AHAs
AHAs work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to exfoliate the surface of the skin and reveal a smoother complexion.
They do this by:
1. Loosening the bonds between dead skin cells to allow them to come off your skin more easily.
2. Speeding up the natural cell turnover process to shed dead skin cells faster
Retinol
Retinol, on the other hand, enhances cell turnover deep within the skin, promoting the growth of new skin cells and collagen production.
1. It helps new, fresh skin cells come to the surface by activating special receptors in skin cells (called retinoic acid receptors).
2. Retinol makes the main type of skin cells, (called keratinocytes), grow and multiply. This means more fresh cells are made to replace old and damaged ones.
3. It stimulates special cells, (called fibroblasts) that make collagen, a substance that keeps our skin strong and flexible. More collagen fibers are then produced, which makes your skin look smoother
4. Retinol controls the enzymes in your skin that break down collagen and supports the enzymes that protect it . This helps preserve collagen in your skin.
Can using these potent ingredients replace my monthly facial or advanced treatments?
While retinol and AHAs are powerful ingredients that offer numerous benefits for the skin, they do not eliminate the need for facials or age-defying laser treatments.
Retinol and AHAs work best as daily support for regular, professional skin care services. They provide safe, at-home exfoliation, improve skin texture, lightly stimulate collagen production, and address certain signs of aging.
Rather than being an answer to skin concerns, they help ensure that you get the most out of your professional, advanced treatments and prolong their results. Facials and energy-based treatments provide additional benefits such as unparalleled cleansing, deeper exfoliation, and targeted treatments for specific skin concerns.
Age-defying laser and RF treatments target signs of aging, including wrinkles, uneven skin tone, skin tightening, and sun damage, offering more intensive results. The best approach is a combination of skincare with active ingredients, regular facials, and targeted, advanced treatments, tailored to your individual skincare needs and goals.
How to Use AHAs and Retinol
To effectively combine both AHAs and retinol for exfoliation and skin rejuvenation, consider the following tips:
Use AHAs in your morning skincare routine.
Apply a product containing AHAs, such as a cream or serum, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
Reserve retinol for your nighttime routine.
Apply retinol products to clean, dry skin before bed. Start with a low concentration and gradually increase usage to allow your skin to adjust. It is important to use retinol as directed and to follow up with a moisturizer to help minimize potential dryness or irritation.
Consider alternating days:
If using both AHAs and retinol daily becomes too harsh for your skin, you can alternate days. For example, use AHAs three times a week in the morning and retinol three times a week at night. This allows your skin to benefit from both ingredients without overwhelming it.
Be cautious with sensitive skin:
If you have sensitive skin or are new to these ingredients, introduce them gradually and monitor how your skin responds. You may find it helpful to start with lower concentrations. Experiment with skin cycling and giving your skin a break between uses of your exfoliating skincare products. Use a moisturizer that specifically strengthens your skin barrier to allow you to use active ingredients. Talk to your Total Wrapture skin technician about creating a routine for your sensitive skin and selecting from our AHA/retinol products that contain lower concentrations of retinol and AHAs.
At what age should I start using retinol and AHAs?
We generally recommend starting retinol and AHAs in your mid-late 20s or early 30s as it is the time when early signs of aging, such as fine lines and uneven skin tone, may begin to appear. However, thanks to their exfoliating, blemish-addressing powers, these exfoliating products should also be an important part of your skincare routine if you want to diminish acne scars.
Although it is good for the health of your skin to develop early habits for premature aging prevention, It is never too late to start using skin-rejuvenating care! You can proactively target signs of aging and establish a foundation for long-term skin health and vitality at any age.
Why the different time of use?
AHAs, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, can be used during the day because they primarily work on the surface of the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve texture. They do not cause photosensitivity, so they can be safely used in the morning as part of your skincare routine.
On the other hand, retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, should be a nighttime product as it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and may cause irritation if exposed to UV rays.
Hydration & Sunscreen
Both retinol and AHAs have exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells. This exfoliation process can lead to temporary dryness as the outer layer of the skin is sloughed off and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Ensure you maintain a well-hydrated skin barrier by using a moisturizer suitable for your skin type and consistently applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) during the day.
Don’t let dry skin get in the way.
Dryness is a common side effect when starting retinol or AHAs, especially if your skin is not accustomed to these ingredients. It is often referred to as the “retinization” or “purging” phase. During this time, your skin may feel dry, flaky, or tight as it adjusts to the exfoliating effects. If you experience dryness or flakiness, it likely means that your exfoliating skincare is working! Here are 2 time-tested techniques to help with this phase:
1. Begin with lower concentrations and adjust the use frequency of these products to allow your skin to acclimate. Gradually increase the strength and/or frequency of use over time. We carry retinol in concentrations of 0.3% to 1%. As for AHAs, the AHA/BHA cream is a great place to start, or the Exfoliant Forte cream if you want to step things up.
2. Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to hydrate and nourish the skin. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or emollients to help restore and retain moisture. Your Total Wrapture skin technician can assist you in choosing the ideal night moisturizer and day cream for your unique skin, ensuring your skin stays nourished, hydrated, and healthy with a radiant complexion.
You Deserve To Enjoy Your Best Skin
Taking care of your skin with quality ingredients and treatments is not a luxury, but an essential form of self-care. By providing your skin with the necessary tools to combat premature signs of aging and maintain optimal skin health, you can achieve a radiant and age-defying complexion.
Developing a comprehensive routine that includes active daily ingredients, regular skin-boosting facials, and occasional advanced treatments allows you to attain a dewy glow, minimize the need for foundation, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for your skin. Embrace self-care and love your skin by prioritizing its well-being.