(product photo courtesy of www.deciem.com)
1 fl.oz./30mL $9.60
People ask me questions all the time about their skin. And the number one question is: what should I be using on my skin? And my answer is always the same. If there is one thing I can tell you as an Esthetician, it is to add a retinol to your skincare regimen. Retinols are the end-all-be-all superstars of skincare, (along with a stable form of Vitamin C). And I recommend adding one as early as your 20's. It is essential that you have one if you want to stave off the signs of aging. And they are useful for treating acne.
But you cannot just use any retinol. A good form of retinol is important. There are so many out there. from RoC, to L'Oréal and more expensive forms. Personally, I am partial and I happen to like the following brand, The Ordinary from The Abnormal Beauty Company. This brand was started by two cosmetic chemists and contains basically the essential components of what you need in a formula without any fillers or other unnecessary ingredients. Also the brand doesn't go for fancy packaging, advertising or celebrity endorsements, so they can keep their costs down. Because honestly, all of those things are what keep a brand's product's costs so high.
One of the products I like a lot is their Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane. This water-free (hydrophobic) solution contains a 2% concentration of an advanced retinol complex that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of aging. It doesn't have any of the pesky irritation and drawback commonly associated with retinol. This one is not retinyl palmitate like the usual ones but is a solubilized system of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. It is non-prescription and offers effects against the signs of aging. Note that this is not a treatment for acne and that acne prone skin may experience an increase in lesions because of the exfoliation and purging effects of this retinol. Please see their website for more information.
To use: apply a small amount to face in the evening as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments that are oil based. This is because it is in a squalane base, which is an oil base. Once you use this, water based products can't penetrate underneath. The squalane will also provide some moisturization. If irritation does occur, cease use and consult a doctor. Because retinoids can make your skin sensitive to the sun and increase photo damage, make sure to wear sunscreen of at least a SPF30 daily (even when raining). Also, make sure not to use in conjunction with any other retinoids or AHAs. It is a moderate strength retinoid. This product may cause some mild exfoliation of the skin and is to be expected but when use correctly should not cause any or possibly mild irritation. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have sensitive skin, run a patch test on your skin to check sensitivity. Use on unbroken skin only. Refrigerate after opening.
The reason I like this product so much is because it takes retinol down to its basic level without so many fillers and can be applied before any moisturizers. it is a hydrophobic solution, meaning that it is oil-based and therefore needs to be used after any water based serums, otherwise it will not be able to penetrate the skin. They do makes a 5% solution that is a little bit stronger but I currently use Retin-A (tretinoic acid) and this is my alternate solution that I use on nights when I am not using my Retin-A. I like to alternate one night with the next so as to avoid irritation, as it makes my skin somewhat sensitive. I would also recommend starting off slow with this product if you are new to retinol. This is their moderate strength product, so I only recommend this product for those who are used to a retinoid. Start off using every other night and move up to nightly. Dermatologists recommend that retinoids can be used up next to the eye area (I read this in an Allure article on Twitter). But if this gets into your eyes (flush eyes with water) or causes any irritation, please discontinue use. You will notice a difference in your skin within a couple of weeks. If you feel brave, then move up to the 5% solution, that is if you have deep signs of aging. Otherwise stick to the 2% solution. You should notice softer skin, a decrease in fine lines, wrinkles, a smoother skin texture and a decrease in some hyperpigmentation. it is a win-win overall for your skin.
The Ordnary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane retails for $9.60. Like The Deciem on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deciem/ and Follow Deciem on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deciem/.
Until Next Time~
Marie Papachatzis
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