VITAMINa

Article Written by:
Linda F., Esthetican/Skin Care Specialist, Elle's Esthetic Studio

Benefits of using Vitamin A - Retinol
Recommended around 40 yrs and up or 30s if skin shows signs of sun damage!

Retinol is pure and active Vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the few substances with
a small enough molecular structure to penetrate the outer layers of the skin and
work to repair AND stimulate the lower layers of the skin where collagen and
elastin reside creating firmer smoother skin. Retinol is vital for the formation of
healthy skin cells. It regulates epidermal cell growth and development that is
required for normal reproduction of basal cells.

Topical application helps smooth dry, thick, rough skin and improves elasticity.
Studies also indicate that retinol can increase collagen synthesis and epidermal
thickness as well as treat dermatological disorders such as acne, follicular and
lesion papules, actinic keratosis, oily skin, and rosacea.

Retin A will help minimize fine wrinkles, slow down the appearance of new ones,
address brown spots, smooth the texture of the skin, give skin more of a
glow,(youghtful appearance) thicken the epidermis and stimulates new cells to
come to the surface of the skin. Retinol can act the same as Retin A if given in the
proper doseages, just takes a little longer for results. Retinol can still make you
red and peely like prescription retin A so for some it is best to use the product
every second or third night at the beginning and then gradually work up to
nightly. Some Vitamin A creams have anti-irritants in them keeping this side
effect to a minimum to none such as in Dr. Renaud's case!!

Retinol products are excellent for those who worship the sun or did in the past !!!!
Prescription Vitamin A from your doctor should not be used while pregnant

Benefits of using Vitamin C
Discolorations, Firming, Very helpful in tightening pores, making them less visible!
IT IS NORMAL FOR SKIN TO FEEL TIGHT AND TAUGHT WHEN APPLYING VITAMIN
C PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY SERUMS.
As an acid, it gently exfoliates, leaving the skin's surface soft and smooth. As an
anti-oxidant it gets rid of all of the damaging free radicals. It boosts collagen promoting
a firmer skin and then regenerates damaged skin, especially sun damaged skin. Usually
serums are the best type of applications for repairing the skin as they penetrate rapidly
and is the highest potency available in vitamin c products!

Vitamin C lifts tiredness from the skin and stress, leaving it looking brighter. It also
prevents free radical damage, as it is a strong anti-oxidant. Free- radicals form from
pollution and attack cells causing them to degenerate, leaving an unhealthy skin. The
pollution comes from both internal and external sources such as sun, air pollution,
stress, fatigue and smoking. Vitamin C basically does everything to combat/repair skin
damage and ageing. C Serums can be used at any age!

Vitamin C, being an anti-oxidant, reduces the sun damage caused on the skin by
neutralizing free radicals, thus reduces sun damage to an extent. Though it cannot be
used as a sunscreen, but if formulated or used with sunscreens, it adds to the property
of protection against sun damage. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen and elastin
production in the skin. As we age, we lose collagen. We also lose collagen because of sun
exposure.
Vitamin C helps reduce this loss of collagen. Vitamin C topicals are therefore used to
reduce age lines and sun damage. It may also protect against sunburn to a certain
extent.

Vitamin C serums should be applied 1 to 2 times daily. If your skin is dry, once
daily is sufficient.

Quick Links to my other articles

Collagen

Antioxidants

Soy