Retinol is a popular ingredient that can be found in many skincare products today. A form of Vitamin A, Retinol helps speed up the skin’s natural healing process and support the skin’s immune system by stimulating epidermal turnover in damaged skin to increase the speed of cell renewal. Retinol can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your skin by supporting collagen production. Collagen is a protein that your body naturally produces to provide structure, strength and support for skin. As the body ages, it produces less collagen and skin cells divide more slowly, causing the creation of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol can slow down these effects by helping support collagen production, essentially both reversing and preventing signs of aging.
Studies have also shown that Retinol can also aid in reducing the appearance of acne and blemishes as well as lightening the appearance of dark spots. Retinol acts as an acne-fighting topical by removing the top layer of skin that often clogs pores. Retinol can also decrease the production of oil through tightening the skin and killing bacteria that can cause further acne.
The many benefits of Retinol is why we collaborated with Jana Kramer, actress, singer, and winemaker, to create the Grenache Retinol Eye Cream and the Sémillon Overnight Retinol Serum!
FAQ About Retinol:
Q: When can I apply Retinol?
A: Retinol should always be applied at night! Retinol can cause skin sensitivity to UV light. Only apply Retinol before going to bed at night to avoid sun damage.
Q: I have never used a Retinol product before. How can I incorporate it into my skincare regimen?
A: When using a Retinol for the first time, use only 1-2 times a week at night and gradually increase usage to daily to avoid over sensitizing the skin.
Q: Can I use Retinol every day?
A: Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, we recommend initially using any new Retinol product every other day rather than every day. As your skin gets accustomed to the product, you can increase it to daily use.
Q: Are there any skincare products that do not interact well with Retinol?
A: It’s best to skip your Retinol product if you are using a chemical or physical exfoliant or acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. Combining these skincare ingredients can potentially cause irritation, dryness, and/or sensitivity. We recommend skin cycling where you alternate between using an exfoliant, Retinol, and moisturizer throughout the week to help prevent skin irritation but still receive the benefits of your regimen.
Q: Can using a Retinol clear my acne?
A: We recommend using an acne serum like the Skin Rhythm Balancing & Clearing Serum alongside a Retinol product to actively address breakouts in multiple ways. Skin Rhythm contains a gentle blend of AHA and BHA acids to exfoliate dead cells from the top layer of epidermis. Meanwhile, a Retinol product can increase cell turnover to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and also decrease oil production.
Q: Is the Retinol in the Grenache Eye Cream the same as the Retinol in the Sémillon Serum?
A: No - we use a Granactive Retinoid in the Grenache Eye Cream, and an Encapsulated Retinol in the Sémillon Serum. A Granactive Retinoid is a synthetic retinoic acid ester. In other words, it is a derivative of Vitamin A known to prevent and reverse the signs of aging and photo-damage. An Encapsulated Retinol is a molecule of Retinol that is held inside a carrier that allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin for better skincare results. Classic Retinol can be too potent and lead to side effects such as redness and irritation. Both Granactive Retinoid and Encapsulated Retinol provide the same age-defying benefits as a Classic Retinol but are more gentle on the skin.
Need a Retinol Alternative?
Unfortunately, a Retinol product may not be for everyone. Retinol products are not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing mothers. Fortunately, we have a solution for this! Instead of Retinol, pregnant or nursing mothers can use our Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer, which is powered by a botanical source called “Bakuchiol.” Bakuchiol, like Retinol, helps support skin’s natural cell turnover process and improves skin elasticity and skin texture. It is also a great alternative for people who have very sensitive skin and still want to address signs of aging.
