Seasonal Skincare 101 - Retinol
As the seasons change and cooler temperatures approach, it's the perfect time to reevaluate and adjust your skincare routine. Retinol, often hailed as the "gold standard" in anti-aging skincare, is a powerhouse ingredient that can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful complexion.
Fall is an ideal season to incorporate retinol into your regimen, as the reduced sun exposure and increased focus on repair and renewal make it easier for your skin to adapt to this powerful ingredient. In this blog post, we are giving you ALL the tea on retinol and our FAVORITE retinol products you should be using in your skincare routine this Fall!
What Is Retinol?
First things first, what the heck even is retinol? Well let us tell you - Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that encourages skin cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps unclog pores.
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so that is why it is advised to introduce this ingredient back into your fall skincare when the temperatures are more forgiving! With less intense sun exposure, the risk of retinol-induced photosensitivity is reduced. This allows your skin to experience the benefits of retinol without the heightened risk of sun damage that can occur during the summer months.
Sun Damage + Retinol = Besties
Guilty of summer sun damage? It’s okay, we have all been there… But now it’s time to correct it! During the summer, your skin is exposed to higher levels of UV radiation, which can lead to sunspots, uneven texture, and fine lines.
Retinol's ability to stimulate cell turnover can help fade these imperfections, revealing smoother and more even-toned skin. Remember, summer is the time to show off that beautiful glow you have been working on but when cooler weather rolls around, this is the time to repair and rejuvenate to achieve and sustain that GLOW!
Best Practices For Retinol
SPF is a MUST: Although fall brings less intense sun exposure, it is super important to not neglect sunscreen. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen during the day is non-negotiable. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning helps protect your skin and maintains the progress achieved with retinol.
Slow & Steady: When introducing retinol to your fall routine, start slowly to allow your skin to adjust. Begin with a lower concentration and use it every few nights. This approach helps minimize potential irritation or redness that might occur as your skin adapts to the ingredient.
Hydration Station: As the weather becomes cooler, your skin may experience increased dryness. Retinol can potentially exacerbate this issue, so make sure to layer on hydrating products like a rich moisturizer or a hyaluronic acid serum. Hydrated skin is better equipped to tolerate retinol.
PM Routine: Retinol is best applied in the evening after cleansing. This timing allows the ingredient to work its magic overnight, promoting skin renewal while you sleep. Remember to cleanse your face thoroughly to ensure that no traces of makeup or sunscreen interfere with retinol absorption.
Listen to Your Aesti: Retinol is a powerful ingredient that is available in various strengths so it is crucial to choose a product that suits your skin type and concerts. If you're unsure about which retinol product to use or how to incorporate it into your routine, it’s time to take a visit to your gals at Pure Glow. We will tailor a skincare regimen that fits best for your skin type and guide you on which products we recommend!
Our Favorite Retinol Products
Skinbetter Science Even Glow Regimen - This features the Even Tone Correcting Serum, the AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads, and the AlphaRet Overnight Cream, which are all designed to address the appearance of brown, red, and yellow discoloration that can occur from sun damage.
iS Clinical Active Peel System - This is a powerful yet gentle, fast-acting, two-step treatment designed to resurface and polish the skin while providing hydration, rejuvenation, and antioxidant protection.
iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion Collection- Elevate your Retinol regimen! This is a brand-new collection that was just released. This retinol serum comes in two strengths .3% and .1% depending on what your skin needs. It is age-defying, smoothing, and brightening. It’s an exciting addition to our collection!
iS Clinical Active Serum - While not a true retinol product, this fast-acting formula works the same to fight anti-aging and blemishes, and brightens the skin. This serum is packed with lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid to help boost collagen production, help fight fine lines and wrinkles, and is great for large or congested pores!
Osmosis Renew MD- This advanced retinal serum uses the highest possible potency of liposomal retinaldehyde, which is proven to stimulate collagen 1000 times more than regular retinol products to create real lasting changes in your skin. Retinaldehyde is the safest form of Vitamin A that stimulates collagen without thinning or damaging the skin. Since it is stabilized, it does not break down the presence of the sun like typical retinol products so this one is safe to use year-round!
Osmosis Correct MD- This preventative retinal serum is used to deliver proprietary nutrients beyond the surface to fully rejuvenate your skin. It also includes retinaldehyde which makes it safe for year-round use as well. You will see the results of a smooth, rejuvenated, and luminous finish!
Ready For Fall Skincare?
Transitioning to a fall skincare routine enriched with retinol can be a game-changer for your complexion. With its ability to address summer sun damage, boost collagen production, and promote skin renewal, retinol aligns perfectly with the season's focus on rejuvenation.
By following these tips and using these retinol products, you can enjoy the benefits of retinol while embracing the beauty of the fall season.
