If you are looking for just one product to make your skin healthier and more useful, our pick would be retinol.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that helps normalize skin function that includes increasing skin cell turnover and collagen production.
Collagen is part of the infrastructure underneath our skin. Depleted collagen leads to saggy skin, wrinkles and more visible sun damage. Using retinol daily will increase and maintain the collagen production at a more consistent level. The result is a reduction in discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. Increased collagen also improves skin tone and color.
Along with a collagen increase, retinol will stimulate cell turnover so newer, healthier skin cells will be at the surface. Your complexion will look smoother and the new cells will absorb products more effectively. If acne is an issue, retinol is also effective in helping to treat acne. The increase in cell turnover helps to get rid of the dead skin cells that clog pores and contribute to acne.
What is the difference between Retin A (tretinoin) and retinol?
Retin-A is a prescription cream and more potent than retinol. Some people experience peeling and redness on Retin-A. Retinol works more gently but does gradually convert to retinoic acid which is the same active ingredient as Retin-A. If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, retinol would be best to start with.
We recommend SkinMedica Retinol Complex.
There are so many retinol cream products on the market. At our San Jose MedSpa, one of our most popular products (among clients and staff) is SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex. This cream will enhance skin tone, texture, and resiliency. Consistent use will help diminish the appearance of fine lines and coarse wrinkles.
How to use the Retinol Complex.
If you have never used a retinol product, begin using it 2 to 3 days apart, in the evening, after cleansing and toning. Increase frequency as tolerated until you can use every evening. We recommend starting with Retinol Complex 0.5 and eventually working your way up to Retinol Complex 1.0.
Buy SkinMedica Retinol Complex and other SkinMedica products in San Jose at Blu Cocoon.