How Vitamin A Helps to Rejuvenate Our Skin and the Difference Between Retinals and Retinols
Are the b. Theory esthi besties actually recommending a retinal serum??? Why, yes, we are!!! And we have been waiting a long time to be able to make this product recommendation to you. As you may know, we are not fans of traditional retinol serums (notice the difference in spelling between retinal and retinol). Traditional over-the-counter brand retinols are often not formulated in a way that allows them to penetrate into the layers of the skin (where they need to be delivered in order to be effective), resulting in a product that sits more on the surface of the skin. By causing an ongoing inflammatory reaction on the skin, they cause the skin to look plumper with fewer lines and wrinkles. While this may improve the appearance of the skin initially, long term it is not healthy for our skin to be continually inflamed and trying to heal itself. Retinols may also cause redness, dryness, eye irritation, sun sensitivity and thinning of the skin, especially when we live in such a dry and sunny climate. Here’s where a retinal comes in as a skincare hero!
Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) serums are formulated with Vitamin A, a skin-rejuvenating must-have for stimulating collagen and elastin production to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation in the skin. Retinal is 1000 times more effective at stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin than retinol. It is the strongest form of topical vitamin A you can get without a prescription. It is also more bioavailable, absorbing faster and more thoroughly, and is clinically proven to work 11 times faster than retinol, without causing irritation, wounding the skin, or increasing sun-sensitivity. One reason why: retinal is just one step away from becoming retinoic acid (retinol is two) so it is more efficient and acts faster on the skin. Retinal is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.
We are over-the-moon with the new Retinal Renewal Complex from Green Envee. This serum is liquid gold, containing the strongest, non-irritating form of Vitamin A. This anti-wrinkle serum addresses the following conditions:
Loss of firmness and tone
Uneven skin pigmentation
Dullness
Sluggish, congested skin
Acne scarring
In addition, Retinal Renewal Complex contains collagen stimulating peptides and has a liposomal delivery system which assures penetration deep into the layers of the skin to activate collagen and elastin production. Lactic acid and Cloudberry target uneven skin tone and texture for firm and radiant skin.
Collagen and elastin production begin to decline starting in our 30’s, making this the perfect age to introduce a retinal serum into our skincare routine. If you haven’t started to use a retinal serum, don’t worry you can always add this powerhouse to your regimen in your 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s. We recommend starting out gently with any active ingredients in order to minimize sensitivity and to progressively strengthen the skin. Begin by using the retinal serum twice a week in the evening, increasing to three times a week, and working your way up to every night. Vitamin A does not stay in the skin, so in order to get the best results, it needs to be used nightly. However, people with sensitive skin may need to use it less frequently, while still getting the best benefit from the serum. Ask us how to best use this product - we are happy to help you tailor the best skincare routine for your skin’s needs.
Living in a dry sunny climate also may require us to do some “sandwiching” with an active ingredient such as retinal. Here is an example of how to incorporate a retinal into your nighttime skincare routine***:
Cleanse your skin (double cleanse if you are wearing makeup or an SPF product on your skin) - we recommend Purify Botanic Cleansing Oil or Soothe Herbal Cleansing Cream by Green Envee
Mist your skin with a hydrating toner - we recommend Hydrate Facial Mist by Green Envee
While the toner is still damp on your skin, massage 1 pump of hyaluronic acid serum into your skin and let that serum absorb into the skin for a few minutes - we recommend H.A. Collage Serum by Green Envee
Apply 1-2 pumps of retinal serum onto your face, neck and decolletage area. Mist with your hydrating toner and massage the serum into the skin. Let this absorb into your skin for several minutes, up to 30 minutes for the most active results - we recommend Retinal Renewal Complex by Green Envee
Apply a rich nutrient-dense nighttime moisturizer - we recommend Nourish Replenishing Moisturizer by Green Envee
If your skin is on the drier side, apply an oil-based serum over your moisturizer - we recommend Flora Elixir Botanic Oil Serum from Green Envee
Tuck yourself into bed for a cozy night of skin rejuvenation!
*** If you are using a vitamin C serum or any other product containing vitamin C, adjust your routine to use the vitamin C products in the morning and your retinal at night. Using them at the same time will cancel out both products, so be proactive and get the most out of both!