Ingredient Spotlight: Retinol

Retinol is one of the few potent anti-aging ingredients that is widely recognized by both the dermatological and scientific communities. This star ingredient not only activates collagen and epidermal growth factor receptors, but also promotes cellular turnover, thereby reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging, acne, dullness, scarring, hyperpigmentation and rough skin texture.

So What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and a pre-cursor of retinoic acid that circulates in the bloodstream and is delivered to skin; when applied to the skin, it is converted into retinoic acid, the acid form of vitamin A used by the skin, which restores the organization of cells through cellular turnover in the epidermis, subsequently treating various skin conditions, in particular aging, acne, whiteheads, blackheads, closed comedones, clogged pores, and even psoriasis, whilst acting as an anti-inflammatory.

Is Retinol Irritating?

With an reputation of causing flakiness and redness, the powerful retinol can be quite intimidating. However, with technological advances in recent years, retinol can now come in an encapsulated form. Encapsulating retinol cuts down exposure to air and light, meaning it is delivered to skin in a "protected" capacity on a microscopic level so it remains stable and potent for longer. The encapsulated formula also slowly time releases the active ingredient into skin instead of all at once on the skin's surface like other retinol products, making it gentle yet still potent.

In addition, one should check if soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera leaf juice and squalane, are incorporated into the formula, as they will help reduce and soothe any potential irritations.

How Should I Use Retinol?

Should you wish to start your retinol journey, we suggest starting at low percentages with limited use, building up over time. Also, remember cells take time to reorganise and renew themselves, so even if you don’t see an immediate improvement, trust that the product is doing something for your skin, and continue with the treatment. Over time, results will be visible and touchable.

KLUR
Stellar Restoration Corrective Complex  <- Click to shop

Featuring star ingredient 1.8% Encapsulated Retinol, as well as 1.5% Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Licorice Root, Gotu Kola, Willow Bark, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate and Squalane, the powerful yet gentle watery serum stimulates collagen synthesis and rejuvenates skin to effectively reduce wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation, smooth skin texture, slow aging, and minimize pores in a soothing, hydrating way.

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Are There Any Alternatives?

If you are still not comfortable with using retinol, choosing products that are high in beta-carotene, or pro-vitamin A, will also help to promote cell regeneration, repair the skin, provide potent antioxidant protection, and protect the skin from wrinkles and premature aging, yet in a more mild capacity.

LA BELLA FIGURA
Modern Radiance Concentrate  <- Click to shop

Fortified with Sea Buckthorn CO2 extract, which has higher concentration of Vitamin A than in any other botanical ingredients, as well as other pro-vitamin A sources such as Pumpkin Seed, Carrot Seed Oil and Barbary Fig Oil, not only does this serum effectively inhibit the formation of melanin to brighten, it also promotes collagen synthesis, reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, fights free radicals and strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier.

KLUR
Symmetry Fluid  <- Click to shop

Besides being rich in rare ingredients Astaxanthin and Fulvic Acid, it is also fortified with Dandelion, Rosehip Seed Oil, White Tea and Cranberry Oil that are rich in vitamin A, as well as other highly prized ingredients including Red Algae, L-Glutathione, Gotu Kola and Ginkgo, etc., making it the perfect serum to help promote skin cell regeneration, increase skin elasticity, fight off inflammations and free radicals, detoxify, brighten, strengthen the skin, and reduce acne.

OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™  <- Click to shop

Rich in pro-vitamin A ingredients such as Carrot Seed Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, Tsubaki Oil, Avocado Oil, and Prickly Pear Seed Oil, as well as Ursolic Acid, Beta Glucan, Elastin Protein, Ginseng, Reishi, Sea Kelp, Broccoli Sprout, Cilantro and Turmeric Extracts that contain high amino acid, essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrient content, the bi-phase formula targets skin cells at the cellular level to promote collagen and elastin synthesis, prevent collagen breakdown, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, reduce acne, and even skin tone.

AGENT NATEUR
holi(oil) Ageless Face Serum  <- Click to shop

With a base of Rice Bran Oil and Rosehip Oil, which are high in beta-carotene and vitamin A, as well as actives including Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ketogluconate, Damascus Rose Extract and Helichrysum and Sandalwood Oil, holi(oil) nourishes the skin, whilst reducing fine lines and wrinkles, promoting cell and collagen regeneration and self-hyaluronic acid production, as well as reducing redness, scarring and hyperpigmentation.

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