Now that you have Step 1 (Cleanse), Step 2 (Prevent) and Step 3 (Protect) mastered, you may find that your skin still could use a bit of extra help to achieve that healthy glow you’re aiming for and depending on your individual needs, Step 4, which aims to treat and correct any lingering concerns, delivers just that. Step 4 can be summarized in one word: retinoid.
If there’s one ingredient that is a must for anyone concerned about youthful skin, it’s a retinoid. Derivatives of Vitamin A, retinoids provide a range of benefits to skin including:
- A reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- An increase in the production of collagen and elastin
- An increase in skin cell turnover
- Skin brightening
- A reduction in the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation
- An increase in skin moisture content; protection against UV damage
- A reduction in oil production
It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not! If there’s one thing that all dermatologists agree on (apart from daily sunscreen use), it’s the addition of a retinoid to your skin care routine. Retinoids may have gotten a bad rap in the past due to possible redness, irritation and dryness, but used correctly (introducing it gradually to allow the skin to adapt, using a moisturizer over top when needed and applying only at night), a retinoid can give visible results in as little as four weeks.
Our favorite is Apothekari’s A is for Anti-Aging which contains stabilized retinaldehyde – an effective yet gentle treatment. Many of our customers who have been unable to use other retinoids have found A is for Anti-Aging to be very well-tolerated while packing an impressive beneficial punch. We like to call it a facial in a bottle.
While a retinoid may be your new BFF, don’t discount the importance of other treatments should you need them:
- A good moisturizer if your skin is dry
- Acne/blemish treatments for oiliness
- Skin lighteners for hyperpigmentation
Plus a host of other effective ingredients to manage skin sensitivity, puffy eyes, dark circles etc. A good skin care regimen should be tailored to your specific needs. And that’s what step 4 is all about.
