Retinoids are the gentler cousin to retinol (Retin-A) and actually have a better long-term relationship with the skin due to it’s more user friendly and customizable approach. But it carries with it a certain mystique, one of caution and curiosity. And in such, is often misused or underutilized.

Let’s focus on the highlights first, retinoids such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate are basically a derivative of Vitamin A, and this critically acclaimed ingredient promotes cell turnover like no other. It can brighten skin tone, reduce acne, and boosts collagen production all in one.

But learning how to use it can be a bit tricky since it is known to have some mild side-effects like drying and flakey skin at first while the skin adjusts. Plus, it causes photosensitivity in the skin. But fear not! You have a trusted esthetician to walk you through the process.

With this potent friend of glowing skin, you want to start out easy. Balance is everything. Start out using the recommended serum every other night, then gradually move up as your skin adjusts. All truly good things take time. You don’t want to rush this process, you want to embrace it.

If for some reason your skin is adjusting more slowly than you want it, don’t push it. It will catch up to your every desire and you’ll be glad you paid attention to your skin’s requests. It is important to remember that retinol causes skin to be photosensitive and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product, so you only want to use them at night.  And during the day, you’ll want to embrace the power of SPF and WIDE-BRIMMED hat protection. Seriously, everyone looks great in a Sophia Lauren hat.

At Radiant Day Spa, we carry a wide variety of retinols with exceptional delivery methods and additional boosting ingredients. Talk to one of our experienced estheticians to find the right retinol for your skin type.