Let’s face it – we’re all concerned with aging. Shopping for anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products however can be overwhelming, with so much product on the market. There is one ingredient however in anti-aging products that truly stands out, and is widely used and well-researched for its considerable anti-aging effects. That being retinol.
We asked the founder and owner of California based The Facial Lounge skin care company, Amber Johnson, to share her 25 years of industry knowledge on retinol. Founded in 2000 in Corona del Mar, Amber Johnson’s speciality is reparative skincare, and her custom organic, top-notch skincare products deliver remarkable results.
Johnson highly recommends the use of retinol for its many benefits with her product Retinol Resurfacing Night Treatment:
- Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Retinol helps acne by exfoliating the skin’s outer layer which helps to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and oil from pores. This in turn helps reduce breakouts.
- Retinol helps with fading dark/age spots (helping even skin tone) and helps boost production of collagen and elastin.
- Keeps skin looking healthy and fresh, and brightens your skin.
Amber answers some key questions regarding retinol use:
- When should I start using retinol? You could start in your 20s with every other night usage and increase as needed and as your skin tolerates the product.
- How do I incorporate retinol without any irritation? Find a retinol product that has a proper delivery system and formula to support any potential irritation. Facial Lounge’s retinol is encapsulated and time released allowing for slow penetration and no irritation.
- What retinol strength should I use? That can depend on your individual needs.
- What’s the difference between retinol, retinA, and retinoids? RetinA is a vitamin A derivative and is a topical treatment prescribed by a doctor. Retinoids are another topical that is typically stronger and also needs a doctor’s prescription.
- How to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine? Retinol is recommended for evening use. If a client has never used retinol before, I like to suggest using once every other night and then as skin adapts, go to every night.
- What products should I not use with my retinol? I do not suggest blending/mixing with another product, but it can be layered depending on clients needs. Combining retinol with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c is a good combination.