pharmaceutical-grade retinoids are different from your average over-the-counter products.
Pharmaceutical-grade refers to any ingredient that has gone through extensive formulation in order to meet a specific chemical purity standard that is established by a national pharmacopeia. The products are considered pure, non-diluted, bacteria-free, and organic. In retinols this means they are already formulated as retinoic acid and your body no longer needs to go through the process of converting into it. This prescription-strength retinol will work faster and drive you to your ultimate skin goals!
When to Start Incorporating Retinols in Home Care? What’s your age? That’s when you should start using retinols.
Since the beginning of time, human nature is naturally motivated to fight signs of aging, remember Ponce De Leon’s search for the Fountain of Youth, but we find that most of our clients respond best when beginning retinol treatments in their mid-20s to early 30s. Introducing the wrong retinol too early may cause adverse effects such as intense sunburns, acne breakouts, intense flaking, and redness. However, waiting too long to start due to aged skin may call for a higher prescribed strength which may cause skin sensitivity at the beginning. Retinols work best when introduced in a stair-step method. The exception to this practice is found when treating young teens with acne. We’ve all heard the horror stories of using Accutane and Retin-a for acne, thank goodness we have options to help them clear up acne without the horrible and in some cases dangerous side effects.
How to Enjoy the Youthful Benefits of Retinols in your Skin Regimen.
Retinol ought to be integrated with your current skincare regimen carefully and slowly, and always under the guidance of your skin expert. It’s important to know if any other products you are using already contain retinol so that you don’t use too much. This is also one situation where quality is way more important than quantity. You want to make sure that the integrity of the ingredients and company is respected and honest. We’re talking about your face after all!
Because retinols can cause skin sensitivity many clients will stop using them because they think that they are allergic to the product. In some cases it may be true, but if you are under the direction of one of our skincare experts you can be sure that we will guide you every step of the way. Not all retinols are created the same which is why we offer different lines with different doses so that we can find the perfect amount of retinoids that can be tolerated and carefully manage our patients’ retinol use and usually begin with a low dose such as SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex 0.5 which releases the active ingredient slowly making it a great option for new users (we also have a lower dose as well).
In addition to retinols by SkinMedica, we also offer retinols by Sente Skin Labs. Their range of retinols is remarkably gentle, yet highly effective because they deliver all the rejuvenating benefits of retinoids without the irritating side effects. Sente retinols feature Heparan Sulfate Analog technology (a molecule that they patented over 25 years ago) that delivers repair from within, deep hydration, stimulates own natural growth factors, reduces inflammation, & boots cell to cell commutation. Our goal is to help you achieve a more youthful and radiant complexion within weeks, and when you are under our care, that is exactly what you will achieve.
When to Avoid Using Retinol Products:
When using any product containing retinol, it should only be applied at night time. Retinol isn’t recommended for use during the day due to its interaction with sunlight. In addition to photosensitivity, the sun will affect the efficiency of retinol. Beautique experts recommend only applying at night and we cannot stress this more – PLEASE APPLY SUN PROTECTION. Beautique Med Spa offers a wide variety of our favorite SPF products. During your consultation, our skincare expert will go over your best course of treatment – taking into consideration what products you already use, your skin sensitivity, and what your ultimate skin goals are.
Why Your Skin Needs Retinols Now
Last week we talked about Growth Factors and how they help to promote the formation of collagen and elastin to provide firmness and elasticity. Typically we introduce growth factors to our clients in their mid to late 30s, but retinols as you’ve learned are recommended as young as late as the 20s in the right dose because as we mentioned earlier, they reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves overall skin color and texture because they do help exfoliate the skin via cellular turnover. Additional benefits include fading any age spots. So, are you ready for that flawless skin? Come in and discover your perfect dose.
