Why Vitamin A Should be Part of Your Skin Care Routine

Why Vitamin A Should be Part of Your Skin Care Routine

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I know what you’re thinking!  “OMG Erica, I don’t want to add ANOTHER product to my regime”.  I get it.  A lot of clients tell me that maintaining a good skin care routine is tough enough without the worry of constantly having to update it or add in the latest and greatest product. 

Here’s the thing, if you are coming in for regular appointments with me, I will help you with this!  At each visit, I’ll evaluate your skin and make product recommendations to help you achieve your skin care goals.  I’ll also tell you if adding in some of the newer products on the market makes sense. So, with that said, here’s why you might hear me recommend adding Vitamin A to your skin care routine.  

Why Vitamin A is A-mazing for your skin

Adding Vitamin A to your skin care routine is one of the best things you can do for anti-aging.  Vitamin A is available in multiple forms including retinol, retinaldehyde, retinol proprionate, retinoic acid, palmitate ester, retinyl acetate, acetate ester, and retinyl palmitate.   All these forms are considered variations of retinoids.

 

A retinoid has several jobs.  It works to:

  • Improve cellular turnover
  • Brighten skin
  • Prevent acne
  • Smooth fine lines
  • Boost collagen
  • Provide antioxidants to the skin

We all want one or more of these things for our skin, right? Of course!  So now that we agree we NEED Vitamin A, here’s how you’re going to get it. 

Products with Vitamin A

I have several products in my arsenal that can easily help add Vitamin A in the form of a retinoid  to your skin care regime but my favorite is one from my own line called Luxe Skin Care Alpha A Lite.  I formulated this product to be an effective topical Vitamin A serum that rejuvenates the skin, clears congested pores, lightens pigmentation and reduces fine lines. It’s safe for all skin types including acne-prone, sensitive, dry and aging skin. This is generally used at night but we’ll discuss the details of use during your appointment.

FAQS

  • Is there anything I need to be aware of after adding a retinoid to my routine?
    • Yes!  Retinoids trigger photosensitivity so it’s really important that you protect your skin using a broadband sunblock like our Prime Defense & Protect + Renew. 
  • Should I use a retinoid daily or take a break sometimes?
    • There’s little to no reason to take a break from your retinoid. The whole point is to sustain cellular turnover. However, if you’re one for being in the sun, especially in the summer, you want to limit use in the summer, especially if you’re not using SPF and reapplying. This is big! After all, we are trying to slow down skin’s aging.
  • Is it ever too early to begin retinoid use? 
    • Not really! The sooner you start taking care of your skin, the better off you’ll be.  If you are proactive and prevent skin issues, you won’t have to try and REVERSE them later when your skin starts showing signs of aging naturally.  In your early 20’s when skin has reached its maturation cycle and collagen begins to decline is optimal, paired with a lifetime of topical antioxidant infusion and sunblock maintenance. 
  • How do I find the right retinoid?
    • Many people may recommend prescription strength and argue that you can only get a quality product from a prescription.  I don’t believe you need prescription strength to get results. Instead, find a microencapsulated, OTC retinol. Small molecular sized, non-prescription retinoids absorb beautifully into all five epidermal layers where it converts to tretinoin.

But, remember, you don’t have to guess what is going to work for you.  I’m here to help you select the right products so get on my schedule for a consultation!

A Note from Erica

It’s important to follow instructions carefully on how to use your retinoids. I like to break clients in gently, especially those with sensitive skin, to avoid side effects like redness, flaky skin or irritation.  Clients with oily, thicker skin clients can use a stronger product like our Alpha A + without issue. 

Retinol degrades quickly when exposed to light and air. You should apply retinol to freshly cleansed skin at night and rub in for maximum absorption, then immediately apply Hydra Moist Moisturizer before bed. If irritation occurs you may want to stagger the nights you apply until your skin better tolerates the retinoid. 

Questions?  Contact me or schedule a consultation.