Retin-All You Need

Retinols, retin-as, retinoids- what does it all mean? When it comes to your skin, and keeping it as healthy, glowing, and ageless as possible- one of these vitamin a derivatives is crucial. Our skin cells naturally turn over to allow new skin cells to rise to the surface giving us a youthful appearance. As we age, this process slows down, and our skin needs a little bit of help with this. On average, your skin cells turn over at the same rate as your age. For example, when we are 8, our skin cells turn over about every 8 days, when we are 30, the average is about every 30 days, and continues to increase (lovely!). Mechanical and chemical exfoliants (vitamin A products, and scrubs) will aid the skin in doing this safely, while giving them the boost that they need. Applying a Vitamin-A product at least 2-3 times weekly can also greatly improve the skin’s elasticity, hyperpigmentation, collagen levels, in addition to treating blackheads and acne. Something to note about retinols is that they are to be used at night only. Exposing skin to sunlight/UV rays while wearing this ingredient can cause damage by subjecting it to free radicals and in turn causing additional hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Vitamin-A derivitives are also known to be irritating and cause redness, flaking, and itching. This is a side effect that is only experienced by some, and can be worked through after a tolerance is built. My advice would be to start using this product 2-3 times per week, and eventually work your way up to using it every night (some people are never able to use a Vitamin-A product every night because it is too stimulating). My retinol of choice is made by PCA Skin and is called the Intensive Age Refining Pure Retinol .5% (Featured in Vogue Magazine, and Redbook’s 2012 MVP winner). Its gentle, yet effective ingredients are both hydrating and soothing, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. For more information on this amazing product visit pcaskin.com , or contact me directly @ TheSkinny1122@gmail.com . 

xo,

A

Photo Credit: Pinterest, and pcaskin.com