A retinol is a natural vitamin A and belongs to the family of retinoids. Vitamin A is needed for a wide variety of biological functions, including embryonic development, tissue maintenance, vision, regulation of inflammation, among their biological processes. The way that it works is the retinol is metabolized to retinoic acid by entering the epithelial cells, binding to a specific protein and then metabolizing to retinoic acid. The retinoic acids bind to retinoic receptors, thereby activating them. When this happens, they transfer genetic instructions from DNA to the cell’s protein-producing factory and tell it to assemble proteins needed for skin cell function. Therefore, when you apply retinol topically, it causes an extensive amount of skin desquamation (making a great peeling agent).
The SkinCeuticals Retinol is available in strength .5% and 1%. These retinol products help stimulate cell regeneration and build collagen to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots from both photo – and intrinsic aging. Additionally, they help minimize the appearance of pore size while correcting blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin. Retinol 0.5 contains 0.5% pure retinol and is recommended as a prerequisite to SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0. The SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 contains 1% pure retinol and should be used for advanced treatment of pre-conditioned skin. Both are great for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven tone. Buyer Beware: purchase these products from authorized partners with SkinCeuticals only, such as Lotus Skin Care Center and Medi Spa. You may find a list of authorized dealers on the SkinCeuticals website (http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/members/locate_professional.aspx). Sources that are NOT on this list are dispensing products that are expired or counterfeit!
As Lotus Skin Care Center & Medi Spa proudly uses the SkinCeuticals line, a SkinCeuticals Retinol booster is also available as an add-on to MicroPeels in office. The SkinCeuticals Retinol Booster (available in .5 or 1) is wonderful to be used in conjunction with a MicroPeel to enhance visible post-peeling epidermal shedding. Using the booster will result in a more intensive treatment of photodamaged and intrinsically-aged skin. In conjunction with the peel, it will improve the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and laxity, and significant improvement in elastin. The SkinCeuticals Retinol Booster is also recommended to be used up to three nights subsequent of your MicroPeel.
Always remember that retinol is PHOTOSENSITIZING, so a broad spectrum sunscreen is a MUST when using retinol. Retinol products should not be used by pregnant women, or women who intend to become pregnant in the near future. Although there are no reports of topical retinol having any negative effects on fetal development, some problems have been reported with oral retinoic acid medication.
If you’re interested in a MicroPeel, schedule a free consultation with Lotus Skin Care Center & Medi-Spa. Friendly and knowledgeable estheticians will evaluate your skin and decide on the peel type and strength that will deliver ideal results.
