A recent high-profile television documentary in the UK has once again demonstrated the effectiveness of using Retinol to treat accumulated skin damage caused by long term sun exposure, lifestyle factors and environmental ageing.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A—the most famous, most researched, most clinically proven vitamin for topical application to treat a whole range of skin concerns including wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation and loss of firmness. There are more than 1000 published studies on the skincare benefits of Vitamin A and it’s responsible for regulating the health of DNA in every cell of the human body—so it’s a must-have ingredient for Alpha-H formulators.

Retinol works best when added gradually to an existing night-time routine so at Alpha-H we offer three different ‘strengths’ in our formulations – allowing you to get maximum benefits with less downtime.

Vitamin A Serum

Our Vitamin A Serum contains 0.5% Retinol. The Retinol is time-released whilst you sleep making it ideal for newbies and “Retinol-virgins” or for those with a more delicate or potentially reactive skin.

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Beauty Sleep Power Peel

Beauty Sleep Power Peel contains 0.5% Retinol and more proactively “reboots” the skin’s metabolism for smoother, firmer skin and a brighter, more even tone. Use it at night once or twice a week as a sleep-in power facial.

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Liquid Gold Intensive Night Repair Serum

Finally, Liquid Gold Intensive Night Repair Serum contains 1% Retinol, the highest allowable percentage for an over the counter product. Use it on an alternate night to the original Liquid Gold formulation and layer it under your night cream for a much firmer, visibly more even skin with vastly increased suppleness and an almost glass-like finish.

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If you’re completely new to Retinol, always bear in mind that it’s important to introduce it gradually as the skin’s metabolism takes time to speed up and can exhibit some initial signs of resistance. These signs can include temporary flaking, mild breakouts and a drying effect. This should disappear about 2-3 weeks after the skin has adjusted, but one option is to reduce the frequency of application of the vitamin so that the skin can adjust at a slower pace. For this reason, we recommend you introduce Vitamin A “low and slow”. Start with the Vitamin 0.5% Serum two nights a week before gradually increasing the frequency of use and the dosage. This gives your skin time to acclimatise and achieve the best results with less downtime.

If you have any questions about Retinol or how best to introduce it into your own routine, please contact our Alpha-H therapist team for more advice via live chat or request a live online skin consultation.

Alpha-H Skincare image
Alpha-H Skincare image

New to Retinol and unsure where to begin?  

Retinol works best when added gradually to an existing night-time routine. The golden rule “go low and go slow” is a great one to apply with Retinol to achieve maximum results with minimum downtime. Start with a lower percentage formula 1-2 evenings a week, gradually building to alternate evenings once your skin is responding well. You can then think about increasing the percentage over time. 

Vitamin A Serum 

Vitamin A Serum contains 0.5% Retinol which is time-released while you sleep, improving delivery into the skin for better efficacy. This creamy nourishing serum also boasts skin supporting lipids like calming Evening Primrose Oil and antioxidant Tomato Fruit Extract, making it ideal for those with a more delicate or potentially reactive skin, or those new to Vitamin A.  

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Beauty Sleep Power Peel 

Beauty Sleep Power Peel contains 0.5% Retinol combined with dual exfoliating ingredients Glycolic Acid and Papaya Enzyme, to proactively speed up the skin’s metabolism for smoother, firmer skin and a brighter, more even tone. Those new to Retinol and accelerating acids may like to apply this one as a 5-10 minute wash off mask once a week to help build tolerance. Familiar with Retinol and looking to supercharge your regime?  Use it at night once or twice a week as a sleep-in power peel. 

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Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum 

Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum combines 1% Granactive Retinoid with powerful age-defying skin revitaliser Glycolic Acid in an industry first, overnight treatment. A new era form of Vitamin A, Granactive Retinoid acts similarly to a prescription Retinoid without the associated downtime. Boosted with powerful antioxidants and skin plumping Tripeptide-5, apply Midnight Reboot Serum on alternate evenings under your preferred night cream for a visibly firmer, more even complexion with vastly increased suppleness upon waking.  

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If you’re completely new to Retinol, bear in mind that it’s important to introduce products gradually as the skin’s metabolism takes time to speed up and can exhibit some initial signs of resistance including temporary flaking, mild breakouts, or a drying effect. This is completely normal and should settle after the skin has adjusted.  

If you’re still unsure, or have any further questions about Retinol or how best to introduce it into your own routine, click here to book in for a Live Virtual Skin Consultation with one of our qualified Skin Specialists.