PRODUCT REVIEW: RETINOL TREATMENTS - MEDIK8 10TR SERUM, MESOESTETIC POST-PEEL 1% RETINOL AND SKINMEDICA AGE DEFENSE RETINOL COMPLEX 1.0

I admit that I am no specialist, but one thing I do know, and that is that Retinol, also called Vitamin A has been proven to have amazing benefits or the skin, and is hence a very popular anti-ageing ingredient.
 

The research has shown that it can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make the skin firmer, give the skin a smoother look and improve uneven skin tone.

The use of retinol does come with some limitations, including that you shouldn't use it while you're pregnant or lactating, and that it can make the skin become very sensitive, and hence the daily use of a SPF is necessary, plus besides, what's the point of fighting the signs of ageing if you don't protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.

It is also recommended that you start gentle, with a milder strength, and perhaps just a few times a week, before increasing frequency and eventually the strength, as going too strong and too frequently can make the skin extremely sensitive, red or make it peel.

Now, I am currently breastfeeding, so it has been a while since I have actually used these, and I keep wanting to use them, but know that I best not use them again yet. And so I have had this feature in the pipeline for so long, but thought it was time now..

So here's a selection of retinol products which I cannot wait to get slather on my skin yet again..


The Medik8 Retinol 10TR Advanced Night Serum is a very light and slightly runny serum, which is, as the name suggests is to be used nightly after cleansing and before moisturiser. With 1% retinol it is the highest strength available in the Medik8 range, so if you're new to retinol, they suggest trying one of the lower strength products first to get you skin used to it. This particular formula also has added vitamin E, to help counter any dryness and keep the skin moisturised and soft. 

It helps stimulate the production of collagen, while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and reducing dark spots and pigmentation at the same time, making the skin softer and look brighter and more glowing. I also found that it helped make my skin less greasy, and reduced the amount of breakouts, and their sizes considerably - and as I am currently experiencing some breakouts, I am really wanting to start using again, as it is one of the anti-ageing products that does not actually cause breakouts, but rather minimise them while fighting the signs of ageing at the same time. It comes in a small bottle with a dropper applicator that makes it easy to dispense the few drops needed at a time.

Then there's the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0, which is also the strongest strength retinol available from SkinMedica, and is also intended for use at night. This treatment has more of a light lotion feel, but still absorbs quickly into the skin. It has been made with an encapsulated antioxidant complex which helps preserve the retinol until it has absorbed into the skin as well as target the delivery, while helping to enhance the skin texture and minimise any irritation. The serum promises to help fight the signs of ageing, including coarse and dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce congestion and breakouts making the skin clearer and feeling matte, enhance skin texture and improving hyperpigmentation. And already after using for a few days, I can tell the difference when I am using this. The oil production in my skin really is normalised and my skin is less greasy, but it also generally makes my skin look healthier and brighter, which is impressive after just a few days.

Finally, the Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1% Retinol Concentrate, which comes the largest size, and is also the most expensive in the line up. It has a thicker lotion consistency, which does means that you will be using a bit more than with the thinner serums, but still, it will naturally last you the longest, but alas also comes at the higher cost.

It has been made with rosemary extract, aloe vera, lactic acid, vitamin E, and is intended to be used as to prolong and boost the renewing effect of mesopeel, by helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity, while stimulating collagen in the skin and keeping the skin moisturised.

It is slightly different in that it is supposed to be massaging into the skin, avoiding the eye area, following a peel, to help neutralise the peel, then left on the skin for 2 hours, before being rinsed off with water.
I really enjoyed using all three of these, and thus find it difficult to pick a favourite - the Mesoestetic is very different from the first two, making it difficult to compare as it is more 'mask like', which is also nice as an extra treatment for an extra peeling effect. And as for the Medik8 and the SkinMedica, which the retinol concentration is the same, they are different in formula and consistency. But one thing I certain, I love treating my skin with retinol as again, I really feels it makes a difference to how my skin looks, making it look more glowing and younger too, and as a bonus it also helps treat and keep breakouts at bay.


But again, it is important to stress that there can be some serious side effects when using retinol, so make sure you consult an expert before use!
 

The Medik8 Retinol 10TR - $99 / 15ml
Available from Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals 

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 - RRP: $148.50 / 29.6ml
Available from Soho Skincare and select salons
Or for further information visit Advanced Skin Technology 

 Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1%n Retinol Concentrate - RRP: $198 / 100ml
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, RY, Skincare Store
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals

* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |

 

Product Review: SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex

As I think I may have mentioned once or twice before, I am sadly at the age where I feel it is necessary to us anti-ageing products to try to minimise the signs of ageing I already have, and hopefully try to delay the occurrence of new ones. Here are my thoughts of the *SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex;

What They Say:

"A silky, fragrance-free formula with 15% stabilized Vitamin C and E provides extraordinary antioxidant protection, helping to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture".


RRP: $134 (28.3g) - Available from select Beauty Salons


What I Say:

I always excited when I come across a new brand, and get to try some of their products. And I have to be honest and admit that I’d never heard of SkinMedica before!

SkinMedica was founded by renowned American dermatologist Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, has been a pioneer and an innovator in the use of lasers in skin rejuvenation and a leader in dermatology for over 30 years. About a decade ago, he decided to develop his own skincare line of clinically proven products based on the results he achieved in his clinical practice.

The SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex claims to work synergistically to fight free radicals, prevent oxidation and delivers vitamins C and E to skin throughout the day, while promoting cell renewal.

I have combination skin, prone to breakouts, and consequently I am always nervous when trying new skincare products, and even more so when it is concentrated anti-ageing products as they are often too concentrated and heavy for my skin. But I’m happy to say that after using the Vitamin C+E Complex for about 6 weeks, I have not noticed an increase in breakouts or felt that my skin has gotten more congested.

Since moving to Australia over a decade ago, sadly my Scandinavian skin has seen an increase in pigmentation – which I have to say that apart from beginning lines, is my main skincare concern. As well as ‘blotches’ on my skin, it simply looks tired and dull. And to add to that, being 35 weeks pregnant hasn’t helped one bit either.

The Vitamin C+E Complex comes in a luxe looking grey pump bottle with a shiny silver base and lid. And as always, I love the fact that it comes with a pump, as it makes it not only easy to dispense just the amount of complex needed without wastage,  but it also makes it so much more hygienic than having to constantly dip your fingers into a jar.

On the other hand, products in pump bottles can be difficult to completely empty, but only time will tell how this one will fare. Another issue is that the bottle is solid grey/silver so you cannot see exactly how much product you have left in the bottle, so you do run the risk of suddenly running out. But then again, I do also understand also understand that clear product bottles may cause ingredients in the products to deteriorate faster.  

On first use I had to pump the bottle countless of times – actually so many times that I was starting to think that it was a faulty pump – until eventually the complex started coming out.

The Vitamin C+E Complex has the consistency of a light gel, similar to most other serums – and it which quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it silky soft with a powdery feel, and without leaving behind a greasy residue. And my skin is instantly ready for my daily moisturiser, and here after makeup.

The complex is very concentrated, and just one pump is more than sufficient to cover my full face, neck and décolleté. Although it is fragrance free, the complex a faint powdery scent, which quickly fades once absorbed into the skin.

The Vitamin C+E Complex has a very small ingredient list, in fact there are only 9 ingredients on the list!! Yep, just nine. I don’t recall ever seeing an ingredients list for an anti-ageing product with so few ingredients. And many of the ingredients are derivatives of Vitamin C and E.

At $135 for a small bottle, it is in the expensive end of serums, but considering it is so concentrated, and I still have well over half a bottle left after six week of use, does mean that it will last you quite a while.

So how did the Vitamin C+E Complex perform after using it for approx. 6 weeks every morning as recommended?

The serum works perfectly under makeup, and in fact, works as a primer too, as it not only makes my makeup slide on easier, it also makes it stay put for longer, and stops it from falling into lines and creases.

In terms of the effects on my skin, it feels soft and moisturised, and I really like how it makes my skin feel so velvety soft and smooth straight after I’ve applied it. I obviously cannot comment on effective it is on fighting the free radicals, but on the whole my skin does look more glowing, and feels very hydrated and plump, although I still need to follow with my usual moisturiser (with SPF, as the complex doesn’t contain any).

As for evening out the skintone, I am not convinced that I have seen any major improvements – but being pregnant, and clearly experiencing an increasing amount of pigmentation, it complex is also fighting an up-hill battle that I’m not sure it would be able to win. On the positive, I have not noticed any increase in the pigmentation in the period I’ve been using the complex, so clearly it does have some significant effect after all. And as I believe that the effects are cumulative and will continue to improve with long-term use, so I will continue to use it, and hopefully avoid any major flare-up of pigmentation in my last weeks of my pregnancy.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever heard of SkinMedica before? Do you use serums? Which one is your favourite? And how much money would you be happy to spend on a serum?