Finding the Right Retinol for You: Sinking Into One of Skincare's Top Ingredients
While it’s one of the most researched ingredients in the skincare world, Retinol is also one of the most oversaturated and misunderstood ingredients available. We’re here to help you understand why Retinol is a key step in your skincare routine, and what to look for when you’re selecting a Retinol to minimize the side effects.
A form of Vitamin A, Retinol is an essential nutrient that aids the skin in collagen formulation and retention. Your skin’s top defense against outside pressures and pollutants is collagen, stored in the dermis. Acting like a cushion when your skin is impacted, collagen drives the skin’s ability to ‘bounce back.’ As we age, our natural collagen production slows down, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and slower healing. Retinol helps stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover to smooth and brighten skin.
What to Look for In a Retinol
With thousands of products available, look for these three things on labels when making your next retinol selection. Or, speak to your skincare professional.
- Encapsulated and Slow Release: An encapsulated retinol in a slow release formula ensures efficacy, but with a gentle delivery mechanism that minimizes irritation.
- Soothing Ingredients: Look for ingredients like nutrient-dense oils to help moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Avoid Irritants: Be cautious of products containing strong fragrances, alcohol, or harsh exfoliants as these can increase irritation.
What Are Retinol’s Side Effects?
Skin irritation, redness, drying/peeling, and purging/initial breakouts are common concerns when beginning to incorporate retinol into a skincare routine. Selecting a gentle retinol can help minimize these side effects, as well as starting your new routine slowly. Skincare professionals typically recommend applying every other night, and slowly working your way up to nightly.
If pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s recommended to consult with your physician before starting a retinol routine.
All Gain, No Pain: The Power of The Straight A
The Straight A Advanced Gentle Retinol Serum is formulated with encapsulated retinol and a slow release delivery mechanism, making it more tolerable for sensitive skin and reducing the titration (or purging) stage. Simply put, the retinol molecule is wrapped in a protective coating, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeper before being fully oxidized, providing longer release benefits and causing less irritation.
To further enhance the formulation we added two phyto-retinols: Bakuchiol and Moth Bean Extract. Not all Bakuchiol is created equal, and we pride ourselves in sourcing from, and formulating with, the highest quality and effective plant matter available. This powerful trio is steeped in our nourishing carrier oils: Supercritical Chia Seed Oil, raspberry seed oil, and rosehip oil, allowing the Straight A to provide a powerful boost to your skin while supplying hefty anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits.
How to Layer Your Skincare
Intentional layering can help you yield the maximum benefits of your routine, while minimizing irritation. Sandwiching your retinol between a hydrating essence like the Optimist and a growth-factor rich moisturizer such as Advanced Response Complex will seal in hydration and allow the active ingredients to work through the night to regenerate your skin. A simple rule of thumb: layer thinnest to thickest when building your product routine.