The most frequently asked questions about retinol, answered.
Retinol has earned its place as one of the most researched and effective ingredients in modern skincare. From reducing fine lines and wrinkles to improving texture, tone and breakouts, it offers a wide range of benefits. Yet, because it’s also known for potential side effects like dryness or irritation, many people have questions about how to use it correctly.
In this FAQ, we break down everything you need to know about retinol so you can incorporate it into your routine with confidence.
1. What is retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A used in cosmetics for its anti-aging and anti-acne effects and to improve skin texture. It stimulates cell renewal and collagen and elastin production.
2. At what age can you start using retinol?
In general, you can start using it in your twenties to prevent the signs of aging, or earlier in cases of persistent acne. It is especially recommended for people aged 25-30 and above.
3. When should you apply it?
Always in the evening, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. In the morning, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
4. Should you moisturize after using retinol?
Yes! Moisturizing is crucial to limit side effects such as dryness or irritation. Apply a moisturizer after retinol.
5. What are the side effects?
– Redness
– Dryness
– Flaking
– Increased sensitivity
These effects are normal at first and diminish over time. If irritation is too severe, reduce the frequency of use.
The first results (smoother skin, radiance) appear after 4 to 8 weeks. The deeper anti-aging effects take 3 to 6 months.
8. Should I stop using it in the summer or if I go on vacation?
No, but you should increase your sun protection. If you have very sensitive skin or plan to be exposed to strong sunlight, you can reduce the frequency or take a break.
Vitamin A: The gold standard in professional skincare.
Retinol, a powerhouse ingredient in the skincare world, has been making waves for decades. But what exactly is retinol and how to best use it? We’ll explore how to harness its power and introduce you to Environ’s two new retinol additions to their Focus Care Youth+® Range.
What Is Retinol?
From a chemical point of view, retinol is accepted as the basic form of vitamin A, because it is the smallest molecule of vitamin A and metabolizes into retinyl esters, retinaldehyde and, eventually, retinoic acid.
If you are looking for the following improvement to your skin overall healthier-looking skin, retinol might be for you:
– overall healthier-looking skin
– resilient skin
– improved appearance and texture of photo-aged skin
– improvement in blemish-prone areas
– a more even skin tone
Environ’s Decades-Long Research
For more than 40 years, it’s been Dr Des Fernandes’ life’s work researching vitamin A’s impact on skin health, expanding the intricate understanding of what happens to skin biologically and chronologically through life.
Science proves that the biological age of skin is vitally dependant on maximizing vitamin A micronutrition. The solid base of research supports Environ’s skincare philosophy and vitamin A as the key driver of skin longevity.
Dr Des Fernandes, Founder of Environ and world-leading Plastic Surgeon explains:
“The root cause of unhealthy skin is a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is the normalizer of skin cell activity, which is why it is the cornerstone ingredient in our professional skincare philosophy. Cellular ageing is not fixed to the pace of chronological time – it can be sped up and slowed down. All the information needed to prolong the health span of skin lies within our skin cells, and where the skin can do the job itself, Environ doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Our unique algorithm supports the skin’s natural processes to achieve the desired result.”
New Environ Retinol Serums
Environ’s two new intensifying Retinol Serums are recommended as add-on boosters to daily vitamin A topical replenishment, introduced when the skin is acclimated to medium or high concentrations of vitamin A.
These fragrance-free serums are clinically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, hydration, skin tone and texture, working synergistically with the skin’s natural processes to affect a safe, effective, and balanced range of natural retinoic acid stimulation.
The new formulations intelligently combine retinol plus other retinoid forms to optimize the effects of natural retinoic acid on youthful cellular behaviour. Potent antioxidants assist in diminishing the effects of oxidative stress. Additional specialized boosters promote natural moisturizing properties and skin barrier resilience.
Focus Care Youth+ Tri-Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum ENVIRON
Environ’s Retinol Serum booster advances the skin benefits of vitamin A micronutrition to promote skin longevity and overall youthful radiance. Retinol Serum combines retinol with 2 other retinoid forms, plus added antioxidants and barrier-boosting ingredients to advance the skin’s protection against oxidative stress and barrier resilience.
This light, quick-absorbing serum contains a tri-retinoid complex: Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Propionate, and Retinol in a stable colloidal serum concentrate.
Focus Care Youth+ Tri-Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum Forte ENVIRON
Retinol Serum Forte is a step-up retinol booster to be introduced when skin is comfortable with Environ’s Retinol Serum. This serum intensifies the benefits of vitamin A micronutrition for the skin with additional phyto-retinol boosters; Revinage® and NovoRetin™. These specialized ingredients assist to further promote overall skin longevity and youthfulness.
This light, quick-absorbing serum contains a tri-retinoid complex: Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Propionate, and Retinol in a stable colloidal serum concentrate with the addition of the retinoid effect boosters Revinage® and NovoRetin™.
Ingredient Science
The New Tri-Retonoid Complex Retinol Serum and Retinol Serum Forte’s powerful formulation include:
Key Vitamin A Molecules – Tri-Retinoid – Glycine Soya (Soybean) Oil, Retinol (Retinol) – vitamin A – Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Retinyl Palmitate) – vitamin A – Retinyl Propionate, BHT (Retinyl Propionate) – vitamin A
Serum Forte additionally contains the following Retinoid Effect Boosters: – Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil (Revinage®) – plant-based alternative to retinol – Aqua/Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate (NovoRetin™) – boost naturally occurring retinoic acid in the skin
How to Use
NOTE Retinol Serum may be introduced once the skin is comfortable with daily application of medium to high levels of vitamin A. Step up from Retinol Serum to Retinol Serum Forte only once the skin is fully acclimated to Retinol Serum.
Pre-cleanse, cleanse, tone with your preferred Environ products.
Application:
1. Introduce Retinol Serum by adding one drop of the serum to your Environ vitamin A moisturizer, 2-3 evenings per week.
2. Once tolerated:
• Gradually increase the amount of serum until one full pump can be used.
• Gradually increase the frequency of the application until it can be used every evening.
3. Slowly enhance the activity of the skincare routine.
Add one extra step at a time:
Clinically Tested
These intelligent combinations of ingredients work with the skin’s natural processes and have been clinically trialled and proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, and skin texture.
Environ’s clinical trials showed a statistically significant improvement in the biomechanical propertiesof the skin at 56 days*, and the longer you remain invested, the better the skin will be.
*Retinol Serum Forte
REMEMBER, IT’S A JOURNEY, NOT A RACE!
Environs’ Tri-Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum and Tri-Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum Forte are now available at Etiket.ca.
Retinol is often referred to as a powerhouse ingredient. The reason it’s referred to as such is because it is strong. Its strength is what makes it effective, but also what makes it dangerous. Keep reading to learn how to properly tame this skincare beast.
Retinol: an ingredient heard of by many and understood by few. It’s often referred to as a powerhouse ingredient which makes it all the more mysterious and alluring.
Many of you may be sold on the idea of incorporating it into your routine without actually knowing what it does or how to use it. Although I don’t blame you for quickly jumping on the retinol bandwagon, I can’t stress how important it is to understand this ingredient in its entirety so as not to damage your skin. The reason it’s referred to as a powerhouse ingredient is because it is strong. Its strength is what makes it effective, but also what makes it dangerous. Keep reading to learn how to properly tame this skincare beast.
WHAT IS RETINOL?
Retinol (also known as vitamin A) is an over-the-counter form of retinoid, which is usually prescribed by a doctor. Retinols work by increasing collagen production as well as increasing the rate of cell turnover. New York dermatologist Shari Marchbein, M.D. mentions that retinols ‘also help treat acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.’
Because retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid, it is milder than prescription retinoids which makes it ideal for at-home use. Ideally, one should slowly build up their resistance to retinol and eventually apply it every single night. Key work here is slowly. This is a process, folks. Patience is required.
WHO IS IT FOR?
As mentioned above, retinol serves many purposes. It prevents wrinkles, brightens dull skin, treats acne and fades dark spots. With that logic, retinol can help everyone from mature skin, to acne sufferers and anyone in between! Over time, retinol can help increase the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Not only does this ingredient provide short term results, but it also aids in the long-term health and appearance of your skin.
If you have perfect skin with no issues whatsoever, lucky you! In your case, most dermatologists would recommend you start using retinol in your thirties, just as your collagen production begins to slow down. In fact, as dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor at Yale University explains: ‘Up until your early-30s, your cells turn over every 28 days, creating a fresh layer of untouched, pristine skin. But after you hit your mid-30s, your cell regeneration slows down, turning over every 50, 60, or 70 days. Retinol, however, sinks into your skin and speeds up cell turnover, causing your body to churn out fresher, smoother skin again.’
HOW DO I USE IT?
We asked our medical aesthetician, Paule, to inform us on how to properly incorporate this ingredient into our routines. For beginners, she recommends starting off by using it twice a week, every 3 nights for the first 2 weeks. If your skin is tolerating it well- i.e. isn’t too red or irritated, then you can add another night per week to this regimen. As time goes on, you can maintain that same time frame: increasing by one night every 2 weeks until you’re up to using it every single night.
If you’ve been using your retinol every night for a few months, and you feel like you want to increase your retinol strength, you absolutely can. However, be sure to start the process all over again. Using it twice a week, every 3 nights for the first 2 weeks and increasing slowly. I cannot stress how important it is to go slowly, as retinol can burn like no other. Trust me.
If you feel like your skin is dry when using retinol, you can apply your night cream or moisturizer on top of it, 10 minutes after you applied your layer of retinol.
IS IT SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
For those of you who have sensitive skin, Paule recommends using retinol with a slow-release system. A slow-release system ensures that the active ingredient is released into your skin in small doses over time and not all at once, which can cause irritation in some people. She also recommends starting at a low percentage. The Pro-Derm Retinol Complex 0.22 and the SkinCeuticals 0.3 are great for beginners with sensitive skin. PCA Skin’s Intensive Clarify Solution: 0.5% pure retinol night and Vivier’s Retinol 1% Night Complex are great options for skin that is more tolerant to retinol. Environ offers two retinols, which are recommended as add-on boosters to daily vitamin A topical replenishment, introduced when the skin is acclimated to medium or high concentrations of vitamin A. Paule mentions that people with sensitive skin should start by using retinol once a week and should add a layer of moisture on top to soothe and hydrate the skin. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use.
Before getting into how to treat hyperpigmentation, let’s define what the term actually means, shall we?
This umbrella term describes a condition in which the skin is discolored or darkened due to an array of factors. In fact, hyperpigmentation can be caused by past blemishes, eczema and psoriasis flare-ups, melasma, and of course, excess sun exposure. We would argue that sun exposure is at the root of most stubborn hyperpigmentation issues. That is why one of the main steps in treating hyperpigmentation is daily sunscreen application. The sun is not our friend. At least when it comes to keeping a clear, youthful complexion.
Many of us, myself included, scour the internet to find the miracle product that will save us from our stubborn hyperpigmentation. The sad truth is that treating dark marks is a long process that requires patience and different types of treatments. Topical products can only do so much and more intense treatments like lasers are recommended to really eliminate the issue at its core. That being said, you should always consult your dermatologist with any skin concern you may have.
While topical products aren’t a cure-all solution in most hyperpigmentation cases, they can definitely help. We’ve asked our aesthetician and Tata Harper Specialist Emmanuelle to name a few products that will help you treat your dark spots and reveal a clear, glowing complexion. Here are her recommendations.
Exfoliation and cell-turnover are very important when it comes to tackling signs of hyperpigmentation. These cleansers contain active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs and brightening ones like Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide that all help fight hyperpigmentation. Ideally, you would use these cleansers as a second step in your double-cleansing routine, following your oil cleanse.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known for its brightening properties. It is an ingredient found in most products designed for treating hyperpigmentation. It’s also effective in combatting free radical damage, keeping your skin healthy and glowing! This is definitely a must in a skincare regimen.
If you’re already using Vitamin C and a good cleanser but need an extra punch, think of incorporating a targeted treatment serum into your routine. These 3 products are packed with active ingredients designed to assist in targeting and improving the appearance of discolouration, leaving the skin more evenly toned and healthy. Lytera is one of our bestsellers and works at brightening the overall complexion, not just the dark spots.
Topical retinols work by increasing cell-turnover which helps diminish signs of hyperpigmentation quicker and more effectively. They also increase the production of collagen, improve the skin’s texture and help fight signs of aging. Another must in a skincare routine. The con of using topical retinols is that they can be irritating to the skin which is why you should start slow and with a low dosage. If you have sensitive skin, a naturally-derived retinol like the Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate oil might be a better option for you!
Hydroquinone is an ingredient used to lighten hyperpigmentation. Both of these Vivier products contain 2% Hydroquinone, which is the highest dose you can receive in Canada without a prescription! If you have stubborn dark spots that just won’t leave, Hydroquinone may be a good option for you! People with sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate this ingredient, which is why it’s important to talk to your dermatologist before use.
Sunscreen may be the most important step in fighting hyperpigmentation. In fact, even if you have the best skincare routine full of active ingredients that target dark spots, if you don’t protect your skin with an SPF, you may as well be pouring your products down the drain. Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation as it causes the production of melanin in your skin. No matter the time of year, you need to be applying an SPF of at least 30!
As we age, our skin loses firmness and elasticity—causing it to look saggy and loose. Fine lines and wrinkles seem to start appearing out of nowhere, and while we are not trying to look like the 20-year-old versions of ourselves, we still want brighter, smoother and younger looking skin. Discover the 5 anti-aging products that will help you age gracefully!
As we age, our skin loses firmness and elasticity—causing it to look saggy and loose. Fine lines and wrinkles seem to start appearing out of nowhere, and while we are not trying to look like the 20-year-old versions of ourselves, we still want brighter, smoother and younger looking skin. Discover the 5 anti-aging products that will help you age gracefully!
