Your A+ Guide To Vitamin A
Vitamin A, Retinol, Retinoids… you have most likely heard of all these before, but what exactly is the difference? Well, when it comes to Vitamin’s in skincare… Vitamin A is at the very top of our list (alphabetically speaking) and we will breakdown why it should be for you too!
The Vitamin A Breakdown
Retinol Esters (Retinyl Palmitate and Retinyl Acetate) these are your gentle, supporting forms of Vitamin A’s – a great starting point if you are new to this ingredient!
Granactive Retinoid is the next step up, but still a gentle form of retinoid.
Retinol is a strong and active retinoid proven to produce results from concentrations as little as .01%
Retinal (or Retinaldehyde) is a very strong retinoid and is the closest (over the counter) you can get to prescription retinoids.
Prescription Vitamin A (e.g. Tretinoin) is the strongest form of Vitamin A, you can only access this with a prescription from a GP or dermatologist here in Australia – you won’t find this in any skincare!
Retinol Alternatives
These ingredients can most definitely walk the walk as great supporting ingredients or replacements of the standard Vitamin A’s we mentioned above.
Bakuchiol is a vegan, plant-based retinol alternative, a gentler option to traditional retinols.
DermaPrep™ is a multifunctional retinoid mimicking peptide supporting skin rejuvenation.
Lanablue™ is a blue-green algae extract with a blend of phytoretinoids that make it a great Vitamin A alternative with the minimised risk of irritation.
Step Up Your A Game
When implementing a Vitamin A or Vitamin A alternative product into your routine for the first time, a good rule of thumb is; Start Low, Go Slow. Introducing any new product into your routine, we always recommend a patch test and starting off just a few times a week, and then increasing nightly usage if necessary. We always recommend consulting a professional Aspect therapist to find the best products suited to your skin concerns. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging.
The A+ Benefits
- Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Highly effective at rejuvenating skin
- Exfoliating properties allow for ultimate absorption of other ingredients
- Addresses problematic skin concerns
- Boosts skin resurfacing
- Refines and visibly brightens
- Helps retexturize and smooth skin tone
Vitamin A MythBusters!
For such a popular ingredient there have definitely been some stories that have gotten around about this A+ Superstar! It is a stronger ingredient, so we always recommend seeking professional advice if you are unsure… but here are a few of the most common myths we are about to bust wide open.
Myth #1: Vitamin A gives instant results.
The truth is – no skincare ingredient can give you “instant, long lasting” results. Results come from consistency, and fortunately using high performing ingredients like Vitamin A’s are the perfect starting place to get you on the quickest path to beautiful, healthy, glowing skin!
Myth #2: Never wear a retinol during the daytime.
The truth is – never say never. While some retinoids break down in sunlight (so it’s better they are worn at night, so they’re at their most active) – as we have learnt – some amazing Vitamin A alternatives have been created that fine to use during the day – for example – the current trending Bakuchiol (so long as they aren’t missed with any other Vitamin A’s that are sun sensitive!). But ALWAYS remember your SPF – whether you are using your Vitamin A’s day OR night.*
*Prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, it is important to wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent re-application is required for effective sun protection.
Myth #3: You can’t use retinol if you have dry skin.
While Retinol and Vitamin A’s are exfoliating ingredients - therefore their main goal isn’t to boost your skin’s hydration. A lot of Vitamin A based products have been formulated with other skin supporting and hydrating ingredients. It’s just about finding the right retinol for you!
Meet The Aspect Skincare A Team
ASPECT RETINOL BRULEE®
Retinol Brulee is a refining night serum that works to refine and invigorate the skin to achieve a visibly brighter appearance. Formulated with two forms of Vitamin A including Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate that assist with retexturizing and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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BENEFITS |
KEY INGREDIENTS |
SUITABLE FOR |
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• Anti-ageing |
• Retinyl Palmitate |
• All skin types |
A powerful multifunctional Vitamin A that delivers radical benefit to ageing and sun-damaged skin. Retinol LGS+ contains a complex concentration of Vitamin A, plus the added benefits of triple acids, making it an Age-Defying treatment that deeply exfoliates dull, aging, uneven, problematic skin for a softer, smoother appearance.
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BENEFITS |
KEY INGREDIENTS |
SUITABLE FOR |
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• Highly effective rejuvenating and exfoliating serum |
• Vitamin A Complex [Retinol, Retinal & Retinyl Palmitate Blend] |
• Most Skin Types (Not sensitive skins) |
Hydra A Plus is your luxurious, cream-like, Vitamin A complex. Featuring a collection of hydrators; soothing plant based oils coupled with a unique blend of retinols to target signs of aging, while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier function.
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BENEFITS |
KEY INGREDIENTS |
SUITABLE FOR |
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• Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles |
• Vitamin A Complex [Retinol, Retinal & Retinyl Palmitate Blend] |
• Most Skin Types |
Exfol A is the refining, anti-ageing vitamin A serum combining the power of Lactic Acid, Lanablue™ and Retinol to smooth skin texture and allow for ultimate absorption of other ingredients.
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BENEFITS |
KEY INGREDIENTS |
SUITABLE FOR |
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• Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles |
• Retinyl Palmitate |
• All skin types |
