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When I give a client a facial, I don't only want them to love how their skin feels for the day or two after they leave the treatment room; I want that feeling to be lasting. The benefits of all the TLC that your skin receives during a facial can be enhanced by using the right products on your skin at home. One of my favorite go-to's for this is Vitamin A (also referred to as a retinoid). When used consistently and correctly, this powerhouse can create lasting changes that you can see and feel. ➡️ If you are already using a retinoid, let's make sure you are using it correctly and are using the proper formulation for your skin type. ➡️ If you're not using one yet - I'll fill you in on the changes and benefits your skin can experience once you begin implementing it into your daily routine. THE whyVitamin A has a wide range of benefits. Vitamin A, or Retinoids as they are also called, help your skin behave and act as it did when it was younger. When it comes to creating changes in our skin we always want to use ingredients that provide signals and communicate what the skin needs to do. I like to call it Behavioral Therapy for your skin! Here is a list of the most common concerns and why a retinoid is beneficial- For Healthy Aging Benefits: Retinoids help our skin form new and healthy skin cells and activate collagen production, the connective tissue that helps our skin stay plump and youthful. After the age of 18, collagen production slows down. Investing in a Vitamin A helps to rebuild collagen now and in the future. For Dull Skin, Uneven Tone, and Visible Signs of Aging: Collagen production slows down as we age, but the rate at which new skin cells renew slows. This creates dullness, fine lines, and uneven tone. One of the main reasons this happens is due to depleted levels of Vitamin A within the skin. This is caused by sun exposure, free radicals, and the normal aging process. Using a professional form of Vitamin A quickly replenishes cells creating a more even skin tone and complexion. For Oily and Acne Prone Skin: Vitamin A products can help replenish the skin's natural reserve of Vitamin A that acne and oily skin can be lacking. Using a product containing Vitamin A can help decrease oil production, encourage cell turnover (preventing clogged pores) and improve blood flow to areas with breakouts, which will help promote the healing process. Scarred or Textured Skin: Textured skin or the textured scarring that takes place as a result of breakouts happens because the collagen in the skin where the breakout occurred became damaged. To create new collagen and smooth out these areas, we need to speed up your skin cells' lifecycle to mimic how the skin behaved when born – when it was creating lots of new collagen! THE WHENVitamin A products are typically used in the evening. Most formulations containing Vitamin A are photosensitizing and not stable in sunlight. After cleansing at night:
To get the complete anti-aging and collagen-boosting benefits from your Vitamin A, I recommend using it at least three times a week. If your skin can tolerate it, gradually build up to using it every night. Always be careful not to apply too much or too frequently to the delicate neck area, primarily if you use a prescription retinoic acid. The importance of SPF and sun protection with a Vitamin A product: You must use a sunscreen while using a retinoid. Failure to do this daily can cause damage to your skin. Certain formulations make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure and reapply SPF frequently if you do plan to spend time outdoors to protect your skin. WHAT TO LOOK FORCOMMON TYPES OF VITAMIN A Retinol Esters: Commonly found as Retinol - Palmitate, and Retinyl-Linoleate. These are found in most OTC anti-aging products containing retinol. They tend to be less irritating but also less effective. While these types won't hurt your skin, you will receive very little benefit for them. I suggest clients save their money and use it toward investing in a higher quality formulation. Retinol: This is the most common form of Vitamin A in professional skincare. While it is not as potent as the prescription formula (retinoic acid), it effectively treats loss of collagen hyperpigmentation and is an overall healthy aging solution. It is also less irritating than retinoic acid. Retinal: Also known as Retinaldehyde, this is considered more potent than retinol and works up to 11x faster, but minus all the sensitizing effects. It is effective in aiding with hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, and texture (such as scarring). This is my go-to; I find that my clients are more likely to use it consistently since it does not cause irritation like Retinol and Retinoic Acid can. Retinoic Acid: Also called Tretinoin, Renova, or Retin-A, these forms of Vitamin A are available by prescription only. It effectively targets photodamage, aging acne, and stretch marks.These are great when used properly, but you can experience some dryness and irritation when you begin using them. putting it all togetherIn addition to your basics - Cleanser, SPF and moisturizer, Vitamin A is what I like to call a game changer. This is the product you want to invest a little bit more in. Quality and formulation does matter when it comes to active ingredients. If you have never used a retinoid or cannot tolerate a prescription retinoic acid formula, retinal is the next best option. Retinal tends to be my number one choice for my clients because it tends to be less irritating and therefore easier to use consistently . Remember that consistency is key in obtaining results! Here are some of my favorite formulations for each skin type and concern below.
coming up nextUp next I am continuing with another Game Changer - Vitamin C!
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