June 2022 – The new era of pro-ageing, which is caring for the skin you are in as you age, leaves retinol as the number one rule. Fact is that we cannot stop or prevent ageing but we can slow it down and provide the skin with the proper care as we age. Shifting to a positive mindset around ageing assists tremendously in being open to understanding your skin and using the correct products for your skin.
When we think pro-ageing, the first thing that comes to mind is retinol. Retinol has been the most common over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid ingredient, but there has been great innovation in topical retinoids in recent years, and we’re now seeing retinaldehyde appear more often in skincare formulas.
Kevin Khosa, Customer Service Manager at SKIN functional explained: “Retinoids, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde all belong to the family of vitamin A derivatives. A vitamin A derivative may help you achieve that glow-from-within skin. Retinaldehyde will help keep pores clear and will speed up skin cell turnover for a smoother and more even complexion. This is a great ingredient for improving skin texture and tone if used correctly.”
In addition, retinoids offer several benefits such as: reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, and regulating the growth of cells on the skin’s surface. More potent retinoids may help treat skin conditions such as: psoriasis, acne, pigmentary disorders and certain types of cancer. However, stronger forms are likely to cause significant irritation.
How to Add Retinaldehyde to Your Routine
To begin with, you may want to start off on a lower frequency and gradually increase as you go. Two to three times a week is safe. With use, your skin will adapt and tolerate it better, at which point you can increase the frequency. It’s okay to use retinaldehyde daily, as long as you aren’t experiencing irritation.
“Save retinaldehyde products for night time use as they can be deactivated by sunlight, as well as make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in the morning to protect against this extra sun sensitivity,” added Khosa.
SKIN functional has just added a brand new retinol night cream to its product range that has 0,5% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol which is safe to get you started on retinol as well as ease you into your pro-ageing journey. This product is a concentrated Retinoid cream that uses the powerful benefits of Retinol and Bakuchiol to deliver an effective anti-ageing treatment to address fine lines and sun damage as well as manage breakouts. Formulated with Peptides as well as Niacinamide this product packs a powerful anti-ageing punch.
“This Vitamin A derivative is effective for ageing, acne and dark spot concerns as it inhibits collagen breakdown that causes elastosis, unclogs blocked pores and reduces acne breakouts. Bakuchiol is clinically proven to have similar results to Retinol as it is a plant-based ingredient that comes from the seeds and leaves of the babchi tree. It has been shown to improve skin firmness and elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles,” explained Khosa.
Remember to use your retinol after cleansing at night and apply a pea size amount to dry skin. Introduce slowly in order for skin to build tolerance. Retinoids can cause temporary irritation, sensitivity and flaking until skin has built a tolerance. If you are using retinol at night, always apply sunscreen as a last step in your routine. Happy glowing!