Super Serum


Posted on March 19th, by staff in Dermatological Advice, Obsessions, Products. No Comments

Super Serum

Kellett BOOST Topical Retinol Serum

$250 at Kellett Skincare.com and DLK on Avenue in Toronto

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Methyl perfluorobutyl ether, Methyl perfluoroisobutyl ether, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Retinol, Ethoxydiglycol, Camellia, sinensis leaf extract, Laureth-4, Bisabolol, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tocopherol and BHT.

Proven by decades of research, retinoids are the holy grail of anti-aging and skin-clearing ingredients. But not all retinoids are created equal.

“Retinoids refer to vitamin A products and within this group are retinals, retinols, and tretinoin. Some of the various names of prescription grade retinoids are retin A, retin A micro,” explains our medical advisor Dr. Lisa Kellett. However, Rx-grade retinoid creams are notorious for making you look like a wind-burnt lizard. “Though effective, these creams and gels can very irritating,” says Kellett, who explains that while the redness and peeling is sign that the retinoid is working, this frightening effect is the reason why many people discontinue its use before they can reap the visible benefits.

Kellett’s latest offering in her line of over-the-counter derm-grade skincare is set to convert both retinoid newbies and drop outs alike. How?

By using retinol, a less potent form of Retin-A that also has some strong science to support its effectiveness, in a liquid formulation that boasts a 1% concentration. 1% retinol is much more potent then regular store brands that usually have no more than .25%.

What’s more, you can use this serum with any night time moisturizer that you already have on hand – layer it underneath the cream to feed your skin some extra help. You can even use it around the delicate eye area to ward off lines.

“Our new retinol 1% serum allows you to control how much you use, making your skin less prone to irritation. For example, you can use one drop if your skin is a little dry one day and use 2 drops if it is oiler,” suggests Kellett.

A little goes a long way.

Contained in a dark bottle to perserve the stability of the retinol (sunlight can degrade it), this 30 ml bottle can last up to 6 months, making the cost of age-proofing your skin cheaper than a full tank of gas.

A closer look at how Retinol works to fight:

Wrinkles

Topical retinoids actually helps your skin act younger, on the molecular level! As we age, our skin cells behave more erratically, but skin cells contain retinoid receptors that help regulate how the cell functions. When you apply a topical retinoid on the surface, it penetrates down to the these receptors and gets to work at increasing cellular turnover and downgrading matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that degrade collagen). In short, retinoids help your skin retain those precious plumping proteins called collagen. Collagen is what gives skin its structure, firmness and elasticity. Repeated sun exposure breaks down collagen and, with age, usually around age thirty, cells produce less and less collagen to repair the damage. Skin begins to wrinkle, sag and lose fullness. That’s why every body over the age of 30 should be using a retinoid-based product in their skin care regime. “At prescription strength, retinol can also stimulate collagen renewal, which gives skin a younger, plumper appearance over time,” adds Kellett.

Acne and big pores

Retinol is a face saver for if you still get breakouts because it causes skin cells to turn over more rapidly within the pores so they are less likely to clog and become blackheads and whiteheads. It also can help shrink pores. “Pores become dilated because of excess oil and lack of collagen surrounding the pore. Vitamin A helps support the pore walls, keeping them tight and small,” explains Kellett. Additionally the amped up cellular turnover effect helps to brighten skin tone and even out irregular texture or fade spots left behind from acne (a common lament Kellett hears from adult acne sufferers).

Ready to take your skincare to the next level? Once  you use retinol, you’ll never look back. Buy it here.

 

Always wear sunscreen during the day when using retinol in your skincare routine.

 

 





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