Retinol is one of several natural forms of vitamin A. Other forms of vitamin A include retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate (ingredients that you may also find in some skin creams).

Tretinoin (retinoic acid 0.025 – 0.1 %) – is an active acid form of Vitamin A. It has been used as a prescription medicine for the treatment of acne for many years and is also the first and still the only prescription product licensed for the treatment of sun-damaged skin (i.e. an anti-wrinkle/age spot treatment).

However, despite the undisputed clinical evidence, in practice this product is rarely used as an anti-wrinkle treatment because you cannot buy it in retail outlets (you need to get a prescription from a doctor) and side-effects are not uncommon and include skin-irritation, dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity.

Retinol is not an active product in itself, but is converted to retinoic acid (the same active product as tretinoin) when it penetrates into the skin.

This relationship between retinoic acid and skin cells allows a type of communication in which the cell is encouraged to function normally and continue regular cell renewal – as opposed to the often misshapen and altered cells associated with the natural aging process.

Over the past couple of years, new, even more stable forms of retinol have been formulated, along with solid studies regarding their effectiveness. It now seems clear that retinol (in the right strength and formulation to penetrate the skin effectively) is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient, as well as an antioxidant.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 has the right ingredient strength and the right delivery system to help stimulate cell regeneration and build collagen to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots from both sun damage and intrinsic aging. Additionally, it helps minimize the appearance of pore size, while correcting blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin.

When using this product, you must use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, in addition care is needed – this is an active product! Please use the product twice a week for the first two weeks to ensure toleration of the product. Thereafter, usage can be slowly built up to nightly.

Benefits

• Helps increase the production of collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, blemishes and blotchiness
• Gradually increases and normalizes the production of new skin cells in the surface of your skin
• Unique delivery system based on the skin’s natural lipid structure preserves optimal retinol stability and minimizes erythema (redness) commonly associated with the use of retinol
• Will not clog pores and eliminates the need of additional moisturizer
• Suitable for all skin types

Application

If your skin is sensitive to retinol, begin by limiting use to once or twice a week, then gradually increase frequency to every other night, and finally once an evening as tolerated.

Apply a pea-sized amount of Retinol 0.5 to thoroughly cleansed skin in the evening. Carefully avoid the eyes and the corner of the eyes. To ensure optimal results, do not use any corrective or moisturizing products the same evening as applying SkinCeuticals retinol.

Caution

Topical retinoids are an effective treatment for photoageing, but there is a tremendous user variation as to the dosage that can be tolerated. Though proper skin acclimation is helpful, and in most cases successful, some people may never be able to tolerate high concentrations of retinol. Side effects, generally referred to as retinoid dermatitis, can include skin flaking/peeling, stinging sensation (especially upon application of other skincare products), slight to moderate redness, and – in severe cases – hot spots and scabbing.

We recommend beginning with Retinol 0.5 and applying it only once or twice a week for a period of two to three weeks. Users need to use their own judgment as to the frequency of application. Peeling, though only a side effect of retinol, is often welcomed as it quickly brightens a complexion; stinging and redness are not.

We recommend discontinuing the use of the product for a few days after any symptom or discomfort, before slowly reintroducing the use of retinol.

The use of products containing Retinol should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Call us for more information.