Vitamin Therapy - Topical Vitamin A

After wrapping up the products relating to my simple 3-step skincare routine, in previous posts, Cleansing, Toning and Moisturising, I am movingon to reveal ‘what’s doing’ in the next vital step of my daily Serious SkinCare routine, which I will label as 'Vitamin Therapy'.  Vitamin Therapy involves incorporating topicalvitamin based treatments into my skin care regime.  That’s right, we all know that vitamins, takenorally, are crucial to our inner health, but did you know they also play anintegral role in promoting a healthy, youthful-looking complexion?  I have selected two of the most effective,powerful, antioxidant vitamins, based on my individual skin concerns, tocompliment my Serious Skin Care program.  
I only use each product once daily, which one would imagine, to be simple & straightforward!  Yeah, right!.....Wrong! :-/  When trying to explain these thingsin writing, it so happens to be far more complex, than I originally conceived, eek! :-O  With that said, I am going to partition this topicinto two separate blogs, to avoid publishing something that resembles a mini novel,hehe! ;)) So first of all, I will divulgemy perception of topical Vitamin A and any products I use!
So, What is topical Vitamin A??It is a scientifically proven, extremely effectiveanti-ageing skin care ingredient that I have developed a huge 'crush' on,over the past few years. :x  Vitamin A actually deservesa blog in its own right, which I plan to deliver further down the track.  However, considering I am talking skin care products I use,rather than ingredients, I am just including a snippet from the Beautypediawebsite, to provide a technical explanation, FYI!
“Retinol is the term used for the entire vitamin A molecule.Applied to skin, retinol is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient and anantioxidant. Simply put, it helps skin cells create better, healthier skincells and increases the amount of skin-support substances. In skin-care productsit is found in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinylaldehyde. Inprescription-only skin-care products, it is in the form of retinoic acid (alsocalled tretinoin)."
And, Why use it?
"In addition to functioning as a cell-communicating ingredientand antioxidant, retinol has been shown to increase skin's collagen productionand glycosaminoglycan content, resulting in firmer skin with an improvedtexture and enhanced barrier function. Although it is not the only ingredientto look for in an anti-aging product, it deserves strong consideration byanyone concerned with keeping their skin in top shape through the years. Youmay also want to consider one of the prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin(Renova), tazarotene (Tazorac), or adapalene (Differin); the latter two arehighly recommended if you are dealing with wrinkles and breakouts. Thosedealing with the triple threat of wrinkles, breakouts, and sun-induced skindiscolorations should consider a prescription for Tri-Luma."Source: Anti-Aging Superstars: Ingredients with RealResults
My ‘Holy Grail’
Retin-A 0.5% (Tretinoin)
After about 12 months of using various OTC (over the counter) retinol products ofdifferent concentrations, I decided it would save me lots of $$$ if I made theswitch to prescription retinoids. =D>  Inaturally had to consult with my GP first, but today, over 18 months, both myskin and wallet are truly thankful. <:-P  Whilethere are heaps of horror stories surrounding retinoids, particularly the adverse sideeffects, I made certain that I educated myself well, before taking the leap.  Considering I was already familiar with usingother Vitamin A derivatives and my skin had progressed through the OTC retinolsand was able to tolerate the highest 1% strength with no qualms, it was onlynatural that I rise to the next level, leading me to Retin-A and a significant  improvement to my complexion.  :D
Retin-A comes in a small, 20gm tube that lasts for months; grantedI only need a tiny, pea-sized amount of product, per application, to adequatelytreat my whole face and neck, making it incredibly cost effective at just $29 from Priceline, comparedto its less potent, OTC relatives, which average, roughly, around the $100 mark. :-O  It’s not advisable to ‘go to town’ slatheringthis stuff on, because it doesn’t create faster results, rather, you could sufferthe consequences later, with angry, red skin that might start shedding likecrazy, or worse still, cause chronic damage to your skin, deep-down beneath the top surface layers, in the dermal area.  :">  In cases of such extreme damage, which may notrear its head for a long time after, then in which case, takes lots of effort anddedication, for years in severe cases, to effectively undo that damage and encourage deep skin cell regeneration!  :-s  Therefore, in this case less is best!  ;)

Retin-A cream is thick and very white.

The thick, white cream absorbs quickly and fortunatelydoesn’t leave any greasy residue on my oily skin, phew. #:-S  I have sensitive skin, which becomes aggravated quite easily, yet because I weaned my skin from low strength retinol, working up through the concentrations, prior to introducing retinoids, my skin has never had so much as a hiccup. :>  I am living proof, that sensitive skin can in fact tolerate retinoids, it just requires a little diligence and lots of perseverance. :-SS  Regardless of your skin type, you need to ensureit remains sufficiently hydrated, because when using any topical Vitamin A, it can causedryness or dehydration. Therefore, it must be teamed with a good moisturiser.  I prefer using my Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum, in conjunction with my Retin-A, because it’s so lightweight, yet any good nourishing moisturiser willbe equally as effective.  It just comesdown to what works best for your skin or your own personal preference.   B-)
When I entered my thirties, following yearsof neglect as a tween/teen, I began to notice my skin displaying evidence ofsun damage and signs of premature aging. When my therapist introduced me to the magic of Vitamin A, I saw my skintransform, before my very eyes; it really is nothing short of an anti-ageingmiracle. (*)  I wouldn’t have ever guessed it was possible to reverse suchapparent skin damage, or reduce fine lines and wrinkles and slow down the ageingprocess.  But, mark my word, itabsolutely works! ;;) 

Just a pea-size amount is all I need.

Previously, thetexture of my skin, which has always been on the rough side, was starting tolook dull, tired and crepey in appearance. :( After using this cream religiously for 18 months, it is now smoother, softer and muchfirmer.  My enlarged pores are less obviousand they rarely clog up with gunk; so, in turn, no blackheads.  The fine lines around my eyes haveback-pedalled and softened dramatically, to the point where they are only just noticeable,right up close in a magnifying mirror. The deeper frown lines on my forehead also did a u-turn and were giventheir marching orders and sent packing, ROFL. =)) My skin tone is more uniform and I have finally kissed the facialredness, blotchiness and discolouration, goodbye, adios amigos!  :-h   
These days, my skin is looking, clearer &brighter with a healthy, radiant, more youthful glow. I have run into people Ihave not seen in years, and they are amazed at the positive difference in myappearance.  I even receive complimentsabout how nice my skin is looking, and I have never had anyone say anythinggood about my skin before, ever, LOL. :D  Retin-A is the most important and paramount anti-ageing beauty treatment for my regimeand I vow to remain faithful to it for the rest of my life.  I need to keep using it permanently, forever, because myskin will only revert to its old ways if I cease using it :-S (and I am not about to letthat happen, no, no, no, LOL).  I keep my skin care simple when using this cream as I don't like to layer anything with it other than moisturiser, as I don't want to risk interfering with the magic it performs.  After 18 months of daily use, I am now in maintenance mode and use it every second night to continue reaping its benefits long term.  ;)

It absorbs instantly leaving no residue.

As long as I am fully armed and loaded with the super, dynamic Retin-Atreatment, my unsurpassed weapon to fight the war against premature skin ageing,I am confident that I will successfully conquer the crusade and over time, I will indeed, comeout the victor. :ar! Vitamin A has to be one of the best-keptsecrets of the beauty world, but we need that to change, lets shout it out to the world! \:D/  It’s a highly effective, intensive anti-ageingtreatment that has completely rejuvenated my skin and is helping me maintain youthfulcomplexion!:D
Words of Wisdom

• Use with caution!
• Use sparingly, retinoids, in particular, are capable ofburning skin if overused.
• You need to introduce it gradually to begin with, allowingskin to adjust accordingly.
• Knowing how to use the product properly from the get go,will minimise most, or even all, of the side effects that coincide with theonset of using this treatment.
• You may experience a burning/stinging sensation at first aswell as facial redness.  If it becomesunbearable, stop treatment for a week then start again even moregradually. 
• It is perfectly normal for skin to shed/flake show signs ofdryness, which usually starts after a few days.
• Obviously, if the side effects are severe, discontinue useimmediately.  Some sensitive skinsufferers simply may not be able to withstand retinoids!
• During the first month, it's common to experience breakoutsand skin can look worse before it looks better
• Do not apply retinoids in conjunction with other skinpeeling products, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and benzoyl peroxide.Instead, alternate use on different nights.
• Vitamin A makes skin very susceptible to sun damage, alwaysuse sunscreen and cover up from the sun.
• Not to be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• It will take at least 3 months and up to 12 months beforeachieving noticeable results. You just need a bit of patience!  :-w

Other Vitamin A products I have used:
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5%SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0%Ultraceuticals Ultra A Facial CreamUltraceuticals Ultra A Sheer Facial Cream
Final note:Many people shy away from products containing Vitamin A orstop using them prematurely because of the irritation/side effects or skinpurging that initially accompanies the treatment. :-S  All of these side effects though, are just atemporary drawback and if you can try to stick it out, in return the honor ofhealthy, flawless skin will be yours. #:-S  Have any of you used a retinoids, retinol or a skin care product containing a Vitamin A derivative before?  If so, what are your thoughts?  If not, after having read my evaluation, wouldyou consider giving it a try?  I have personally been undertaking ongoing, extensive research on this topic, during the past three years and have come to develop a 'love affair' with it, :x :x therefore, I am more than happy to share thelove. :x  If you would like to shoot me through a question, maybe need some suggestions,or just want to 'ragger' on about it with me, please, by all means, go for it in the comments section.  ;)  
All images in this blog are my own.Information highlighted in yellow text was sourced from Beautypedia