Retinol face cream – before and after

The hype around retinol has been growing more and more lately. One of the reasons is certainly autumn, and autumn is the perfect moment to introduce retinol into your daily facial skincare routine.

We cannot avoid skin aging, facial wrinkles, wrinkles around the eyes, wrinkles around the lips, wrinkles on the cheeks, wrinkles on the forehead, facial acne, and an uneven complexion. All of this can cause frustration.

However, with the proper application and action of one powerful ingredient, we can accelerate the process of skin renewal and the creation of new cells.

 

What is retinol?

Retinol is an extremely powerful ingredient that stimulates the renewal of all skin layers. It restores the lost balance in skin cells. Its application and action in cosmetology and dermatology have been confirmed by experts. The action of retinol in cosmetics covers a wide spectrum of effects:

Removes and smooths wrinkles

• • Corrects skin damage
  • Clears pores
  • Removes acne and blackheads
  • Brightens dark spots
  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Brightens hyperpigmentation spots
  • Provides a “plump effect” to the skin
  • Anti-age effect

The regenerative effects of retinol for facial skin are the reason for its popularity among skincare enthusiasts.

Retinol, as one of the forms of retinoids, acts as vitamin A. In other words, all forms of retinoids act as vitamin A on the skin.

 

Forms and types of retinoids

In our skin, there are enzymes that can convert all types of retinoids into retinoic acid (tretinoin).

And it is precisely retinoic acid that is responsible for “communication” with skin cells. It “delegates” tasks and manages changes, such as “skin regeneration.”

How long it will take for enzymes to convert them into an active substance depends on the type of retinoid applied to the skin.

• Tretinoin or retinoic acid, if applied to the skin, will not require a “conversion.” In cosmetic products, it is found in concentrations up to 0.1%.

• Retinaldehyde or retinal, after application, converts into retinoic acid in one step. Its maximum concentration in cosmetics is 0.3%.

• Retinal esters (retinyl) require as many as 3 steps; they convert into retinol, then into retinal, and finally into retinoic acid. The maximum concentration in cosmetics is 0.3%.

• Retinol converts into retinoic acid in 2 steps. The maximum concentration of retinol in cosmetic products is 1%.

At the moment of applying retinol to the skin, its molecules penetrate to the middle layer of the skin (dermis) where it stimulates the production of elastin and collagen.

Over time, collagen and elastin can “hide” scars and “remove” acne. On the other hand, retinol on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) removes impurities, oil, and clears pores.

Pure retinol is available over-the-counter and without a prescription, while stronger retinoids are available exclusively by prescription.

 

Percentage of retinol

The total percentage of retinol you need depends on your skin type. For beginners, we always recommend lower concentrations of retinol.

INCEPTION 0.3% retinol
Inception 0.3% retinol is a fluid that effectively improves the appearance of the skin, giving it a glow that radiates freshness. It contains 0.3% retinol encapsulated in lipid capsules, which burst during application and release pure retinol, maintaining the freshness of the active substance and protecting it from degradation.

SKILLED 0.5% retinol
Skilled 0.5% retinol is a powerful, rich formula for skin rejuvenation. It contains a high 0.5% of retinol encapsulated in lipid capsules, in accordance with the latest NLC technology, to achieve the best result.

MASTER 1% retinol
Master 1% retinol cream is an extremely potent formula intended exclusively for skin that is accustomed to using high doses of retinol. It contains two types of active retinoids, of which 0.5% is the active substance HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) and 0.5% is retinol encapsulated in lipid capsules.

 

Best retinol creams – before and after

Aprive retinol creams are intensive and restorative anti-age creams for skin with visible signs of aging.

In other words, for skin lacking firmness, volume, and elasticity; for skin prone to irregularities, such as acne and blackheads, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation.

One of our product users described her experience: “With the help of Skilled 0.5% retinol and the hydrating Aqua perfector fluid, my complexion has never looked better.” Here, the Aqua perfector fluid cream was used after retinol for additional skin hydration.

 

How to use retinol?

Although there are always exceptions, retinoids are intended for all skin types.

The most important thing is to choose the appropriate concentration, i.e., the percentage of retinol in the product.

We have divided our retinol sets according to how often users have used retinoids so far. Retinol creams are applied in the evening to clean and dry skin. We recommend that you start with application 2x a week and gradually increase the frequency of application.

Retinol for beginners
Inception retinol set 0.3% is designed for beginners; it maximizes results while reducing the possibility of irritation. This gentle but effective formula contains 0.3% microencapsulated retinol, a vitamin A derivative known for its extraordinary skin regeneration properties.

Retinol for the experienced
Skilled retinol set 0.5% is adapted for experienced users. This formula contains 0.5% microencapsulated retinol. It is carefully designed to maximize results while reducing the risk of irritation, making it an ideal choice for users who have already developed retinol receptors.

Retinol for experts
Master retinol set 1% is intended for experts in using retinol. It is designed as an intensive, powerful, and comprehensive rejuvenation treatment. It contains two types of active retinoids in a combined 1 percent concentration.

Why is Aprive retinol serum different? The capsules in which the retinol is located burst upon contact with the skin and only then release the active substance.

Retinol in pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, we do not recommend the use of cosmetic products that contain retinoids. Be sure to seek advice from your family doctor to prevent and avoid possible side effects.

 

Retinol experiences

 

Side effects

We recommend not using Aprive retinol serum at the same time as products containing AHA and BHA until you test how the skin reacts to retinol.

In addition, we do not recommend using AHA and BHA on the same evening. Along with a retinol serum skincare routine, it would be desirable to include SPF during the day.

If you notice the appearance of certain signs of skin sensitivity, reduce the frequency of use. Before applying the product to the face, we recommend that you apply the product, for example, to the skin of the upper arm and monitor the skin's reaction.

Finally, skin sensitivity when using retinoids is the reason why the application of SPF creams during the day is necessary. While the application of retinol to the skin is recommended in the evening.

We are here for all your additional questions. Let us know your impressions after using the products.