Myth busting with clinical expert Dr. Sach Mohan
It’s no secret that retinol is a beloved ingredient in the skincare world precisely because of all the incredible skin benefits it can offer. Clinically proven to help slow the visible signs of premature ageing, if you’re interested in firmer, plumper, smoother and more even-looking skin then it’s time to add retinol to your skincare routine. Retinol’s success means there are a huge variety of formulas out there, and it can be quite tricky to know which one will work for you. We could write a whole book series on retinol, but today we’re going to be debunking the most common retinol myths with the help of clinical skin expert, Dr Sach Mohan.
Myth no.1: All retinol formulas are made equal
Retinol is a form of retinoid, which means it’s a derivative of vitamin A. There are many other forms of retinoid too; retinal, retinol palmitate, retin-A, and other vitamin A derivatives used within skincare products. All work slightly differently on the skin and that’s before we even look at the concentration levels. For results, it all comes down to how long it takes these ingredients to convert into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is the most active and bio-available version of retinol, it causes MASSIVE action in the skin and only comes with a medical prescription. Retinal palmitate takes a few conversion steps to turn into retinoic acid, and it is well tolerated by sensitive skin. Retinal aldehyde takes only one conversion step, meaning it packs a punch but there’s limited evidence or data as it is a relatively new retinoid.
Dr Sach Mohan, award-winning expert in facial aesthetics and lasers and Medical Director of Revere Clinic says Even if we took ten different retinol serums each with 1% retinol and analysed them in our skin lab – there would be huge differentiation within each formula’s concentration and effectiveness. While it is true that retinol has been proven to be effective at tackling pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is also true that you need to find a sophisticated formula that will actually provide these benefits, that’s where AlumierMD come in.
Smack bang in the middle of these retinoid strengths is retinol. The entire vitamin A molecule which has been clinically validated to deliver results for over four decades. We took this tried and tested molecule and took it to the next level.
We use cutting-edge microencapsulated retinol which means the retinol is released gradually throughout the night so your skin isn’t overwhelmed. It’s paired with soothing, hydrating ingredients including sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) and niacinamide which help to support your skin barrier while the retinol challenges your skin to do better. All powerful, effective retinol formulations will have a big impact on your skin – if used correctly you’ll see impressive results, but if slapped on any ol’ how – you might get excessive downtime which will potentially lead you to believe our second myth . . .
Myth no.2: I can’t use retinol
We know that plenty of people have a really poor history of retinol use. Retinol works like an upside-down exfoliator; it motivates the skin deep down which in turn sheds old skin off the surface. Imagine over-exfoliating with an abrasive mitt (!!!) it will cause redness, irritation, dry patches, and flakiness – the exact symptoms of too much retinol. However, even if you have highly sensitive skin but are willing to commit to a low and slow retinol acclimation period (letting your skin catch up with the action of retinol), you CAN use retinol and reap all the benefits. Yep, our skin pros know exactly how to rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier before starting anyone on retinol.
There are plenty of varying application techniques, frequency of use and layering methodologies to share, including the retinol sandwich, skin cycling and more. Get in touch with your pro and follow their advice. If your skin barrier is compromised, you’ll need to follow a rebuilding skincare routine before you hit up the retinol, so take it slow and be strategic, your skin will thank you.
says Dr Sach Mohan.
Myth no.3: I don’t need to work with a pro to use retinol
Technically, no, you could pop down to the chemist/supermarket/go online and buy a 1% retinol today. Does that mean that you should? NO! See myth no.2! Work with a pro to help you find the right formula for your skin. Bundled up with the other products that make sense with your skin type, retinol becomes more effective and a lot less aggressive. Retinol can also get your skin into peak performance before in-clinic treatments, but it needs some management in terms of stopping and starting between procedures. Your pro will guide you through this and the 3 key elements to using retinol: dose, layering and application technique. While you don’t need a prescription to buy any old 1% retinol – if you want the best experience, it’s worth doing it properly. In fact, our strategically formulated retinol is so impressive that you can’t buy it unless you first have a skin consultation with a pro.
Our retinol is a holistic skin rejuvenation programme in one bottle, don’t be put off by horror stories or previous PRTS (post retinol traumatic stress), you CAN use retinol and you CAN get all the results it offers. Don’t miss out on this gold standard ingredient. Book your pro appointment today.