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Skin Cycling: What is it and how will it improve your skin?

April 19, 2024/in Beauty Trends, Skincare /by Jo Boyden

Ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly maintain glowing, radiant skin? Well the answer could be due to skin cycling, a skincare concept that has gained huge popularity over recent months and for very good reason, after all skin cycling has the ability to transform your skin in a short period of time! If you aren’t familiar with skin cycling, you’re probably wondering how this is so, and what it even is! Keep reading as we reveal all there is to know about this skincare trend and how it may help improve your complexion too!

What is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a strategic approach to your skincare routine that aims to improve results while minimising irritation. It involves alternating between using active ingredients and nourishing ingredients. Instead of bombarding your skin by applying active ingredients every single night, you cycle through them over a four-night period, enabling your skin to rest for a few nights.

How does skin cycling work?

While there are plenty of variations to skin cycling, a typical skin cycle lasts for four days – two days “on” (otherwise known as “active nights” using active ingredients) and two days “off” (otherwise known as “rest nights” using nourishing ingredients). The theory behind this particular trend is to give the skin a break from products such asexfoliants and retinols which can be harsh or stripping if used consecutively over a period of time.

Your classic skin cycling routine

The skin cycling rotation begins with exfoliation on the first night(preferably with a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid), followed by retinol on the second. The third and fourth nights are dedicated to recovery with skin barrier-protecting serums and moisturisers to nurture and hydrate the skin. Then, the cycle repeats.

By alternating between active and rest nights, you allow your skin to repair itself and avoid overloading it with too many actives at once. The result? Better results without the irritation!

Why Skin Cycling?

With so many products out there from cleansers and exfoliators to serums, oils and more, (and let’s not forget the game-changing ingredients we all need to look out for in our skincare) it’s easy to overload our skin. So many of us will layer multiple ingredients night after night without considering recovery. Skin Cycling prevents this. Using specific products on different days regenerates the skin and improves skin quality.

Who will benefit from skin cycling?

Anyone can! If you aren’t getting the results you want out of your skincare routine despite using products with the best skincare ingredients, skin cycling could be for you! Or ff you suffer from skin irritation, skin cycling can work wonders! It prevents you overloading your skin with multiple active ingredients day after day. By avoiding overloading the skin you’ll maintain its health, balance, and overall well-being. Remember overloading the skin with excessive skincare products and ingredients can lead to skin issues or exacerbate an already existing condition! Firstly, it can disrupt the skin barrier, compromising its ability to retain moisture and protect against external aggressors. This disruption may result in increased sensitivity, irritation, and dryness. Furthermore, overloading the skin can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts, particularly if heavy or occlusive products are used. Finally, layering too many products may interfere with the absorption and efficacy of active ingredients, leading to diminished results. Simplifying your skincare routine can help streamline your regimen and ensure that each product effectively addresses your skin’s needs.

The best products to use for skin cycling?

Since skin cycling is all about exfoliation and retinol followed by repair and nourishment, these are the products we would highly recommend:

Days 1 & 2

Vie Collection Cleansing Gel with Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids – This foaming cleansing gel combines glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to stimulate cellular activity, break the intercellular glue between dead cells and thoroughly cleanse skin.

Pevonia Renewing Glycocides Cream – Combining glycolic acid with hydration hero hyaluronic acid, this treatment cream works to dissolve dead skin cells, improving skin texture and diminishing fine lines too! Skin resurfaces smoother, brighter and younger…seriously.

Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream – The ultimate anti-ageing night cream, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must have for photodamaged skin. Formulated with micro-retinol®, glycolic, and lactic acid, it effectively lightens, brightens and smooths skin.

Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol^® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol^® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol^® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol^® Serum and Micro-Retinol^® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results!

It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol® line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol^®! The addition of Vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol^®’s stability but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!

Days 2 & 3

Hubislab Premium Active B-tol Ampoule – anti-ageing and skin protecting this complex emulsion is formulated with a botulinum-derivative ingredient (similar to Botox) and hyaluronic acid which provides the skin with deep moisturization to maintain a radiant complexion.

Hubislab Moisture Max Hyaluron Complex 65% Ampoule – this outstanding complex serum combines hyaluronic acid, collagen and rosa centifolia flower water to quite literally blast skin with intensive moisture restoring elasticity and balance while protecting skin cells from free radical damage.

Hubislab Moisture Max Hydro Moisturiser – packed with hyaluronic acid, this moisture-rich, yet beautifully lightweight cream absorbs quickly into skin without any greasiness, providing skin with deep nourishment and a long-lasting luxurious feeling.

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s essential to pay attention to how your skin responds. If you decide to try skin cycling, start slowly and observe how your skin adapts.

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Sensitive skin, rosacea or redness? Which do you have?

April 12, 2024/in How To, Skin Concerns, Skincare /by Jo Boyden

Suffering from sensitive skin? Or is it rosacea perhaps? or maybe you are just prone to frequent redness and facial flushing? Identifying which of these common skin concerns you may have can be somewhat confusing, especially since they often share similar symptoms. But understanding their differences is essential as each condition can affect the skin in various ways!

Keep reading as we outline the differences between sensitive skin, rosacea and facial redness, helping you to determine the most effective treatment approach for your skin’s specific needs!

ROSACEA

Understanding Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps (papules and pustules). It typically affects the central part of the face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, and an overactive immune system may contribute to its development. Common triggers include sun exposure, hot or spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and certain skincare products.

Managing Rosacea

Unfortunately it’s not possible to eliminate rosacea altogether but you can effectively manage it and keep symptoms at bay! To manage rosacea you need to identify and avoid your triggers that can exacerbate symptoms.

Unfortunately. sun exposure is the most common trigger for rosacea. While we may all love long days at the beach, if you suffer from rosacea your skin sadly will pay a price. Not only can sunburn make flare-ups even worse, the heat from the sun can also increase your body temperature which in turn dilates blood vessels and triggers inflammation! So you’ll want to make sure you avoid direct sun exposure as much as you can and wear SPF daily. Just be sure to opt for sensitive skin formulations that won’t aggravate your rosacea.

Try Hubislab Herb 8 Soothing Blemish Balm SPF 30 PA++. It soothes and regenerates sensitive skin while protecting skin against sun damage, premature skin ageing including dark spots, and other external factors. Its clever formulation of Zinc oxide, UVA and UVB protection and 8 herbal extracts also ensures the prevention of wrinkles and inflammation.

Gentle skincare products formulated for rosacea prone skin, free of harsh ingredients such as fragrance, alcohol, and abrasive exfoliants, are also a must!

Look for products such as rosacea serum formulated with calming and soothing ingredients like green tea, licorice extract, chamomile extract, and French rose extract.

We highly recommend Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 rosacea skincare line – a soothing, calming and irritant free collection that not only alleviates redness and discomfort but also helps create a healthy skin barrier. What’s more for the month of APRIL. When you purchase the Pevonia rosacea RS2 Care Cream, you’ll receive the matching Cleanser and Lotion 50ml for FREE.

When it comes to concealing rosacea symptoms, mineral makeup can be a great go-to as well. For the best makeup products for rosacea according to the BC experts click here.

And finally try to relax more, stress less, reduce alcohol consumption and eliminate hot, spicy foods from your diet!

Sadly stress and anxiety, alcohol and certain foods can cause rosacea symptoms to really flare up! By getting plenty of rest and practicing meditation and yoga can help to keep stress and therefore rosacea at bay.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Understanding Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a common skin condition characterised by heightened reactivity to environmental factors, skincare products, and other external irritants.

Symptoms may include redness, itching, burning, stinging, and tightness.

Sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, allergies, skin barrier dysfunction, and exposure to harsh chemicals or environmental pollutants.

Managing Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires gentle care and attention to maintain its health and balance. From choosing the right skincare products to adopting lifestyle habits that promote skin resilience, you can manage sensitive skin effectively.

First things first, you need to manage sensitive skin by using gentle, non-irritating skincare products that are free of potential allergens, fragrances, dyes, and other irritating ingredients. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers, serums and moisturisers formulated specifically for sensitive skin and pay particular attention to moisturising. You want to keep your skin hydrated and nourished with gentle, hydrating serums and moisturisers. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, which help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and chamomile to soothe.

Our favourites:

Hubislab Post Rays Chamomile Complex 70% ampoule. This deeply nourishing serum is formulated with 70% Chamomile, combined with other natural nourishing and soothing ingredients including Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. It penetrates sensitive or irritated skin to calm, purify, protect and strengthen! Oh and it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory too!

Medicalia Gentle Cream. Rich in natural Ceramides, Phospholipids, Green Tea, Glycerin and Chamomile, this calming, nourishing cream effectively infuses the skin with antioxidant, nourishing, soothing, and hydrating benefits. It almost immediately reduces skin discomfort by desensitizing and shielding skin.

Phytomer Douceur Marine Soothing Moisturising Cream. This soothing and nourishing creams velvety texture leaves the skin subtly scented with an airy and bright blend of plum and bergamot. Day after day, it provides a noticeable reduction in skin redness and discomfort.

Next you want to consider exfoliation. Remember exfoliating is important even if you have sensitive skin, but once a week will be sufficient. Over-exfoliating can over stimulate sensitive skin and exacerbate your already irritation condition. You’ll want to opt for gentle exfoliants with mild ingredients like fruit enzymes or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and avoid abrasive scrubs or harsh chemical exfoliants.

Try the highly rated Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymes. It’s a seriously soft, silky and subtly scented exfoliant perfect for sensitive skin and it eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever!) It encourages cell turnover, revealing beautifully luminous and youthful skin after every use – no jokes.

Want to know more about exfoliation and sensitive skin and what to do? Click here.

It’s also essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, come rain, hail or shine! Choose mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause irritation.

We LOVE Hubislab Post Rays UV Protect Sun Block SPF50+ PA+++ not only is it formulated with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide so perfect for sensitive and ageing skin since zero irritation, it’s also rich in hydrolyzed Collagen and peptides keeping skin nourished, soft and supple! Its invisible matte formula also applies smoothly and stays on all day long!

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing stress, staying hydrated, getting enough beauty sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and protecting the skin from environmental stressors can help reduce sensitivity and improve skin barrier function.

FACIAL REDNESS

Understanding Redness

Redness, or erythema, is a common skin concern characterised by the appearance of red or flushed skin. It can be caused by various factors, including rosacea, sensitive skin, sunburn, allergies, irritation, inflammation, and underlying medical conditions. Redness may be temporary or chronic, depending on the underlying cause and triggers.

Managing Redness

Managing redness involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In addition to following a gentle skincare routine suitable for sensitive skin, incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea extract, niacinamide, and licorice root extract may help calm redness and soothe irritated skin. Sun protection is also crucial, as UV exposure can worsen redness and inflammation.

When it comes to your red face you need to start with the basics – choose a mild, hydrating cleanser. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased redness and irritation. Cleanse with care, using lukewarm water to avoid shocking your skin.

Try: Pevonia Sensitive Skin Cleanser. This beautifully light-textured cleanser gently removes accumulated impurities, while diffusing redness and irritation. Formulated with Chamomile and Calendula it delivers soothing, calming and desensitizing benefits to your delicate skin.

If your skin redness is potentially caused by dryness or inflammation a natural face mask or sheet mask specifically formulated to cool and calm skin can work wonders too!

Try: ELES Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask. Incorporating natural botanicals it soothes and reduces inflammation. Like a cool balm, this calming mask reduces redness and heat and restores a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.

WE totally understand that when you suffer from rosacea or skin redness you aren’t likely to forego makeup altogether. You do need to let your skin breath freely to reduce irritation though so its essential to opt for mineral makeup that will allow just this. Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog your pores.

Try: ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. As a sufferer of want for a better word ‘flushed skin’ I personally LOVE the best-selling ELES Mineral Powder Foundation! It’s one of my all-time favourites. It’s one of the most natural-looking, if not THE most natural-looking foundations I have in fact ever tried and being in the industry for 20 years I’ve tried many! It contains zero chemical nasties, instead, it’s packed with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, can be used as a buildable foundation from natural sheer to polished opaque (dependant on what you need) and it’s highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, working wonders at camouflaging facial redness while protecting skin against ultraviolet damage too!

Also a makeup primer will help ensure your makeup remains in place all day! And let’s face it we don’t want our makeup to slide off our skin and reveal a flushed complexion at any point right? Plus wearing a primer also creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup therefore preventing any further irritation.

If you’re prone to a flushed face we can’t get enough of ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer, it hydrates, soothes, calms and plumps skin with Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Chamomile Extract, Witch Hazel & Marigold.

And finally when your face is feeling particularly fiery, try a cold compress. A soft cloth soaked in cold water can work wonders to calm redness and soothe your skin.

For more of the best tips to fight the flush click here.

By identifying your triggers and following a gentle yet effective skincare routine you can radically reduce rosacea, sensitive skin and facial flushing symptoms and achieve healthier, happier skin.

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Soothing Solutions: The best ingredients for Sensitive Skin

April 4, 2024/in Skin Concerns, Skincare /by Jo Boyden

We all know that when it comes to our skin choosing products formulated with the right ingredients can be crucial, especially if you suffer from skin conditions such as hypersensitivity or rosacea! No one wants to apply the wrong products and risk exacerbating their already inflamed or irritated skin! But what if you don’t know what ingredients you should be looking out for? Well you’ve come to the right place. We have asked the BC experts which soothing ingredients (and products!) they would recommend, the best for sensitive skin. Keep reading as we reveal them all.

The best soothing ingredients for sensitive skin

From natural extracts to scientifically proven compounds, these ingredients offer relief and comfort while nourishing and protecting delicate skin.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a gentle herb known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties. It contains compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene, which help soothe sensitive skin, alleviate itching, and promote healing. Chamomile is often used in skincare products, including creams, lotions, and cleansers, to calm and comfort sensitive and reactive skin.

We LOVE Hubislab Post Rays Chamomile Complex 70% ampoule. It’s deeply nourishing, is formulated with 70% Chamomile, combined with other natural soothing ingredients including Centella Asiatica, and it penetrates sensitive or irritated skin to calm, purify, protect and strengthen! Oh and it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory too!

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola or tiger grass, is a popular ingredient in traditional Asian medicine for its healing properties. It contains active compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside, which help calm inflammation, boost collagen production, and promote skin repair. Centella asiatica is commonly used in skincare products for sensitive and reactive skin types.

For sensitive skin, skin affected by external factors or skin post treatment, centella asiatica can be a game-changer and we highly recommend Hubislab Post Rays Derma Regener Moisturizer. It’s rich in centella asiatica, as well as other hydrating and soothing ingredients including betaine and vitamin E. This moisturiser delivers intense hydration to the skin to soothe, eliminate sebum, calm inflammation and effectively minimise sensitivity.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is packed with antioxidants called catechins, which help protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe inflammation. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness, reduce irritation, and promote overall skin health. Green tea extract is often included in skincare products for sensitive skin due to its calming and protective benefits.

When you have sensitive skin, you want to ensure you look after your very delicate eye area too! We love the formulation of the Naturys Anti-Age Well Aging Eye Contour Cream. Rich in green tea, shea butter and peptides, it’s calming, nourishing and fast-absorbing, reducing signs of fatigue, puffiness and fine lines. And the peptides in this product help strengthen any skin sensitivity deep down at a cellular level giving it the building blocks it needs to repair itself at the surface and making it less reactive to daily triggers! It’s seriously good stuff!

Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract is a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps calm and soothe sensitive skin. It contains compounds like glycyrrhizin and glabridin, which help reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation. Licorice is often used in skincare products to address various skin concerns, including rosacea and eczema.

If you suffer from rosacea, we highly recommend the Pevonia RS2 Care Cream! This outstanding cream is not only rich in licorice but chamomile and green tea too! It’s calming, soothing, beautifully textured and delivers vaso-constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to skin. The results (and customer reviews) speak for themselves!

Oat Extract (avena sativa)

Oat extract is a natural ingredient that provides relief for sensitive and irritated skin. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds like avenanthramides, which help reduce itching and redness associated with conditions like rosacea, eczema and dermatitis. Oat extract also forms a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and soothing irritation.

We can’t get enough of the Pevonia RS2 Gentle Cleanser. This cooling, calming and gentle creamy cleanser has been carefully formulated for rosacea prone skin. It’s ideal for hypersensitivity thanks to its desensitizing and decongesting benefits of allantoin, french rose, green tea, chamomile, and oat extract!

Cucumber Extract

Cucumber extract is known for its cooling and soothing properties, making it ideal for calming sensitive or sunburned skin. It contains antioxidants and vitamins that help reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, and alleviate redness and irritation. Cucumber extract is commonly used in skincare products, including toners, mists, and eye gels, to refresh and soothe the complexion.

Try Pevonia Eye Makeup Remover. If you want to cleanse without irritation, this calming and decongesting eye makeup remover should be your go to! It combines cooling cumber, lettuce and arnica to effectively but gently remove eye make-up without pressure or friction. It really is lovely on sensitive eyes.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating powerhouse that can benefit all skin types, including sensitive skin. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to plump and hydrate the complexion without clogging pores or causing irritation. Hyaluronic acid is often found in serums, moisturisers, and masks designed to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin.

Don’t let the name hyaluronic acid put you off! If your skin is sensitive you still need it! And it will really do wonders. We absolutely can’t get enough of the Hubislab Moisture Max Hyaluron Complex 65% Ampoule, the results are outstanding. It’s a complex serum with protects cells from free radical damage while deeply hydrating and reviving stressed, sensitive skin. Its unique formulation including hyaluronic, collagen and rosa centifolia flower water offers intensive moisture to stabilise the skin’s biological balance and restore its elasticity while also tightening pores and reducing inflammation. Every time you apply it your skin’s barrier is protected and hydration is sustained for up to 36 hours! Yes that’s right 36 hours!

Aloe Vera

We all know about aloe vera, after all its renowned for its soothing and moisturising properties, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, aloe vera helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and hydrate the skin without causing irritation.

Try ELES Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask. Formulated with a plethora of skin loving and soothing goodies including; niacinamide, green tea, tea tree, hyaluronic acid, lavender, centella asiatica and of course aloe vera, this calming and deeply nourishing mask drenches skin in moisture, soothing and reducing inflammation. Like a cool balm, it immediately reduces redness and heat and restores a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. It’s also vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free and sulphate free! What more could you ask from a sheet mask!

Calendula

Calendula, also known as marigold, is prized for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains flavonoids, carotenoids, and saponins, which help calm irritation, reduce redness, and promote skin healing. Calendula is commonly used in skincare products for sensitive skin, including creams, ointments, and balms.

When your skin is feeling uncomfortable, tight and in urgent need of a quick soothing and comforting pick-me-up, our go-to is the Pevonia Phyto-Aromatic Mist. This beautiful mist can be spritzed onto skin any time of day immediately soothing, calming and hydrating skin with its perfect blend of calendula, chamomile, aloe and French rose too!

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a hydrating and soothing ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and promote healing. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin, preventing dryness and irritation, and supports the skin’s natural repair process. Panthenol is commonly used in moisturisers, creams, and serums for sensitive skin to provide long-lasting hydration and comfort.

When you suffer with sensitive skin, you’ll need to introduce a good cleanser and lotion formulated with soothing skin saviours to totally remove any makeup, dirt and grime without any irritation. Our go to cleanser and the one we at BC are loving is the Pevonia Sensitive Skin Lotion. It literally removes any excess grime remaining after cleansing, controls sensitivity and helps soothe skin’s irritation. Containing panthenol, calendula and aloe, it calms and moisturises skin. Your entire face will resurface decongested, soothed, and vibrantly refreshed after every use! We promise!

Remember, sensitive skin requires gentle care and nourishment to maintain its health and resilience. By choosing skincare products formulated with the best soothing ingredients, as recommended by the experts, you can effectively calm inflammation, reduce redness, and alleviate discomfort. Incorporating these soothing solutions into your skincare routine can help support and protect sensitive skin, promoting a calm, balanced, and radiant complexion ongoing.

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All you need to know about Retinol

March 14, 2024/in Ingredient Spotlight, Skincare /by Jo Boyden

If you’ve ever wondered what the secret is to some people’s youthful, or ageless glow, despite the fact they are in their 40s, 50s and beyond, it’s likely retinol!

The holy grail of the skincare world, retinol is a true multi-tasker, providing skin with a multitude of benefits from wrinkle reduction to pore perfecting and everything in between!

Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, we are here to tell you all you need to know about retinol and why you’ll want to add this powerhouse ingredient into your skincare routine.

What is retinol?

When it comes to reducing visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional raves about. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol helps to radially reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevents premature skin ageing including wrinkles and age spots. But there is so much more retinol can do for your skin…

What does retinol do?

In short, retinol is a true multi-taster! Here is the low down on what retinol actually does for your skin!

Retinol promotes cell turnover

When skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun it absorbs free radicals, which attack healthy cells. Retinol interrupts this process by attaching itself to damaged cells and communicating with them, helping them to act like healthy cells again. It also accelerates the turnover of skin cells encouraging the shedding of old, damaged skin cells and stimulating the production of new, healthy ones. This process helps in maintaining smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

Retinol reduces fine lines and wrinkles

One of retinol’s shining talents is its ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By promoting collagen production, it helps improve skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the signs of ageing.

Retinol fades dark spots

Retinol is a champion in tackling hyperpigmentation. It can lighten dark spots, sun spots, and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for discolouration.

Retinol unclogs pores

If you’re dealing with pesky blackheads or whiteheads, retinol can be your best friend. It helps prevent the clogging of pores, reducing the chances of acne and promoting clearer skin.

Retinol improves skin texture

Using retinol regularly can lead to smoother and softer skin. It aids in minimizing rough patches, refining texture, and giving your skin a more polished appearance.

Retinol boosts collagen production

Collagen is like the glue that holds your skin together. Retinol stimulates collagen synthesis, which contributes to improved skin structure, firmness, and overall resilience.

Retinol addresses acne

If you’re battling acne, retinol can be beneficial. It helps regulate oil production, prevents the formation of comedones (clogged pores), and promotes a clearer complexion.

Is retinol good for acne?

Absolutely! Retinol is a powerhouse against acne, regulating oil production, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. In fact its skin-renewing properties fade post-acne marks.

Can you use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

Yes! Hyaluronic acid and retinol are actually a dream team when it comes to skincare. While retinol addresses signs of ageing and acne, hyaluronic acid provides a burst of essential hydration. The combination of both ingredients ensures skin remains moisturised, plump, and balanced.

Apply hyaluronic acid first to hydrate, followed by retinol for its transformative effects. If the two ingredients are in the same product even better! Together, they create the perfect routine for a radiant and youthful complexion.

Can you use retinol and vitamin C together?

Yes, you can use retinol and vitamin C together in your skincare routine, but it’s important to use them strategically to maximize their benefits without causing irritation. Both ingredients offer potent anti-aging and skin-brightening effects.

Apply vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection and brighter skin. Use retinol in the evening to promote cell turnover and reduce signs of ageing. Start with lower concentrations, gradually increasing as your skin adjusts. Always use sunscreen during the day as both ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes, you can use niacinamide (vitamin B3) with retinol in your skincare routine. These two ingredients are generally considered compatible and can work well together to address various skin concerns. Niacinamide offers soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, complementing retinol’s anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits.

Using them together can help minimize potential irritation sometimes associated with retinol use. Incorporating niacinamide and retinol into your routine can contribute to a balanced approach for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin health.

Can you use salicylic acid and retinol together?

When using two potent, acne-fighting ingredients, it’s best to take precautions before combining them. Salicylic acid and other BHAs and AHAs are exfoliating ingredients that can potentially increase skin sensitivity when combined with retinol. If you are wanting to use both ingredients in your skincare routine, it is best to use them at night, on different days, and at different times and built up from there.

Can you use retinol when pregnant?

Unfortunately, retinol is generally discouraged during pregnancy due to potential risks. High doses of vitamin A, (of which as previously mentioned retinol is a derivative) may pose concerns for foetal development. Instead look at alternative skincare ingredients safe for pregnancy, like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.

Does retinol help with pigmentation?

Yes, retinol is effective in addressing pigmentation issues. It works by promoting skin cell turnover, which helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By encouraging the shedding of old, pigmented skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented cells, retinol contributes to a more even skin tone. Regular use of retinol can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of sunspots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter and more radiant complexion.

Is retinol good for sun damage?

Yes, retinol is definitely beneficial for addressing sun damage. Its ability to promote skin renewal and collagen production helps reduce the appearance of sun-induced wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Don’t forget though, it’s essential to use sunscreen alongside retinol to protect the skin from further sun damage and maximize its effectiveness.

Can everyone use retinol?

While retinol is great for those concerned with wrinkles, sun damage and acne, it can cause dryness, redness and peeling, so people with sensitive skin need to be cautious. Sensitive skin can however be trained to tolerate retinol with slow introduction.

Retinol is not recommended however for sensitized skin (reactive, inflamed and sunburn skin).

Always perform a patch test before applying retinol to the entire face to check for any adverse reactions. And remember retinol is a no go for pregnant woman or women breast feeding.

Can I use retinol every night?

Once your skin adjusts to retinol you can definitely use it every night! You need to understand that to reap the rewards of retinol though, there will likely be an adjustment period first. When you introduce retinol to your skincare routine, your skin might experience some initial side effects like redness, flakiness, or dryness. It’s like the initiation phase, but don’t worry, it’s usually just your skin getting used to this powerhouse ingredient. Gradual introduction and consistent use can help your skin adapt and benefit long term. Start by applying it one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application.

Remember retinol is best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive.

Oh and don’t forget your sunscreen! Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to slather on SPF every morning (but you should be anyway!!)

How long does retinol take to work?

Results from retinol skincare can vary. Some people may notice improvements in a few weeks, days even, while others might take a couple of months. Generally, it takes at least 12 weeks to see significant changes in terms of reduced fine lines, improved texture, and diminished dark spots. Consistency is key, and it’s crucial to be patient as the benefits of retinol often accumulate over time. Once you see results you will never look back!

What are the best retinol products?

With so many retinol products on the market, it can be hard to know which to trust, that’s where we, the BC professionals can help!

We highly recommend Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol^® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol^® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol^® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol^® Serum and Micro-Retinol^® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results!

It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol^® line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol^®! The addition of Vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol^®’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!

Looking for the best anti-ageing results? This range should be your go to. And for the month of March 2024 when you purchase a Pevonia Micro-Retinol^® Essential Moisturiser you receive a full sized Pevonia Micro-Retinol^® Foaming Cleanser for FREE!

But don’t just take it from us, our customers love the range too:

“I have been using this product for 18 months and I now have compliments all the time from strangers about my “amazing skin”. I use this product in conjunction with the cleanser/toner/serum and would recommend to anyone looking to improve skin texture!” Alice P

“This is the most beautiful cream I have ever used; light texture, non greasy, non shiny. Changes in my skin are an increased smoothing of lines and crepe-skin areas, softening, hydrating and contouring, and reduced pigmentation. Some results were instantly visible and now after three weeks my skin just keeps improving. I am 60 and tried this after other brands became ineffective. Now my skin appears luminous and more refined. So, I am going to purchase the whole range. Its a surprise to see a brighter smoother complexion at my age.” Annie

“I wake up with my skin glowing after using this. I noticed a smoothing of my skin’s texture and fine lines almost immediately.” Sam F

“I love this retinol serum! I have been using it for a while now and find it smooths out fine lines and adds an overall healthy glow to my skin. Love it!” Veronica

“As soon as the micro retinol moisturiser soaks in (takes a couple of minutes), my skin immediately looks smoother. Pores look smaller, and skin tone looks evener. I can’t recommend this enough.” Sabrina Thompson

“I’ve been using other Pevonia products for about a year and decided to try the Micro Retinol Serum to bump things up a bit. I saw almost instant results! Coarse lines, especially around my mouth have quite literally disappeared. Same thing for smile lines and crows feet. My 60 year old skin feels as smooth, soft, and healthy as when I was….well, I can’t even remember when my skin was this glowing.” Julie M