A month ago I posted about my pigmentation blues (https://fragroom.com/2017/09/29/how-to-treat-pigmentation/). At that stage I had already started using a variety of products and treatments. There was a degree of containment (not eradication), shall we say. Since then I have been using Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair.
GIMMICK FREE: I’m a big fan of Dermalogica’s science-first approach to skincare.
Firstly, because I am a big fan of Dermalogica’s gimmick-free, science-first approach to skincare. Secondly, because retinol is a particularly crafty weapon in the fight against the signs of ageing skin, including pesky pigmentation.
“As a retinol rookie, I decided to use Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair, with its 0.5% concentration of this powerful active ingredient.”
Dermalogica recently launched their clinical-strength Overnight Retinol Repair 1%. But as a retinol rookie, I decided to use Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair, with its 0.5% concentration of this powerful active ingredient. I am definitely going to use the more potent version in the future. I am impressed with the results of Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair.
SUPER-RETINOL: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 1% is on the must-try list.
There have been no miracles with Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair. Thankfully, the American skincare company makes no such promises with its products. What I have noticed, though, is a general improvement in the condition of my skin over the last month. (Of course, it also helps that I have been wearing a hat and SPF way more frequently than I used to.) The pigmentation has not been substantially reduced. That’s a medium-term goal which requires longer use of the product. But people have commented on how good my skin is looking in general. I have been telling them, “Big thank you, it’s the Dermalogica retinol product I have been using.”
If you’re planning on going the retinol route, there’s stuff you need to know. Dermalogica were most helpful in providing the essential facts below.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a pure form of vitamin A and is used to treat skin ageing and acne. Our skin converts topically applied retinol into retinoic acid.
“Retinol is a pure form of vitamin A and is used to treat skin ageing and acne.”
What are the benefits of using retinol?
Where do we start? It improves skin texture, wrinkles, thinning of the underlying dermis and loss of skin elasticity caused by photo-ageing and normal ageing. It also stimulates new collagen synthesis and the formation of hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin tissue plump and hydrated. Good news for those with pigmentation: retinol stimulates cell turnover and renewal.
What about the side effects of retinol?
Due to the potency of the highly active molecule, the skin may react to retinol treatment in the early stages of use. Some of these reactions include itching, burning and peeling. It’s advisable to build your skin’s tolerance to retinol when you first start using it by applying it on alternate nights for the first week or so.
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair also comes with a Buffer Cream. I mixed it with the retinol product to further dilute its strength until my skin had adapted to it. Pregnant and lactating women and those on prescription medication for acne should not use retinol.
What about the sun?
It’s even more important than usual to wear a sunscreen (SPF30+) during the day when using retinol. Skin is extra sensitive to UV exposure when using it. This doesn’t mean you can’t use a retinol product when the sun is out. But if you’re expecting to spend long periods in the direct sun (for example, an outdoor concert or beach holiday), it’s wise to temporarily stop using it before and after prolonged sun exposure.
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair, R1 480 for 30ml.
Thank you, Richard. Dermalogica is expensive but it is more user friendly than cheaper products. For women who have a bulging head of overly thick hair, a hat is an uncomfortable way to go, and a parasol, although it keeps the sun off, is a complete fag. Your advice is, as always, invaluable
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Thank you for your comments, Aubrey! Yip, Dermalogica products are not the cheapest, but they do the job so well that it’s worth spending more if you can. Talking of cost, I forgot to add the price on my original post and how now rectified that. Now about that hat and brolly combo, you can pull that off with aplomb. R
Would you have any other suggestions from the Dermalogical range apart from Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair? Thanks, John
Definitely, John! There are so many good Dermalogica products to choose from. Of course, it all depends on your skin concerns.
If you are looking for a gentle, but highly effective exfoliant, I would recommend Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant and Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant. You can read my review of the latter here. https://fragroom.com/2017/02/19/sunday-grooming-sessions/
For dewy skin, Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil does the trick. You can read my review here. https://fragroom.com/2017/01/06/dermalogica-phyto-replenish-oil/
I would also highly recommend Dermalogica’s Charcoal Rescue Masque if your complexion needs some SOS.
If possible, go to a Dermalogica concept store for a free face mapping and they will be able to recommend the best product for you.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
R
I’m yet to find any product in any category (but sunscreen :)) – moisturizers, serums, whatnot – to have any positive effect on my skin. Usually, it’s the opposite. But I keep using everything I’m “supposed” to telling myself that without it it might be even worse and hoping that maybe one day… My current Retinol serum (1%) is from Paula’s Choice. I can’t use it more often than a couple of times a week since my skin is too sensitive.
I have thought the same thing to myself many times, Undina. What if I wasn’t using this? I have heard good things about Paula’s Choice products, but have not used any yet. I have been extra careful with the Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair and it’s a mild version of retinol. I will be going “hard-core” retinol in the future. Thanks. R