Want to add some “oomph” to your regular facial treatments?

Written By Martine Jarman

Sep 25, 2020

How To Properly Use Retinol In Your Skincare Routine

Clinical grade facials are the ‘chosen treatment’  by anyone in the know about skin and who require more effective results than those offered by a typical beauty salon or spa facial treatment.

What’s the difference between a clinical facial and a facial offered in a beauty salon?

Firstly and importantly a medical facial is performed by an ‘Aesthetic or Cosmetic Therapist’  who is qualified to an advanced level and who primarily  specialises in treating the skin and has the required skills to target specific skin concerns, be it wrinkles, age spots, acne and skin redness.  SkinGenius aestheticians are trained to the highest standards and offer a wealth of experience in skin health and all skin concerns.

Why is a clinical facial is much more powerful than any treatment you can find in a salon or a spa?

Medical-grade cosmeceutical products are used.  These products cannot be found in beauty salons or on beauty counters as they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients and can only be prescribed by a fully trained aesthetician.  Cosmeceutical products target the ‘living cells’ deep within the skin, triggering cellular stimulation and re-organisation of healthy cells.  Scientific evidence is at the core of the SkinGenius philosophy, therefore we choose our Cosmeceutical Partners carefully.  SkinGenius use only brands that deliver on the promise of results backed by scientific data.

Who should have a clinical facial?

Anyone can have a clinical facial but remember this is not a pampering treatment.  The aim of a clinical facial is to correct skin health concerns and   to treat most skin disorders at any age.  All skins types, including sensitive skins can be treated.  The SkinGenius aim is to help to find long term solutions to improve the skin’s barrier function and to suppress symptoms associated with a compromised skin.

What treatments can I expect to receive in a SkinGenius Clinical Facial?

Clients undergo a full consultation and skin health assessment prior to any treatment.  This helps us to tailor a personalised treatment plan so that every client has an end goal.  Expect your first appointment to last from one and a half to two hours.

Your treatment will commence with our trademark “SkinGenius Cleansing and Skin Detox Preparation”.  We then perform a skin sensitivity test which determines the level of treatment application and post treatment outcome.  

To achieve the best results we take a “combination therapy approach”  which means that various treatment protocols are individually tailored and integrated into the treatment plan. 

SkinGenius offer many types of skin treatments for example – Blemish Removal Service, Controlled Chemical Peeling, HydraFacial Dermabrasion, Skin Needling Devices combined with Radio Frequency, Mesotherapy, LED Phototherapy, IPL, and the latest addition to the clinic is a medical device called  ULTRAcel.  ULTRAcel, uses a technology know as HIFU “High Intensity Focused Ultrasound”  to lift and tighten facial contours.  An alternative procedure for those considering a face lift.

You may be familiar with some of these treatments and machines but often for many clients these treatments will be a totally new experience.  

The equipment and machines that we work with are classed as medical devices, manufactured by medical companies.  Medical devices deliver a higher output of energy which target much deeper into the skin and treatment outcome is far superior to that of a device found in a beauty salon, therefore  fewer treatments are required and the results are significantly more effective.

How does a clinical facial feel?

Depending on the equipment used, clinical facials can feel more vigorous than a traditional facial treatment and generally less relaxing.  Following the treatment and depending on the treatment administered, the skin will have a radiant and slight flushed appearance.  The more intense the treatment then expect redness and in some cases possible swelling which can last 12-48 hours.   Overall, the end results will certainly outweigh the intensity of any sensations felt.

How much do I need to invest?

Depending on the treatment administered, the cost can range from £95 – £800 per treatment and for optimum results a course of treatments or combined treatments can be recommended over a period of 3-6 months.  

In the long term, as SkinGenius clients testify, the investment is worth every penny if you are looking for glowing, healthy skin and superior results!

If you don’t have the time or can’t spare the expense to accommodate a course of treatments.  A treatment every 4-8 weeks is also very beneficial to give your regular skincare routine a boost and will help maintain lasting results.

Why choose SkinGenius Clinical Facials?

SkinGenius Clinic is an Award Winning Brand which prides itself on working with highest standard of products and procedures, delivered in a stylish, clinical surroundings.   SkinGenius is recognised as a skin clinic at the forefront of the industry and delivers innovating clinical facial treatments and offers clients a unique experience.

Ready to try a SkinGenius clinical facial? 

So now you should be clearer on what to expect during a clinical facial procedure at SkinGenius Clinic, click HERE to book a consultation with one of our experts to find out which treatment is best suited for you

SkinGenius reviews are consistently 5 Star which speaks volumes from our clients. 

You’ve probably heard the name Retinol before. You might even be using a form of it right now in your skincare routine. It’s proven to be a massively popular option for people looking to maintain or boost their skin tone and texture due to its, potentially, very impressive results. But, do you know your retinol from your retinoic acid? And, if there’s this thing called “retinol” already, then what’s a “retinoid”??? I’m always surprised by just how frequently I’m asked in-clinic for advice or clarification of what’s what, so I’ve put together some information here that I hope will prove useful to you.

As always, I advocate seeing a skincare professional before starting out on any new course of treatment. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and be well informed – especially when applying new products to your face!

So, what exactly is retinol?

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that belongs to a class of compounds known as retinoids. It’s an important nutrient for skincare and beauty because of its ability to promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and help improve the texture and tone of the skin. It can be effective in addressing issues like fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and even acne.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, even though retinol use can give some great results, it’s important to note that retinol can be quite a potent ingredient and might cause skin sensitivity, redness, dryness, and peeling, especially when first introduced into a skincare routine.

What’s the difference between retinol and retinoids?

These are both chemical compounds derived from vitamin A but there has been some misunderstanding as to what people are actually referring to when they say retinol. A lot of people simply refer to all retinoids as retinol – hence the confusion!

Retinoids” is the umbrella term for these compounds that encompasses all vitamin A derivatives including both over-the-counter options like retinol as well as prescription-strength options like tretinoin (Retin-A), tazarotene and adapalene. Prescription-strength retinoids are generally more potent and have a more direct effect on the skin which is why they may require medical supervision and are regulated more than retinol.

Retinol” is a specific type of retinoid and is a weaker form compared to prescription-strength retinoids. It is available over-the-counter and is typically found in various skincare products such as creams, serums, and oils. Because it’s a milder option, it can be a good choice for those of us that are new to retinoids or with more sensitive skin.

 

What does retinol treat?

Regular retinol use can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis and increasing cell turnover. It helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun damage, acne scars and other factors which leads to a more even skin tone and improved complexion.

It’s also often prescribed to effectively treat acne. It can help prevent clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and regulate sebum production, all of which contribute to clearer and smoother skin.

Retinol is good for treating the following skin conditions:

–  Acne and oil control
–  Skin texture such as large pores
–  Fine lines and wrinkles
–  Dark spots, pigmentation and melasma

But, be warned! It’s important to approach retinol use with care and knowledge. Its potency can lead to side effects, especially when not used properly and there is a risk of sensitivity, redness, dryness and peeling, especially when first introduced.

It’s highly recommended to introduce retinol slowly and gradually into your skincare routine and to use it in conjunction with a good-grade vitamin C anti-oxidant and a high-quality sunscreen to minimize any potential side effects.

How to avoid the dreaded retinol reaction!

Experiencing a retinol reaction (often referred to as the “retinol purge” or “retinization”) is a much more common occurrence than you might think. It’s easy to get the amount applied to your skin wrong when you first start using it and especially more so when using stronger forms like prescription retinoids. There are, however, several steps you can take to minimise the likelihood and severity of these reactions while still benefiting from retinol use …

– Use a pea-sized amount on your fingertip to begin with and be sure to avoid applying to sensitive areas such as around the eyes, corners of the mouth and around the nasal area.

– It’s recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to adapt. Apply it every third day at least to begin with which will increase your skin’s tolerance. Then, gradually increase the frequency as your skin becomes more accustomed to it.

– Use a mild, non-drying cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils and avoid harsh exfoliating cleansers or scrubs. Apply retinol to completely dry skin after cleansing. This can help reduce the likelihood of irritation.

– Retinol products should typically be used at night and given time to penetrate the skin. This will also stop transferrance to clothing, pillows, etc.

– Don’t mix retinol with other strong skincare ingredients as this can increase the likelihood of irritation. Use retinol on its own and keep your routine simple.

– Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after application to avoid transferring any retinol to sensitive areas such as the eyes or mouth.

– Sunscreen is essential! Use a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 during the day. This is an absolute deal-breaker! Retinol can make your skin so much more sensitive to the sun and protection is crucial to prevent further damage.

 

 

 

And, remember to be patient!

Patience is key when using retinol. Results may take several weeks to become noticeable and skin sensitivity might occur initially.

Pay close attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your routine as needed to achieve the best results while minimizing any potential irritation.

 

Your skin may actually appear worse on the outside initially as it adjusts to the retinol. Individual reactions can vary from skin sensitivity, redness, dryness and peeling, especially when first introduced into a skincare routine. Some people may not experience a significant purge or negative effects at all while others might experience more pronounced changes initially. These will be temporary effects and shouldn’t last longer than a few days. As always, I urge you to consult with your SkinGenius aesthetic practitioner should you have any concerns.

One last thing …

It’s so important to note that retinol use should be tailored to our individual skin types, concerns and sensitivities.

If you’re considering using retinol to treat specific skin concerns, please get in touch with us at SkinGenius to discuss which retinol treatment is the best choice for you. We will be able to provide you with personalized, professional guidance based on your skin’s unique characteristics and needs and, also, how to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine safely and effectively.

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