What is retinol?
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is a well-studied ingredient with a proven skin-rejuvenating effect. Vitamin A exists in many forms, for which the collective name is retinoids.
Did you know that the rejuvenating effects of retinol were accidentally discovered during research on this ingredient for the treatment of acne? In the 1980s, the doctor conducting the research observed an improvement in acne but, even more remarkably, that the skin of all patients looked younger.
That's because retinoids improve healthy cell division. They stimulate the production of collagen (which provides firmness to your skin) and elastin (which provides suppleness to your skin). They also inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. The benefits for your skin are:
Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
More even skin structure, less visible pores
Lightening of pigment spots
Firming of the skin
Retinol certainly has a rejuvenating effect on the skin, but some forms and concentrations of vitamin A can be irritating to the skin and actually promote skin aging.
This is what Dr. Neal Kitchen has to say about retinol:
"Retinol has long been considered the gold standard in skincare actives; however, its use in skincare regimens is often controversial. Beneficial results versus negative side effects frequently cause customers to become frustrated with its use. HydroPeptide has now developed a solution to the retinol paradigm that provides the amazing benefits of retinol without the risk of flaking, irritation, or downtime that deters many customers from using this powerful ingredient. This patented technology will excite customers with the ability to be used daily and without interruption for beautiful skin." Dr. Neal Kitchen, COO
How is our universal tri-retinol complex different?
To begin, we carefully selected a combination of 3 very intelligent retinoids (Retinol, Glyceryl Diretinoate & Retinyl Linoleate) due to their different conversion rates and the types of enzymes the body uses to convert them into the usable form of vitamin A, retinoic acid.
Our body can only use vitamin A as retinoic acid, so retinoids must be converted into this form to be used by the skin. This conversion requires enzymes to break down the retinoid molecules. Often, these enzymes trigger the inflammatory response in the skin.
Unlike traditional retinol products, our Tri-Retinol Complex releases more skin-recognizable enzymes during the conversion process to retinoic acid, thereby bypassing the inflammatory response. No burning sensation, no redness, no flaking.
A combination of emollients, fatty acids, and patented peptide technology creates a unique, targeted delivery system that delivers powerful results over time without negative side effects. This allows us to create a retinol product that can be used even by the most sensitive skin.
How can you incorporate it into your HydroPeptide routine?
The Retinol Routine Booster has a retinoid content of 1%. It is a booster with a light texture. In addition to the retinol complex and the patented peptide, the retinol booster also contains hydrating and brightening ingredients. Ideally, you use the booster in the evening, and then apply a moisturizer. Some skin types can use the booster every day, while others will benefit from using it 2 to 3 times a week, depending on how their skin processes retinoids.
Retinol Eye Renewal is a rich balm preferably used around the eyes in the evening. It contains 0.65% Tri-retinol. This can also be applied over Vital Eyes or Uplift Eye. Eye Authority would be the ideal complement as a daytime eye treatment when using this new balm.
Nimni Cream contains 0.25% retinol along with the patented Nimni Technology in a cream texture. This can be used together with the Routine Booster to achieve an even higher level of retinols in the skin, depending on your skin's tolerance. The Nimni Technology is still unique to this product and Nimni Day Cream. Nimni Day Cream can also be layered with the new Booster.
Vital Eyes contains 0.5% Bakuchiol, a botanically derived retinol alternative. Bakuchiol works synergistically with retinoids to stimulate the skin's response, so in combination with the new eye balm, this is a very advanced anti-aging eye treatment.
Power Luxe also contains bakuchiol (2%), so with its rich texture and collagen-boosting peptides, it is ideal for applying over the Retinol Routine Booster in your evening routine.
General tips
Discuss your questions with your skin expert; they can give you the best advice on how to integrate retinol into your routine and take your skincare routine to the next level.
Build up your tolerance to retinol, starting 1 to 2 times a week and gradually increasing to every day.
Always use an SPF. As with any skincare routine aimed at achieving more youthful-looking skin, it is important to use an SPF 30-50. You don't want to mop with the tap running, do you?
Do not use retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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