Your Introduction to ZO Skin Health’s Retinol + FAQ

Retinol is universally recommended by skin care professionals everywhere. When you know the basics behind it you’ll understand why.

Our skin has a natural cycle to replace old cells with fresh healthy skin. 20-30-year-olds have a 28-day skin cycle After your mid-30s your cells turn over every 50-60 days. As we age this cycle slows down even more sometimes only renewing every 70-90 days. That slower cell regeneration is what causes your face to look dry, dull and wrinkled. When retinol is introduced, it sinks into your skin and speeds up the cell turnover process, causing your body to pump out fresher, smoother skin. Keep in mind it takes about 3-6 months of proper use for this process to take effect.

What is retinol?

Retinol is one of the most researched anti-aging ingredients used in topical facial skincare with decades of clinical research and real-world results. Found in some of the most trusted wrinkle creams and anti-aging serums, the powerful derivative of vitamin A possesses a multitude of benefits for the skin, including:

• Smoother skin texture + radiant skin tone

• Improved skin renewal for healthier skin barrier + minimized sensitivity

• Increased cell turnover

• Increased exfoliation for reduction of clogged pores, breakouts + skin congestion

• Visibly improved skin evenness

• Diminished appearance of fine lines + wrinkles

What to expect from Retinol

As one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, retinol has the power to visibly transform your complexion. Even so, results take time. Whether you need a retinol cream for beginners or are an experienced retinol user, it is essential to gauge your skin’s tolerance for it and gradually increase its use. A ZO retinol skincare routine ideally balances skin tolerability with results you can see.

Which Zo Skin Health Retinol is Right for me?

The first step to determining what retinol is right for you is to understand what makes each product different. This will make it much easier to assess what products meet your skin goals.

Retinol Skin Brightener .25%, .5% and 1% Retinol

Accelerates surface exfoliation to mimic chemical peels' effect and visibly brightens the complexion.

Who’s it for?

Retinol Skin Brightener comes in 3 strengths so there is something for everyone. .25% for beginners, .5% for regular users and 1% for experienced retinol users.

Radical Night Repair 1% Retinol

Maximizes skin brightening by targeting visible pigmentation and helping prevent the causes of uneven skin tone.

Who’s it for?

Regular or advanced retinol users. Come visit our clinic to learn about the Radical Night Repair Challenge.

Wrinkle + Texture Repair .5% retinol

Visibly improves the appearance of deeper wrinkles and smoothes texture while restoring natural hydration.

Who’s it for?

Regular and advanced retinol users. If you struggle with acne scars, deep-set wrinkles or rough texture this is for you.

Starting Your Retinol Journey

Retinol use is not as easy as trying out a new serum or hydrator. Retinol can be quite intense and there are steps and precautions you should take to minimize negative effects. First, start to incorporate retinol slowly. Begin with 2-3 nights per week. Then increase frequency as skin becomes more acclimated. Second, be sure to only apply at night and always use SPF during the day, retinol use can sensitize your skin to the sun. Finally be sure you don’t apply Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide or AHA/BHAs on the same nights you apply retinol. These ingredients don’t mix well. You can use these ingredients during the day or the night if you don’t apply retinol.

Retinol FAQ

• WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM RETINOL?

  The visible effects of retinol will depend on the strength of the product, the consistency of usage and the overall skin condition.

• WHAT IF I'M NOT NEW TO RETINOL, BUT HAVEN'T USED IT IN A WHILE?

  Only you know your skin. As with a beginning user, it is essential to monitor your skin’s reaction and tolerance daily. The key to attaining the full benefits of Retinol is compliance. If you have taken a break, consider either starting with a lower strength treatment like the Retinol Skin Brightener .25% and/or limit your use of Retinol to 2-3x weekly.

• WHAT ARE COMMON RETINOL REACTIONS?

  Redness, flakiness, dryness, burning, or stinging are all normal, anticipated reactions when starting retinol. With regular product use, skin will acclimate, revealing a smoother, more even-toned and youthful-looking complexion.

• HOW DO I MINIMIZE RETINOL REACTIONS?

  You can use the following recommendations to reduce reactions to suit your lifestyle:

  - If you are new to retinol, start with a lower strength retinol serum such as Retinol Skin Brightener 0.25%

  - Start use slowly: 2-3 times/week. Then increase frequency as skin becomes more acclimated

  - Incorporate an exfoliant such as ZO’s Exfoliating Polish or Enzymatic Peel to gently sweep away dead skin cells + improve dryness

  - Add a soothing + hydrating product, such as Hydrating Crème, proven to relieve symptoms of severely dry skin while calming skin to soothe visible irritation

  - It is imperative to wear a daily sunscreen the morning after Retinol use to moderate sun sensitivity and prevent redness and irritation. If possible, apply sunscreen every day, whether or not you have used Retinol the night before.

  - Stop retinol usage if irritation persists or becomes severe four days before a special event

• HOW LONG WILL MY REACTIONS LAST?

  It takes 2-6 weeks of regular retinol use for skin transformation to begin. The anticipated reactions will peak during the first 6 weeks and then gradually subside. By week 12, the anticipated reactions will significantly diminish as skin health is restored.

• HOW LONG DOES RETINOL SUN SENSITIVITY LAST?

  One of retinol’s many benefits is that it accelerates cell turnover, bringing new skin cells to the surface. These cells are more susceptible to sun exposure, so it’s essential to limit time in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and re-apply it every 2 hours and use protective clothing.

• WHAT ARE SOME REASONS PEOPLE SHOULDN’T USE RETINOL?

  Although retinol is one of the most effective + researched skincare ingredients, it may not be right for everyone, at every season in life. Some common reasons include but are not limited to:

  - Not wanting to experience the initial retinol acclimation period

  - If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

  - If you have a chronically dry or reddened skin condition, such as eczema

  - If you spend extended periods of time in the sun as retinol can cause photosensitivity

• WHAT ARE SOME ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS THAT DON'T CONTAIN RETINOL

  Clinically proven alternatives for people looking to minimize signs of aging. Options include:

  - Growth Factor Serum

  - Firming Serum

  - Daily Power Defense

  - Illuminating AOX Serum

• WHAT ARE SOME PRODUCTS THAT BRIGHTEN WITHOUT RETINOL

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  non-retinol alternatives for people looking to achieve a brighter, more even complexion. Options include:

  - Brightalive Skin Brightener

  - 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating

  - Illuminating AOX Serum

  -Vivier Radiance Serum