If your skin says no to Retinol
Some experts have preached about the benefits of vitamin A for the skin for many years. The most common form of vitamin A used in skincare is a class of ingredients called retinoids, with Retinol being the most widely used and available option.
And while there is of course much evidence that shows the great results of retinol in slowing down the signs of ageing, like many skincare ingredients, this ingredient doesn’t always agree with all skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Some people will find that their skin just says ‘no’ to retinol. But that doesn’t mean that you have to rule out having some of the skin benefits of using retinol.
What does Vitamin A do for the skin?Â
In short, vitamin A and retinol are popular ingredients in skincare due to their ability to improve the appearance and texture of the skin, specifically helping to reduce the signs of ageing.
The dermis of your skin (the middle layer) is where new, healthy skin cell production occurs and is also responsible for providing the ‘structural support’ for your skin but housing a complex matrix of cells and proteins, including collagen and elastin.Â
The presence of free radicals, from UV rays and other environmental stressors, can impact the health and function of this layer of our skin. Also, as we age, our collagen and elastin production, as well as our skin cell renewal, begin to slow. These are the main culprits responsible for signs of ageing.
Retinol is comprised of small molecules that can penetrate the outer layer of your skin and reach the dermis. It works by stimulating skin cell production and increasing cell turnover. It also helps to boost collagen and elastin production, as well as neutralising free radicals. This creates a ‘plumping’ effect that combats the appearance of premature signs of ageing including fine lines, loss of skin tone and uneven texture.
However, this version of vitamin A doesn’t agree with all skin types and can lead to increased sensitivity or irritation. So, if you’re in that camp, here are some other ingredients you can look for to target some of the same skin functions.
What are some alternatives?
Vit-A-Like
This is a botanical alternative to retinol that we like to use at Skin Juice. Just like retinol, this ingredient has been clinically proven to stimulate collagen production and skin cell turnover, but unlike retinol this alternative is more stable and less likely to sensitise the skin.
Vit-A-Like is a super booster ingredient created from a blend of the carbohydrate Maltodextrin and moth bean extract, also called dew bean – as in dewy skin! Although this blend isn’t a vitamin A derivative like retinol, it is proven to provide many of the same outcomes such as helping to improve pigmentation and the appearance of age spots and sunspots - leading to a more even skin tone. It also helps to reduce other signs of ageing such as fine lines.
Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil
This botanical oil, extracted from the berries, seeds and leaves of the sea buckthorn plant, is jam-packed full of vitamins A, C and E, as well as essential fatty acids and minerals. It also contains beta-carotene, a plant pigment that can be converted to vitamin A by the body.
Sea buckthorn seed oil can protect and plump the skin from the inside out and help fight the signs of ageing. The high antioxidant content helps neutralise free radicals in the skin while the essential fatty acids nourish, replenish and protect the skin to keep it bouncy and plump. Plus, as it is an oil with a smaller molecular weight, it can reach deeper layers of the skin by travelling through the skin cells’ intercellular pathways.Â
You can find sea buckthorn in our Superfood Brightening Face Oil and Good Juice Probiotic Face Cream.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is a natural source of vitamin A. Due to the high content of vitamin A in apricot kernel oil, this botanical extract has been shown to minimise the effects of photoaging such as fine lines, sagging and dark spots. This oil is also rich in vitamin E and fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 – all of which work together to soften, hydrate and moisturise your skin, keeping it juicy and plump.
You can find apricot kernel oil in our Drench Hydrating Cleanser, Star Quencher Calming Face Cream and Plum Power Whipped Clay Mask.
Prickly Pear
Prickly pear is an exotic fruit obtained from cactus plants. As the name implies, it’s a prickly fruit and needs to be handled with care. However, when blended into your skincare, it’s nothing but soothing and caring. This desert fruit is full of antioxidants and vitamins, like vitamin C, which supports the production of collagen and helps keep your skin bright and radiant. The antioxidants also help shield the skin from environmental stressors like free radicals, slowing down the aging process. Better yet, this botanical extract has also been found to stimulate the growth of new skin cells, leading to a fresher and more youthful complexion.
You can find prickly pear in our Superfood Brightening Face Oil, Rejuice Balancing Face Oil and Star Quencher Calming Face Cream.
Another great option...
Of course, the best thing that you can do for your skin to help with the signs of ageing is prevention, and the best tool for this is of course making sure you use an SPF every single day, as well as protecting your skin from the sun with hats, protective clothing and sunglasses. The best news is that this is something you can do, even if your skin doesn’t like vitamin A!