RETINOL THE CURE ALL?

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Is Retinol really the cure all?  Well, actually almost.  Did you know you stop producing collagen at age 28? Lovely, I’m 29, but I got a head start, and you should too.  Preventative maintenance is what I believe in.  Remember this post “MAKE HATS & SPF YOUR BFF” .  Start now!

I’ve listened to a ton of podcasts, done research, & asked a few estheticians about the cure all potion, and they all say the same thing.  It’s SO anti aging, and everyone should use it.  

okay, so here is the science behind it…

A retinol serum benefits the skin in many ways.  It is one of the most effective anti aging products available and is also useful to help control oily skin.  Retinol can fade age spots, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and make skin smoother.  It can help control acne and skin oil production, and even help make your pores appear smaller.  It increases cellular turnover and is a good age preventative.

Retinol is a popular anti aging active ingredient because it is very effective.  Users report a reduction in wrinkles and discoloration, such as age spots.  Some people have been able to completely eliminate fine lines and mild discoloration.  A retinol serum benefits the skin by increasing cellular turnover, which is a major contributor to aging.  As we age skin cells replace themselves at a slower rate, leaving it less able to repair itself from day to day damage.  Retinol also has an exfoliating effect, which can lead to mild peeling and skin flakiness.  Regular exfoliation makes skin smoother and also enhances the effects of skin care actives by removing a dead layer of cells that inhibits absorption.

A retinol serum benefits oily skin by reducing skin oil production.  Its exfoliating effect also helps keeps pores clear, leading to fewer breakouts.  Many users report a smaller pore size with regular use.  Dry skin is a side effect of retinol use, but this makes it possibly the best facial treatment for oily skin.

So, I can honestly say that this is the miracle potion every woman should use.  I recently started using this every other night, and have noticed my pores shrinking, and skin feels very soft with less and less break outs.  Which I’ve had the hardest time with on my chin.  I quit dairy (which I’ll get into soon) and that didn’t really help with the breakouts, but this has.  What more can you ask for?  This has to be the best beauty product on the market.

SO, how much is it?  $40 on amazon.  Not bad, and lasts months.  

Use it once a week, and see how your skin reacts to it.  Then once its used to it, try 3x a week, then every other night, then every night.  Makes my skin on the dryer side since it exfoliates and turns over the cells, so you can have the freshest layer of skin.  So gradually ease into it.  Use one single pump on the face after you’ve cleansed is all you need.

BUT you should also know that you MUST use a sunscreen every single day.  You should always protect that skin, but it’s super important for you to use sunscreen when using retinol.  You don’t want to damage the skin.  I use ELTA MD SPF 46 with tint.  I love this sunscreen so much! Another great anti aging product.  Prevents sun damage (brown spots & red spots) 

Something else to consider is that retinol, like all vitamin A derivatives, is NOT recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That includes all skin care products, even serums and night creams.  I never used retinol while I was pregnant or breastfeeding.  It’s best to avoid it.  Just wait until you’re in the clear to start using it.  Always check with your doctor first.

If you use this product already, how are you liking it?

Let me know!  Have a great day!

xoxo

SARA LYNN

NIGHTLY SKINCARE ROUTINE

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COCONUT OIL / CLEANSER / SUPERFOLIANT / RETINOL

/ MOISTURIZER / OIL / ROBE / MIRROR CENTERPIECE

If you follow me on my instagram and watched my stories recently I posted my nightly routine.  You guys LOVED it, so I wanted to post all about it.

Very easy, efficient and affective.  What I am about!  

But first you MUST be consistent with doing this nightly (and of course your morning routine)  That is KEY to clear beautiful skin.  And helps so much with premature aging.

I have always washed my face morning and night since I started wearing make up at I think 16? Basically, a long time.  It has become habit, I have made it that way!

 No matter if I was tired or not, stayed out until 3am  etc.. I do It every single night!

First, I remove my make up with COCONUT OIL.  Its been the best to remove my make up with, especially eye make up.

Next, I wash my face with MEG 21 CLEANSER.  Have used this for about 6 months, and noticed how clear my skin has become from it. 

Next, I apply my SUPERFOLIANT, I just did a post on it HERE.  Again, it is amazing and makes my skin so soft.  

Next is my all time favorite and a MUST.  RETINOL by Skin Medica.  This stuff is magic.  These vitamin A derivatives have been proven to boost collagen production (reducing wrinkles and preventing fine lines), speed cell turnover (evening out discoloration and brightening skin tone) and unclog pores (making them look smaller and reducing acne.  

I have tiny red spots from breakouts and this has helped them fade!  If you’re having skin issues, this is your guy!  I only use this 3-4x a week right now (started out at 1 time a week)   You have to ease into it, because it can cause dryness and pealing.

Next I apply the HYMED RECONSTRUCTIVE CREAM.  This is meant for super dry skin, but whats great about it is, it’s not thick and creamy.  It is very light and not oily.   I have dry skin here living in Utah so this helps so much with that.

Lastly I use the JOJOBA OIL.  I LOVE my oils, and this one in particular is all around good for skin and hair.  In fact, this oil prevents acne, helps with oily skin, and helps eczema.  

You’re probably thinking, “an oil for oily skin?”  Yes!  

When the skin remains well hydrated by the protective layer of the liquid wax, the sebaceous glands respond to it by down regulating sebum production. Jojoba oil has an anti-inflammatory effect that can counter seborrheic dermatitis too. Be sure to use pure oil, since additives can produce the opposite effect.  

Let me know how you liked this post, and if you want to see more of these posts!  Have a good day!  xox,