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| Tiiu Kuik |
Countless beauty products are often touted as being 'miracles'.
They can lift your jawline, close your pores, airbrush your forehead, and send you Jon Hamm wrapped in ribbons.
But we all know, somewhere deep in that part of our brains known as the "logic center" (or, "that-place-we-ignore-because-it's-such-a-buzzkill"), that these products do not work as claimed, often because their claims are simply preposterous.
Fortunately for us, there is one product that does work miracles. A product that can smooth your skin, decrease wrinkles, increase collagen, heal photo-damage, fade discoloration, and make all of your other products work better. The product in question really can do all that. It's called...
...Retinol...
The whole Vitamin A molecule is known as Retinol and it is broken down in to smaller pieces known as retinoic acids. Retinol is one of the few substances that has molecules small enough to penetrate the first few layers of skin and actually enter the collagen and elastin layer. Simply put, Retinol is essential for health skin cell function.
There are just a few things to keep in mind when using products containing retinoic acids.
First, only apply to dry skin. Applying a retinoid to damp skin causes it to absorb faster and increases the risk of irritation. Wash your face with a mild cleanser, pat dry, and then go brush your teeth or make your coffee. When you come back, you can then use your retinoid.
Second, start slow. There is a period of time in which your skin adjusts to the effects of Retinol. You will most likely have mild peeling and a bit of sensitivity. This is normal. Choose the lowest percentage of retinol and then work your way up.
Third, use an SPF of at least 15. Every day. Retinol can increase your sun sensitivity so protect yourself. And, honestly, if you don't already use an SPF of 15+ on your face every day then you are just being silly. You know the risks and effects of the sun. You do not live under a rock. Get with it.
**Note** Retinol and retinoic acids are sensitive to oxidation so they should always be packaged or stored in an opaque tube or bottle. Do not buy retinoids in jar packaging.
Some of the best:
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| TxSystems Afirm |
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| Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ |
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| Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream |
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| Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment |
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| Serious Skin Care A-Force XR |
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| Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate |
So what about for us pale ones with really sensitive skin to boot? Usually retinol products are too strong for me, but I do want to care for my skin.
ReplyDeleteYou should try to use a product containing the lowest effective amount of retinol. It may still cause a small amount of irritation and peeling, but your skin should acclimate quickly. You may try the TxSystems Afirm in 1x because it is strictly a retinol product and doesn't include other exfoliating agents that may be more sensitizing.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you are posting informative, helpful posts like this! It's so refreshing. Also, I admire you for promoting pale skin tones. I too am "pale and interesting"! It's nice to be different.
ReplyDeleteI adore your blog by the way and will definitly come back to read more of your posts! I wish you lots of luck with it.
All the best,
Voe.
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http://lipstick-and-pearls.blogspot.com
Thanks, Voe! I appreciate the support and comment. I will certainly be checking out your blog as well.
ReplyDelete