Retinol (vitamin A) is the key anti-ageing ingredient, essential in every age prevention regime. Highly regarded by dermatologists and skin therapists alike, it is second to none when it comes to improving signs of photoageing.
Vitamin A works on a cellular level to promote cell turnover, pushing fresh skin cells to the surface for a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. It is highly effective for acne and congestion as it helps to refine pores for a blemish-free complexion. Vitamin A can also help block the formation of pigment in the skin for brighter, more even-toned skin.
However, it is its ability to visibly plump and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that this ingredient is so renowned for.
But before you run off and purchase a high-strength retinol serum, it’s important to understand how to use it correctly. For some, it can cause irritation in the form of stinging, redness and peeling. Therefore, choosing the correct strength and introducing it gradually is key.
THE RETINOL LADDER
As stockists of Medik8, we have followed their protocols for a “retinol ladder”: a step-by-step approach to introducing vitamin A into a client’s regime, without risking irritation.
At first, we recommend starting with an entry level strength product (such as Retinol 3TR™) twice a week for the first 2 weeks. If there is no irritation, we then recommend applying once every other night for a further 2 weeks, before building up to nightly application. Once your skin has established a tolerance to the ingredient, you can then move on to a higher strength vitamin A.
Our extensive vitamin A range has over 10 different products, in various strengths and formulas, allowing us to prescribe exactly what your skin needs.
RETINOL vs RETINAL
Both retinol and retinal speed up cellular regeneration and collagen production to plump the skin. Retinol is the classic form of vitamin A, tried and trusted by most cosmeceutical brands. When retinol is applied to the skin, it undergoes two conversions. First, it is converted to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A that can actually be utilised by the skin. This is what leaves the skin looking bright, plump and youthful.
Retinal is a new form of the traditional vitamin A molecule, which is one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. It delivers results up to 11 times faster than classic forms of retinol to rapidly resurface the skin while helping to smooth skin texture.
The Medik8 Crystal Retinal range delivers this ingredient via a crystal encapsulation system, ensuring the active is time-released throughout the night. Unlike the other forms of vitamin A, retinal also includes antibacterial properties, making it the ideal anti-ageing ingredient for blemish-prone skin.
WHICH IS FOR ME?
So you’re ready to add vitamin A to your regime- but which product is right for you?
This comes down to three key considerations:
- Your experience with vitamin A
- Your skin type
- Your age
If you’re in your mid-20s, have never used vitamin A before and have a fairly normal skin type, it’s important to start with an entry-level product, like the Night Ritual Vitamin A. This is low-level retinol in a rich cream formula to nourish the skin and reduce irritation.
However, if you are an experienced vitamin A user in your late-40s, with concerns around ageing/pigmentation/texture, a higher strength alternative will be perfect for you. Switching from retinol to retinal to experience higher penetration and more advanced results is highly recommended.
Vitamin A is a highly potent ingredient that should only be prescribed by an authorized clinician. We recommend booking a consultation with our dermal therapists, or getting in touch with our team prior to ordering and introducing this active into your regime.
You can book a consult here, or contact our team for advice here.
