Vitamin A aka retinoids seem to be the talk of the town, and rightly so! Vitamin A (and its many forms) has a long, clinically proven record of being highly effective at improving many skin concerns including collagen loss, lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, blocked pores, pigmentation, acne and scarring.

Vitamin A increases and regulates cell turnover and structure: creating a more luminous skin and helping to create uniformity of the whole skin structure.

What is the difference between Vitamin A and Retinoids?

They are the same thing! That being said, the term "retinoid" refers to three different states of vitamin A: retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. Ultimately, they all have the same types of skincare benefits; the difference lies in the conversion process they do or don't have to undergo in the skin to be effective, and subsequently how potent they are. The key thing to note is, vitamin A has long been used in skincare, it is a tried-and-true ingredient with a long list of proven benefits. These are a few -

 

• Boosts skin cell turnover
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Stimulates collagen production
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Is an effective acne treatment
• Treats post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Starting slow

It is essential to go slowly when introducing vitamin A into your regime. If it’s your first time using a retinol, we recommend introducing it twice per week to begin with and slowly increasing by an extra night per week, allowing your skin to slowy adjust. Some people will find even once their skin is adjusted they will only use their retinol a few times a week and use a more hydrating serum on the alternate nights.

Vitamin A reactions are not uncommon if introduced too fast. If this happens the skin can become red and irritated. Not to worry! Just stop using until your skin recovers (stick with a calming, hydrating serum in this time) then once your ready start using again, slowly! There’s no rush to increase usage.

Because vitamin A affects the skin on a cellular and structural level results are not always instant but can take months to be noticeable on the skin so be patient!

Contributes unclogging pores, making skin smooth, soft, even-toned, freaking RAD-I-ANT. It truly is a wonder ingredient and one that most skins will benefit from using.

Remember

• It is recommended to avoid Vitamin A during pregnancy, but it is safe to use when breastfeeding.
• Only use at night.
• Because of its power in increasing cell turnover, its crucial to use SPF every single day.
• It doesn’t need to be used daily to be effective. The best routines incorporate retinol only a few nights a week with a peptide or vitamin B serum used on the alternative nights.

Vitamin A for beginners

Not sure where to start? We have some amazing options. While we’ve listed them from beginner level, you can trust they’re all active, results-driven and beautiful on the skin.

1. Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitamin A Oil - Using Bakuchiol in lieu of Vitamin A which is a natural alternative that mimics the effects of Vitamin A making this oil pregnancy safe, luxurious and nourishing.
2. Josh Rosebrook Active Infusion Oil - With all the added bonus of Skin brightening Vitamin C.
3. Synergy Skin Vitamin A - Formulated for sensitive skins, so while potent it is a stabilised retinol and less likely to irritate.
4. Mukti Vitamin A Elixir -
5. Raaie Yellow Moonbeam Elixir - Potent! So introduce it gradually, then reap the rewards.

Still unsure what is right for you?

For more personalised advice please email us hello@thefacialist.co.nz, book an in-salon consultation HERE, or try our complimentary Skin Prescription Service HERE