Retinol is the high performance super ingredient loved by dermatologists. It’s designed to deliver fast acting, high impact regeneration results. Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is hailed as a miracle ingredient in the skincare world. Its ability to promote cell turnover and boost collagen production makes it a powerful tool against aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Ultra Care Retinol Booster is the Nutrimetics power treatment that’s making headlines and going viral. If you’re new to the ingredient, this guide will help you understand its benefits, how to incorporate it into your routine, and tips for optimising use.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a type of Retinoid, a class of compounds derived from Vitamin A. It works by accelerating cell turnover, which helps to reveal fresher, smoother skin. The ingredient can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, and improve skin texture and tone.
What’s the difference between Retinol and Retinoids?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and Retinol can be described as a type of Retinoid. However, Retinoids are a different highly potent form of Vitamin A usually prescribed from a medical professional (EG: Tretinoin and Adapalene.) Products containing Retinol can usually be purchased over the counter.
What does the ingredient do?
It’s the ultimate skin multi-tasker targeting multiple skin issues in each application.
- Wrinkles: Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Firmness: Retinol is known to amp-up cellular turnover and promote elasticity.
- Spot Treatment: It helps to prevent clogged pores and reduces breakouts.
- Hyperpigmentation: It can lighten the look of dark spots and even out skin tone, decreasing hyperpigmentation and visibly brightening skin.
- Improved Texture: Regular use results in smoother, softer skin plus a refined skin tone.
What makes Nutrimetics Ultra Care Retinol Booster so unique?
Victor Nguyen, In House Chemist explains. “We were blown away by the effects of this formula! Beauty Lab was very conscious of creating a booster that was not only powerful – but also gentle enough for all skin types. In the future, strong topical Retinol treatments will be banned in Europe by regulators because of the very small risk of irritation,” he added. “That’s why we were careful to encapsulate this potent, stabilised form of Retinol at an effective yet gentle 0.5%. We use natural Carnauba Wax, so the ingredient can break down slowly, reducing the risk of irritation as it encourages and accelerates skin renewal.”
The booster also features a plant-based Mediterranean Mastic Tree Extract, a Retinol alternative that visibly lifts and improves skin elasticity. Tazman Pepper Extract sourced from South Australia soothes sensitivity and reduces redness. Not forgetting Squalene, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oils, too, for a burst of hydration and nourishment with every application.
How long does it take to see results?
Don’t expect results overnight. Nutrimetics Retinol Booster is a long-term commitment and as with all good things in life, you’ll have to wait to see this working. It usually takes around 12 weeks to see a noticeable change to your skin, but ultimately the results will be well worth the wait. Trial participants for Retinol Booster saw a ‘drastic improvement’ in the appearance of skin, giving it an almost flawless 4.5 star rating, further proving its effectiveness. After conducting a 12 week study of 25 different testers, Nutrimetics Beauty Lab found that 100 per cent of Retinol Booster users saw a visible improvement in the signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles. 100% also noticed their pores looked clearer, while 90% agreed their skin texture felt smoother, looked brighter and skin appeared less dull.
How do I incorporate it into my skincare routine?
Ultra Care Retinol Booster should only be applied at night. Use after cleansing and toning, before moisturising. You have the option to layer your regular serum underneath, or skip this step completely in place of Retinol Booster. The ingredient can cause irritation when it’s first used, so start off using the product every third night for the first two weeks and then gradually build up to every second night, then to every night once tolerated. Applying a Nutrimetics moisturiser or a face oil like Platinum Night Rejuvenation Face Oil after applying your Retinol can help reduce the redness, sensitivity, peeling, flaking and dryness often associated with Vitamin A.
Retinol is also known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so you need to ensure you wear SPF50 sunscreen like Smart Shield PLUS, every day.
Tips to start using the skincare powerhouse
Starting Retinol can be daunting due to its potential side effects like dryness and irritation. Follow these steps to incorporate it safely into your routine:
Dos
- Ease into it: 1-3 times a week at first to side-step dryness or irritation.
- Wear SPF50 every day to avoid damage and protect your results.
- Always follow with hydration to seal in moisture.
- Be patient – Retinol results are worth the wait.
- Be SPF smart – the ingredient can make your skin more sensitive to the sun so always wear Smart Shield Plus SPF50 in the day.
Don’ts
- More isn’t better use just a pea sized amount.
- Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do NOT use with AHAs like Platinum AHA Activating Treatment.
- Don’t start too young to avoid skin damage. Ages 18+ minimum is best for anti-blemish results.
Optimising your results
- Patch Test: Before using any Retinol product on your face, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions. It’s a highly active ingredient.
- Hydration: Keep your skin extra hydrated. Consider using a hydrating serum like Moisturising System+ after applying Retinol.
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser to avoid further irritation.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Refrain from using other potent active ingredients (like AHAs, BHAs, or Benzoyl Peroxide) on the same nights as Retinol to prevent over-exfoliation.
- Consistency: Be patient and consistent. Retinol can take several weeks to show visible results.
At what age should you start using Retinol?
Anyone who is concerned with acne, dull skin or the signs of ageing, and wants to prevent premature ageing can benefit from the use of Retinol Booster. Our recommendation is 18 years and over. If your main issue is acne and you are in your teenage years, consult with your dermatologist first. Additionally, the truth is that our skin collagen production significantly reduces by 1% each year as we reach the age of 25. Being diligent with application of this ingredient will help prevent your skin from forming fine lines before it’s too late!
Do you need to exfoliate?
As the Ultra Care Retinol Booster has a similar effect to exfoliants, you don’t need to use both in your routine – listen to your skin’s needs. If you feel you need to exfoliate, start slowly and opt for a more gentle exfoliant like the Ultra Care Gentle Pore Refiner. A good strategy is to begin by exfoliating once per week, then increase to twice per week at most if your skin is smooth, healthy and irritation-free. You may feel like exfoliating during the peeling phase after initial use, but again, listen to your skin.
What ingredients work well with Retinol?
Retinol pairs well with Vitamin C, because it also helps improve skin firmness and texture for enhanced brightening results. Retinol has similar benefits to Niacinamide, but it’s stronger. Pairing the two ingredients together is safe and has a calming effect on skin. Hyaluronic Acid works well with Retinol for added skin hydration. We do not recommend usage with the exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids to avoid over-exfoliation. Find them all in the Ultra Care range. Power treatments that are easy to choose, easy to use and effortlessly slot into every skincare routine.
The 4 stages of Retinol
You may experience some changes in your skin when trying any Retinol product for the first time. This is normal and means Retinol Booster is working effectively.
1 Purging
Weeks 2-4
Retinol Booster removes impurities from beneath the surface, which may cause breakouts. Purging usually settles within 3-5 days.
2 Dryness
Weeks 4-8
You may experience dryness or itchiness due to increased cell turnover. Avoid the sun and wear sunscreen. Use a nourishing moisturiser or face oil after application.
3 Flaking & redness
Weeks 6-8
You may notice skin starting to flake or see increased redness, which means the Retinol is performing well. This stage is only temporary, and the new skin will normalise.
4 Refining & renewal
Weeks 10-12
This phase focuses on refining minor imperfections like dark spots or smaller pimples. Your complexion will be left smoother, softer, brighter and clearer, with pores looking tighter than ever before.
Final thoughts …
Incorporating Retinol into your skincare routine can transform your complexion like no other ingredient, providing a host of benefits from wrinkle smoothing to acne treatment. By starting slow, hydrating well, and protecting your skin from the sun, you can enjoy the glowing, healthy, youthful skin that Retinol promises. Remember, consistency is key, and with time, you’ll see the remarkable changes.
