Let's take a little trip together...a train ride to skin care utopia...
Hop aboard the A-Train, SkinTechie friends...it's first class all the way!
While we zip along our epidermal journey, let's discover the nitty-gritty of vitamin A, the big cheese of skin care.
Topically-applied vitamin A (called a retinoid), is one ingredient that virtually guarantees you superstar skin. Retinoids are absolute workhorses, fending off multitudes of complexion worries simultaneously! They clear blemishes & pores, fade uneven skin pigment, lessen lines, reduce dryness, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and can prevent basal cell & squamous cell carcinoma. Used correctly, retinoids provide a light-reflective clarity to skin that's just not possible with any other single product.
Quick Facts:
You've probably heard of retinoid's most famous prescription-strength brand, Retin-A. Other prescription retinoids include: Avita, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, and Renova.
Retinol, on the other hand, is simply a non-Rx level retinoid. These can be found in inexpensive formulas at the corner drugstore, or in fancier bottles at upscale department stores.
Though their effectiveness varies, each of these retinoids work similarly. Imagine your skin as an escalator. Skin cells start at the bottom of the stairs and slowly migrate upwards till they slough off the top. Retinoids differ as they journey to the bottom of your 'skin escalator' and shout, "Hurry up already!" They nudge skin cells up the steps faster, stimulating collagen production in the process. Other types of exfoliators, such as glycolic acid or fruit-enzymes, help cells already at the escalator's peak to be polished off.
But alas, there are some inconvenient truths on the A-Train.
If you've ever tried using the Rx version, you know what I mean. Unwanted hazards can include rashy, irritated skin, flaking, redness, & extreme tenderness. But wait! There's more! Retin-A's extreme exfoliation creates a compromised epidermis (your skin's protective barrier). This makes skin extra-vulnerable to sun's damaging, wrinkling, excess-pigment-bestowing rays. In short, Retin-A can leave you with side effects polar opposite your optimum complexion destination.
So how to minimize or eliminate these nasty travel companions, while still being on the receiving end of Vitamin A's goodies? Peek through your A-Train's window-seat for options...
Window number 1:
Use Rx-strength 'A' once or twice a week only. If desired, slowly try building tolerance to every other night or nightly. Top off with moisturizer about 20 minutes after applying Retin-A to clean, dry skin. If bedtime is calling you, nix the 20 minute wait: Just mix equal parts of both in your hands and apply. This inhibits Retin-A's penetration somewhat, but is a far better option than having raw, irritated skin as a result of skipping hydration.
Window number 2:
Try over-the-counter retinol. You'll have little to no irritation traveling this route, but to be blunt, you'll have little to no results, either.
Window number 3: (Oooh! Check this one out--my favorite window)
Hark! There's a new retinoid to be had, and it literally makes me swoon.
Its name is retinaldehyde.
I know, kind of a scary name. But it's your complexion's new BFF, and it's my deepest pleasure to introduce you two.
Retinal is its shortened name. Note it's spelled a bit differently than retinol, but it's actually a world apart. A new & improved world, and totally worth the visit!
Retinal crams in all the famed rejuvenating effects of Retin-A without side effects.
More astonishing, my favorite brand of retinal does so without increasing sun sensitivity. With this retinal, you're privy to all the wrinkle-busting, zit-zapping, photodamage-squashing that Retin-A is famous for, with no epidermal irritation. Just think...It's like the dating the gorgeous hunk (or pretty lass) who bewitches you with smarts, humor, & sass, but does it kindly. All the good with none of the fuss. Sign me up!
Retinal, though not medical-strength, is an immediate precursor to Retin-A. Kinda like its first cousin. Lower-end retinol is a mere 3rd cousin once removed.
Alas, most retinal formulations have not made their star ingredient shine. As is true with ALL forms of topical vitamin A, its molecular size is too large to effectively penetrate skin. That's why Retin-A is so irritating. To make it skin-permeable, companies put vitamin A in a highly acidic formula to force-feed it into skin, which naturally irritates the heck out of your complexion.
Fortunately, I've discovered retinal's holy-grail version. Osmosis is a physician-created line of retinal products in a patented, liposomal delivery form. Their retinal formulas completely bypass the epidermis, heading straight to the dermis (bottom of the skin-escalator). This keeps skin's top layer healthy and intact, thereby insuring it against extra sun sensitivity. Osmosis retinals also contain a high level of niacinamide, which helps build a stronger epidermis to make it MORE resilient to UV-light and other environmental aggressors. Plus, niacinamide is clinically proven to naturally fade sun spots.
Osmosis offers differing strength retinal formulas: Calm, for rosacea or sensitive skin, Clarify for oily skin or acne, Renew for anti-aging, and Boost, a super-potent concoction used a few times a week to rev up any skin's results.
Osmosis Infusion is their most potent retinal solution. An in-studio peel treatment, this juiced-up elixir can stimulate and reinforce premium results, and is still safe for all skin types.
Where must I roam to acquire this hailed skin hero?
SkinTechie's Santa Monica-based skin studio carries it! Feel free to contact me for purchasing details.
Email SkinTechie: Sara@SKINsantamonica.com
Ph# 310.339.6783
Instead of train-travel, I happily ship products anywhere.
Hope you enjoyed the ride. Your journey on the A-train is now complete!
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