Why Retinol is the Gold Standard for Cellular Renewal
Back to BlogVitamin A covers a group of powerful molecules which promote skin renewal
Our skin is a complex matrix. As the skin ages the stability of the function and structure are impacted. This is as a result of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors which contribute to a progressive loss of the integrity of the skin.
Intrinsic (remember ‘inner’) ageing is caused by genetic factors along with the accumulation of biological ageing of the cells, which are impacted by damaging products of cellular metabolism. Extrinsic (remember ‘external’) ageing comes from the environment and factors around us, such as sun damage and pollution, although this does to an extent influence intrinsic ageing due to metabolic stressors which come from an accumulation of DNA damage.
Additionally women also have a drop in estrogen levels as they get older which can impact and influence the integrity of the skin.
So, what is Retinol and how can it help?
Vitamin A covers a group of molecules derived from retinal, which is a powerful antioxidant responsible for increasing cellular renewal. When applied directly to the skin it has some wonderful benefits.
Retinoids have a mounting body of evidence supporting their use as topical anti-ageing products. Retinol has long been viewed as the gold standard in anti-ageing. It is the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid in the skin with the assistance of enzymes aids normal skin development. More recently, there is mounting evidence in its role in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and the ability to promote the production of collagen.
With regular use retinol can positively affect skin ageing, with lines being softened and visible ageing slowed. High dose retinol products even have the ability to reverse sun damaged skin, commonly known as photo-ageing.
Many retinoids can cause skin dryness and irritation which if overused poorly impact the skins natural protective barrier which can lead to dryness and damage potentially even accelerating ageing. Therefore if you are using a retinol you may want to consider layering and buffering the retinol with natural moisturising factors as as hyaluronic acid underneath and a glycerin containing moisturiser on top.
Retinoids also affect the skins sensitivity to the sun, which if not used correctly can cause adverse affects and again in turn accelerate skin ageing. If you are using a retinol containing product then be sure to use a high protection SPF.
Not all Retinols are Created Equally.
Due to the irritation and sensitivity that retinol causes we carefully formulated our Sleeping Mask to combat these. Using a high dose Micro-Encapsulated Retinol which vastly reduces any irritation. In addition NMF’s, hydrating aloe, micro algae and cold pressed plant oils all work to hydrate and nourish the skin.
The Josie Dream Mask contains 5% Micro Encapsulated Retinol
A biodegradable delivery system specifically designed to deliver oily or lipophilic active agents including fat soluble vitamins and botanical extracts into the outer layer of the skin – the stratum corneum. Biomimetic by design: The structure is based upon natural high density lipoproteins (HDL) responsible for transporting fats around the body (good cholesterol). Biodegradable and enzymatically break down in the skin.
Exceptionally small size: the micro-encapsulated retinol is able to penetrate the aqueous pores that surround the fatty of lamellar layers of the stratum corneum and degrade slowly to release their contents into the deeper layers of the skin. The outer layer of the skin therefore acts as a reservoir for the active substance ensuring a more even release profile.
Additionally, incorporated is 1% Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is the first natural alternative to Retinol without having any of the negatives associated with Retinol. Well-defined compound (purity over 99%), Bakuchiol has clinically demonstrated to reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles as efficiently as retinol, with a better skin tolerance
