5 Benefits of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin, revealing the healthy skin underneath. Regular exfoliation can help keep skin looking fresh, removing any dry patches or flakiness. In addition to cleansing your skin, exfoliating on a regular basis (once or twice a week at home and once or twice a month professionally) can improve the results of your skin care routine and help rejuvenate your skin. 

Whether you have dry, normal, oily or sensitive skin, exfoliation can bring new life to your complexion. The removal of dead skin cells helps keep pores from becoming clogged and leaves skin with a refreshed and clean feeling. Why would you want clean and clear pores? Clogged pores can result in blackheads and acne. Likewise, when pores are clogged, they appear larger. Although you cannot reduce the actual size of your pores, you can help to minimize their appearance by keeping them clog-free.

In addition to the immediate visual benefits of exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place. Not only will this help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it will help to lessen discoloration as well.

There are two basic types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells by friction. Examples of physical exfoliants include scrubs, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning. Chemical exfoliants do the work for you by essentially dissolving the "glue" that is binding the dead cells to your skin. Enzymes, chemical peels, and acids are examples of chemical exfoliants. A combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation is an ideal way to address damage in the skin from the top down, as well as from the bottom up.

Top 5 Benefits of Exfoliation

1. Improves the results of your skin care products

2. Keeps your pores from clogging, keeping acne under control

3. Speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place

4. Helps to lessen skin discoloration (uneven skin tone)

5. Leads to visibly brighter skin and softens fine lines and wrinkles

Ingredient Spotlight: Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) found in skin rejuvenation products and treatments. It is considered to be a gentle, yet very effective anti-aging treatment. Derived from milk, lactic acid is well known for its skin hydrating properties and is one of the gentler AHA exfoliants.

The use of lactic acid dates back to Cleopatra, who legend has it, luxuriated in milk baths filled with rose petals. At this point, you might be tempted to jump in the bath with a glass of milk as well, but lactic acid doesn't necessarily work that way (if only it were that easy). However, there are a number of useful treatments and products that contain lactic acid.

Sharing the similar skin rejuvenation traits of glycolic acid, lactic acid skin care is known for:

• diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
• reducing the appearance of age spots
• reducing hyperpigmentation
• improving skin texture
• stimulating collagen production

Typically found as an active anti-aging ingredient in professional treatments, lactic acid is noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation. Because of this, lactic acid is an excellent option for sensitive skin types.

Lactic acid peels are just one type of chemical peel, but they are preferred by many -- again, because of lactic acid's reputation as a gentler AHA. You can use peels to improve wrinkles, some types of acne and discolorations on your skin. Lactic acid isn't a cure-all -- it won't suddenly remove your deepest wrinkles, and it can't stop you from aging. But over time, it can smooth the tone and condition of your face and reduce or remove mild marks and scars. Lactic acid peels are generally part of a series, depending on your desired result. In addition, sun sensitivity is a common side effect of lactic acid peels, so limit your time in the sun and always wear sunscreen!

Glycolic Acid Does What?!

What is it?

Glycolic acid is a natural fruit acid or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is water soluble, making it versatile for dermatologic and cosmetic formulations. Because it is the shortest-chain AHA molecule, glycolic acid has been shown to be effective in penetrating dermal layers.

How does it work?

With time and sun exposure, there is a gradual decrease in the rate at which old cells leave the surface of the skin and are replaced by newer cells. This results in a surface layer of dead skin cells that are responsible for the appearance of aged skin.

Glycolic Acid works by penetrating the skin and breaking up the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface of the skin. It exfoliates and revitalizes skin by allowing fresh, new skin cells to come to the surface and, over time, helps spur the growth of new skin and the formulation of collagen. The cumulative effects of exfoliation, along with the moisturizing and penetrating properties of glycolic acid, produce changes in skin surface texture and tone, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

Products containing glycolic acid include but are not limited to peels, facial washes, and moisturizers. Those seeking a more complete exfoliation may opt for a chemical peel. In general, a chemical peel involves a careful degreasing of the skin followed by an application of a powerful AHA, such as glycolic acid. Glycolic acid peels provide a gradual effect, so for best effect they need to be used over a period of a few weeks. Most skin types are able to tolerate these peels, which are available in various concentrations and in a wide array of applications. This allows you to find the right combination that best suits your individual skin. A typical course would be once a week for four to six weeks, with a few weeks off between courses.

Who should use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid peel preparations are recommended for those whose skin is showing signs of aging. Fine lines, brown marks and dry spots can improve with regular applications or peels. Glycolic acid may also prove helpful for those prone to acne. Pregnant women and women who are nursing should avoid glycolic acid treatments.

Glycolic Acid Approved Uses

·         Acne Scarring

·         Facial Rejuvenation

·         Wrinkles

·         Hyperpigmentation

·         Melasma

·         Keratosis Pilaris (KP)

Professional Treatment Spotlight      

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers a series of 3 Glycolic Peels for $120 (regularly $150, save 20%). The peels are spaced 1 week apart and are about 15 minutes in duration. What a quick way to achieve smooth, rejuvenated skin! Call 302-689-3223 to schedule your series.

Topical Vitamin C Value

We know that Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) is a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting our skin from sun damage. But, what else does it do? It strengthens the skin barrier and thickens the dermis. It can encourage wound healing and reduce inflammation. In high concentrations (>10%), it can reduce the appearance of skin discoloration. Most importantly, Vitamin C helps to form and maintain collagen, which plumps the skin and provides radiance and smoothness.

How does Vitamin C help form collagen? The role of Vitamin C in the production of collagen is to interact with amino acids within collagen cells. It adds hydrogen and oxygen to those amino acids, so that they may do their part in collagen production. If you don’t get the proper amount of Vitamin C, collagen production will slow. A decline in collagen production will not only make skin more susceptible to wrinkles, but it might also make it more susceptible to bruising.

It is important to note that only topical Vitamin C that is stable, active and able to be absorbed, and remain stable throughout the life of the product once it is opened, is effective. All vitamins are subject to oxidation when used topically, meaning that the vitamins lose their potency when exposed to the air. Some skin care companies offer stabilized Vitamin C products, which oxidize less rapidly. However, these products are usually more expensive (especially the ones concentrated enough to be effective).

The Benefits of Topical Vitamin C:

• Rapidly absorbed so it won’t rub or wash off
• Greater penetration to the epidermis and dermis = greater benefit
• Neutralizes free radical damage caused by UV light, smoke, and air pollution
• Enhances the protective barrier function of the skin
• Helps moisturize and increase skin hydration
• Stimulates collagen production
• Restores elasticity
• Prevents premature skin aging
• Protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays
• Reverses the appearance of photoaging
• Decreases fine lines and wrinkles
• Lightens and brightens the skin for more even tone
• Fades brown spots
• Helps reduce oiliness and restore sebum balance
• Helps to normalize problem skin (pimples, blackheads, and other problems associated with oily skin)
• Anti-inflammatory

A facial serum with Vitamin C provides the most benefit in the vitamin's topical application.

Professional Product Spotlight:

C-Quench^® Antioxidant Serum

This exceptional antioxidant serum combines lilac leaf stem cell extract, resveratrol, glutathione, L-ascorbic acid and ergothioneine. Its powerful blend of ingredients effectively prevents and corrects cellular oxidation. It also enlists a host of powerful anti-inflammatory agents to soothe the skin while increasing hydration and adding support to the extracellular matrix. C-Quench® Antioxidant Serum promotes healthy skin function for all skin types.

Key Ingredients:
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Hyaluronic Acid
Ergothioneine Orange Oil, Black Current Seed Oil and Resveratrol
Lilac Leaf Stem Cell Extract
Glutathione

Pick up your C-Quench Antioxidant Serum today, only at Fresh Faced Skin Care.

The Power of Peptides

Peptides are naturally occurring chemical messengers in the body. Like proteins, peptides are composed of amino acids. When a chain of amino acids is over 50 acids long, it is usually called a protein. When there are less than 50 amino acids in the chain, it is a peptide. Essentially, a peptide is a portion, or a building block, of a protein.

What is a Peptide used for in skin care? The peptides used in skin care direct skin cells to behave in a certain way. Some peptides may tell the skin to relax and the result is wrinkle reduction. Others may stimulate collagen production, which will firm up the skin. The peptides used in skin care are synthetic. All fixed sequence peptides commercially available are patented. Manufacturers will typically combine synthetic peptides with a fatty acid to help it access the deeper layers of skin. For example, the fatty acid palmitoyl helps to improve solubility in the skin, allowing better penetration and function of the peptide. 

Synthetic peptides are very expensive and some manufacturers of skin care products may use very little in their formulas. Consult your skin care professional to ensure your products contain therapeutic levels so the product may show optimal results.

Examples of Peptides:

Acetyl Hexapeptide: Also known as Argireline. This product is marketed as “an alternative to Botox,” due to relaxing certain types of facial wrinkles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide: Also known as Matrixyl. It is the main ingredient in anti-aging products. It was originally developed for use on stretch marks. It works by stimulating the deeper matrix layers of the skin to increase the production and synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Professional Product Spotlight:

ExLinea^® Peptide Smoothing Serum

This technically advanced treatment formulation synergistically hydrates, smoothes and firms aging skin. It contains ingredients that relax the facial tension that leads to wrinkling; increase intracellular moisture; fight free radical damage and provide the skin with an immediate tightening and lifting effect.
Key Ingredients:

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
Sodium Hyaluronate
Squalene
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax

Pick up your ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum today, only at Fresh Faced Skin Care.

COOL AS A CUCUMBER

Cucumber is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and silica. Vitamin E promotes healing and fortifies capillary walls. Silica helps to strengthen the body’s connective tissue, benefiting not only your skin, but also your hair, nails, and bones.  In fact, drinking cucumber juice on a regular basis hydrates your skin and supports your liver in cleansing.

Cucumber works well with all skin types, from oily to mature skin. Here are just some of the positive effects that cucumber has on your skin:

1. Hydrating: Since cucumbers mainly consist of water, they act as very good hydrating agents. After all, keeping your body hydrated is one of the most basic requirements for keeping your skin healthy.
2. Soothing: Cools and soothes inflammation associated with skin irritations, such as   sunburns and rashes.
3. Anti-Aging: Potassium and Vitamin E present in cucumber seeds aids in the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.
4. Cleansing: Cucumber is also a great cleanser, especially for oily and problem skin types.

Try at Home Recipe:

 

Cucumber Mask

Ingredients:

3oz cucumber, very finely diced

3 tsp olive oil

2 tsp plain yogurt

Directions:
Mix ingredients into a fine paste. Spread a thin layer onto face. Allow to dry for about 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water. Skin feels soft, conditioned and clean.

Professional Product Spotlight:

Try the Cucumber Hydration Toner from Skin Script™, only at Fresh Faced Skin Care.

10 BENEFITS OF DERMAFILE™

What is Dermafile?

Dermafile is a skin polishing and resurfacing tool made of stainless steel and finely crushed cosmetic diamonds. The file lightly polishes skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. What’s left behind is velvety smooth, fresh, rejuvenated skin.



How does the Dermafile Procedure Work?

The Dermafile procedure is administered in the same way as a microdermabrasion treatment. The Dermafile may be passed over the skin several times to ensure that each layer is removed evenly and the esthetician may choose to concentrate on a particular area that has a high level of skin pigmentation or skin irregularities. A chemical peel may be applied to enhance results. The entire procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure can be performed once a month to enhance results and promote rapid skin cell regeneration. Over time, the skin will begin to produce more collagen and appear more youthful, toned and soft.

What are the Benefits of Dermafile Exfoliation?

1.    Can be used on all skin types- even sensitive skin

2.    Builds collagen and smoothes fine lines.

3.    Improves sun damage and evens skin tone.

4.    Helps remove age spots.

5.    Treats enlarged and clogged pores.

6.    Smoothes away dead skin cells and rough, bumpy, dry patches of skin.

7.    Smoothes away acne scars and other types of facial scars.

8.    Makeup goes on smoother.

9.    Skin feels silky smooth and clean immediately.

10.  Dermafile is a safe and effective microdermabrasion alternative.

Where Can I Get the Dermafile Treatment?

Fresh Faced Skin Care in New Castle, Delaware performs advanced facial treatments using Dermafile. The March Special, Spring Cleaning Facial ($99), features Dermafile exfoliation. Offer good for a limited time only: March 1- March 31, 2012. Call 302-689-3223.

http://www.freshfacedskincare.com/

Does Sunscreen Truly Matter?

Is it really necessary to wear sunscreen every day? The answer is YES. We need to use sunscreen every day, rain or shine (and winter or summer), in order to protect our skin cells from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV rays can damage the skin and cause damage to your cell’s DNA, causing mutations to occur. These mutations can lead to cancer.

 We are exposed to two types of ultraviolet light on a daily basis: UVA and UVB. UVA has a longer wavelength and less energy that UVB. However, these rays exist during the day and night and play a significant role in aging. UVA rays have been associated with causing fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation.  These rays can pass through glass (think your car window) and may be present in fluorescent lights (what’s that above your cubicle?). Prolonged exposure to UVA will damage your skin and will even show up years after the exposure takes place. UVB are the “burning” rays which are present during the day (even on cloudy days!).

So, what is the best sunscreen for protection? To answer this question, you need to be aware of the active ingredients in your sunscreen. For example, a sunscreen with both UVA/UVB protection which also includes antioxidants can help prevent future damage as well as assist the skin in repairing itself.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the multiple of time it takes for your skin to burn. For example, if it normally takes you 10 minutes to burn, and you use an SPF 15, you should not burn for 150 minutes (10 x 15). Bear in mind that SPF only applies to UVB rays and not UVA rays. FDA has specific labeling requirements for UVA protection.

Some of the most common chemicals used in sunscreens are oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, and avobenzone. These chemicals work by absorbing UVB light. However, they can only absorb UVB light until they become saturated. Once they become saturated, they lose their ability to protect. This is why we have to reapply sunscreen often, especially after prolonged sun exposure or swimming. These chemicals are great for protection against UVB light, but cannot protect us from UVA light. Remember that UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin, affecting collagen, elastin, and DNA. So, what can protect us from UVA light?

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide work as a sunscreen by reflecting the ultraviolet light, including UVA (think thick, white goop on a lifeguard’s nose). Micronized versions of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are now used and can even be found in some makeup formulations. These “physical” sunscreens are inorganic and generally do not produce sensitivity reactions, as a chemical sunscreen might.

Do you think it is more effective to use an SPF 50 sunscreen rather than an SPF 30 sunscreen? The answer is- it depends. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 30 absorb about 94% of UVB light. Increase that SPF to 50, and you increase the protection to 99%. That sounds good, right? By increasing the absorption power to SPF 50, you are also increasing the amount of potentially irritating chemical ingredients by 50%. For those with sensitive skin, this increase in irritants may be more of a risk than the extra SPF protection provided.

The bottom line is- sunscreen does matter. Whether you use absorbers or reflectors, UVB or UVA protection, you actually have to use them for any of them to work! It also doesn’t hurt to limit your sun exposure.

Why a Chemical Peel?

Many of us are looking for a simple way to improve our skin without surgery. A chemical peel is a treatment used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. This procedure uses a chemical solution, usually an acid, to dissolve away the upper layers of the skin in order to improve conditions such as acne, unwanted pigmentation or wrinkles. Chemical peels have been in use for a number of years and are a highly popular way to improve the texture and look of skin. Over half a million people have a session performed each year.

Typically with a chemical peel nothing actually "peels" off. During a chemical peel, the chemical solution is applied to the skin and is allowed to soak in. The solution works by destroying parts of the skin in a controlled way, causing new tissue to emerge. There are three basic types of peels that differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used:

1. Superficial Peels:  The mildest type of chemical peel. They can be used on all skin types. Superficial peels usually contain a mild acid, most often glycolic or lactic acid. There is little to no downtime with superficial peels.

2. Medium Peels: Penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels. Swelling and redness is common. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels, though the peel may also be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by TCA.

3. Deep Peels: Penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. They are used only on the face. A chemical called phenol is usually used for a deep peel. Physicians perform these deep peels, with anesthesia being required. Deep peels may tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation) and healing generally takes several weeks. A deep peel can be done only once in most cases.

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers three superficial peels, providing dramatic and visible results with little to no downtime:

·         PCA Peel: Excellent for correcting acne and pigment discolorations.

·         Sensi Peel: A gentle solution that strengthens and brightens even the most sensitive skin types.

·         Ultra Peel: Exceptional for treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Fresh Faced Skin Care is the only place in the state of Delaware featuring PCA SKIN^® professional products. After two decades of leading the way in the clinical skin care industry, PCA SKIN remains the trusted healthcare leader in the development of gentle, yet highly effective professional treatments. Call 302-689-3223 or visit www.freshfacedskincare.com for more information.

Say Yes to Chocolate

Is chocolate good for your skin? According to a German study, the topical application of chocolate produced the following benefits:

·         25% reduction in UV light induced skin reddening

·         30% reduction in scaliness

·         16% increase in density

·         13% increase in moistness

·         11% increase in thickness

THE TOP 5 REASONS TO MAKE CHOCOLATE

A PART OF YOUR SKIN CARE:

1.    Chocolate contains cocoa butter, which is has skin softening and smoothing properties.

2.    The fibrous coating of the cocoa itself breaks down free radicals. This helps to prevent wrinkles by protecting your skin’s collagen and elastin.

3.    Dark chocolate contains a minimum of 35% cocoa, making it a powerful antioxidant.

4.    The magnesium found in cocoa produces progesterone, a hormone that counteracts stress-related breakouts.

5.    Chocolate also contains caffeine which revitalizes and tones the skin.

Fresh Faced Skin Care is featuring dark chocolate for the month of February. Call and ask for the Sweet Passion Facial. This powerful anti-aging facial includes passion fruit enzyme for exfoliation, followed by a dark chocolate mint mask.

For a limited time only: February 1- February 29, 2012. Call 302-689-3223.

www.freshfacedskincare.com

Professional Wins by Knockout

You get bombarded in department stores by attractive saleswomen, bright displays and awesome packaging as you walk through seeking skin care products. Why not take a look and hear the sales pitch? This 0.5 oz. jar of eye cream must work because it’s $90, right? Is there truly a difference between professional skin care products and the alternative, over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products?

Billion-dollar cosmetic companies manufacture OTC products containing all the latest ingredients such as antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids, but will not disclose the percentages of such ingredients. This is because: 1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require OTC products to list product efficacy (i.e. percentages and/or pH) and 2. OTC products must be well tolerated for the average user. These products are designed to not cause irritation, even in the most sensitive of skin types.

Are the active ingredients in OTC products even effective (i.e. are they chirally correct)? Many companies manufacture OTC products with chirally incorrect ingredients because they are cheaper and easier to produce. Ingredients that are not chirally correct are one of the main reasons why certain skin care products do not deliver on the results that they claim. For more information regarding the importance of chirality, please read our blog post The Reality of Chirality, January 26, 2012.

Because OTC products are mass produced, thousands of a single cream can potentially sit in a warehouse for a year or more before it even reaches the retail shelf and eventually making it into the hands of the consumer. For the most part, the skin care products you purchase over-the-counter are aged, neutralized, and heavily preserved. Would you want to put that cream on your face? What if the cream was on sale for an unbeatable $20? Remember that OTC products include those sold in brick-and-mortar stores, the internet and on television. If anyone can purchase a product without a professional license, how do they know what they are getting or even how to use it?

This is where the professional esthetician plays an important role in helping to improve and/or clear up skin problems. Skin care specialists are knowledgeable about product ingredients and guide you to products that work with your skin type and particular skin problems. Salespeople generally don’t have access to scientific data on the product line they are selling nor do they know how ingredients will affect the skin while someone is taking medication, pregnant, have allergies or a health condition.

The health of your skin shouldn’t be taken lightly. Do your research before you invest in a skin care product and consult your licensed skin care specialist for more information.

The Reality of Chirality

All living things contain chiral molecules. The concept of chirality is this: molecules existing in two forms that are mirror images of each other. They are related but are not superimposable, just as your hands are. Chiral molecules are often described as being left-handed or right-handed. Chirality is very important in skin care when it comes to ingredient efficacy. Chirally correct ingredients are easily recognized by your body. Because of this, your cells can better absorb and utilize these ingredients.

Here are some examples:

Vitamin C:  Exists as L-ascorbic acid (L for levo meaning left) and D-ascorbic acid (D for dextro meaning right). D-ascorbic acid promotes drying, itching and burning. In fact, the D form of Vitamin C is used in turpentine and for recycling tires.

Vitamin E: D-alpha-tocopherol is the chirally correct form of Vitamin E. DL-alpha-tocopherol is a mixture of both right- and left-handed molecules. Some skin care companies use the DL form because it is cheaper and easier to produce. However, this form of Vitamin E is known to cause irritation. This is because the L form is not utilized by the body correctly and therefore does not produce the soothing property of the chirally correct D form.

So, what do these examples tell us? Basically, if an active ingredient is chirally correct, it will do the job it is intended to do. If the ingredient is not chirally correct, it won't work or may even do actual harm. Most importantly, ingredients that are not chirally correct are one of the main reasons why certain skin care products do not deliver on the results that they claim. For best results, use professional skin care products manufactured with chirally correct ingredients.

You Don’t Know Retinol!

There is an awful lot of talk these days about retinol and retinoids, Retin A® and Retinyl Palmitate. What is the difference in these ingredients and how exactly do they help your skin?

Both retinols and retinoids are the precursors to Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin.  Retinoids, such as retinoic acid (tretinoin), are the most active form of Vitamin A and are prescription ingredients found in the topical medications Retin A and Renova®. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an oral retinoid used mainly to treat cystic acne by reducing inflammation and oil secretion. Topical retinoids are thought to stimulate cell growth and differentiation, promote drainage of existing acne, and prevent the development of new acne lesions in the skin. Tretinoin has been approved for use in the treatment of acne and for improving photodamaged skin.  Specifically, tretinoin has been shown to reduce wrinkles and create a smooth skin texture by increasing dermal collagen production and decreasing melanin (skin pigment).

Retinols, on the other hand, are less irritating than retinoids and are found in a wide variety of over the counter products. Once retinols penetrate the skin, they are ultimately converted to retinoic acid and become active.  Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate) is known to normalize skin and readily penetrates into the epidermis and dermis. Products containing retinyl palmitate are substantially more stable than those containing retinol.

 Like retinol, retinyl palmitate must be converted by enzymes in the skin in order to become active. However, the metabolic pathway to convert retinyl palmitate to retinoic acid is longer. Because the conversion rate of retinol to retinoic acid is low and even lower for retinyl palmitate, a larger amount of these ingredients are needed in order for the cells to increase retinoic acid levels and produce effective results. Okay, so all we have to do is look for skin care products with high levels of retinol, right? Not necessarily! The following factors must be considered when selecting/using a retinol product:

1.    Skin care products with high concentrations of retinol may cause skin irritation, especially individuals with sensitive skin. If you can’t use the product due to irritation, it can’t possibly give you any benefits!

2.    Conversion rates of retinol and retinyl palmitate differ among individuals. The same product having the same concentration may benefit some people, but deliver little to no results in others.

3.    Retinol can degrade from oxidation if it is not formulated, stored, or used properly.

Considering all of this information, what is the best Vitamin A form for your skin? Well, the best way to get all of the skin rejuvenation benefits of retinoic acid is to actually use retinoic acid at an optimal concentration. However, this may not be a viable option for two reasons: 1. Retinoic acid requires a prescription and is relatively expensive. 2. Tretinoin tends to cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals or if used incorrectly. However, well formulated products containing retinol and/or retinyl palmitate provide an additional alternative that may be cheaper and, at least for some people, less irritating.

Ideally, it is important to find a stable, sufficiently concentrated formulation that does not irritate your skin. Consult your skin care professional as to which retinol product will work best for you.