As Labor Day approaches, we’re nearing the end of summer. We can temporarily say goodbye to all our lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and serums and prepare for the cool, dry months ahead — make sure to keep applying sunscreen, though.
Now that it’s fall, what do your patients need? There are two key ingredients we’d like to highlight that are perfect for this time of year: vitamins A and C.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A, also known as retinol and including other derivatives of retinoic acid, is a miracle-working active ingredient for collagen production and anti-aging treatments. It has a wide array of benefits, including:
- Reducing signs of aging
- Smoother texture
- More even skin tone
- Fewer and less severe acne breakouts
- Reversing effects of sun damage
Almost all the benefits of retinol are the result of increased collagen production, not only at the surface (epidermis), but the deeper levels of skin (dermis) as well. By creating more new collagen and cells, there is a faster turnover on skin cells, naturally exfoliating and increasing their overall vitality and youthfulness. More collagen also improves skin firmness, helping lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and retinol is an antioxidant, helping protect from environmental and sun damage. These benefits make retinol perfect for the cool, dry fall months.
Before you rush to grab and lather the nearest product containing this impressive ingredient on your next patient, we must caution you against overapplying retinol or retinoid containing products. These are strong actives, and too much retinol can cause irritation, dryness and even blistering and peeling. A small amount will typically suffice, and a patient who hasn’t used retinol before should start by using it a maximum of once every three days. Over several weeks, they can adjust and work up to daily use.
Retinol also increases sensitivity to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid, and it increases photosensitivity. To prevent sun damage, patients should only apply retinol at night, like our Multi-Complex Night Créme, and they should always wear sunscreen during the day.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Like retinol, the benefits of vitamin C — also known as ascorbic acid — are far-reaching and significant. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, both protecting from and reversing environmental and sun damage. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production and fights hyperpigmentation, helping to provide an even complexion and improving skin elasticity, eliminating lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is safe to use for most skin types. It’s hard to overapply, but still possible. Side effects of excess vitamin C include itching, irritation and redness. To avoid overapplication, you should work patients up to strong formulations, like our Vita C-20 high-potency brightening cream, using weaker ones like Vita-C Peptide Spray and C-Stem.
Both vitamins A and C provide a fresh glow to skin, significant anti-aging benefits and protection from environmental and sun damage. Especially during the dry fall months, they greatly rejuvenate and revitalize to make skin look younger than ever.
View all our anti-aging products here, many of which contain one, or both, of these essential vitamins.
