Retinol is widely known to be the gold standard skincare ingredient for ageing well and the most proven skincare ingredient available. In menopause, a well-formulated retinol product is a must if you want glowing, healthier, stronger skin.
However, retinol isn’t without side effects and this can be off putting for many people who have had a bad experience in the past. Resveratrol has been touted by some as an answer to achieve the same results as retinol but in a more natural and less irritating form. Resveratrol is a lesser-known superstar antioxidant and an exclusive ingredient you won’t find in as many skincare products, but it has a whole host of skin benefits and is especially effective in treating hormonal skin changes caused by menopause. So, is it better to use resveratrol or retinol in menopause or can you and should you be using both?
What are the benefits of retinol for menopausal skin?
Retinol - it’s one of the best-known skincare ingredients on the market. Heralded for its transformative effects on skin, retinol is universally acknowledged to be the gold standard skincare ingredient for ageing well. It is an umbrella term for compounds derived from vitamin A. These are officially called retinoids, and there are quite a few different varieties out there. Retinol works in both the outer layer (epidermis) and inner level (dermis) of the skin. It increases the thickness of both layers by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Collagen levels decline as we go through menopause – 30% of collagen in lost in the 5 years following menopause. If you aren’t already using retinol, we recommend starting now as retinol will help stimulate the skin to boost collagen production. The result: smooth, glowing and healthy skin.
The list of skin benefits is endless;
- reduction in fine lines (we prefer to call them laughter lines)
- it speeds up skin cell renewal
- reduces hyperpigmentation
- gently resurfaces skin
- unclogs pores
- boosts collagen production
Choosing the right formulation is key if you want to maximise results but reduce the risk of skin irritation often associated with retinol particularly when you are just starting out. Super A Retinol Sleep Cream has been formulated especially for menopausal skin to enjoy all the benefits of retinol whilst minimising the risk of skin irritation. Using time release technology, our retinol is encapsulated which reduces the risk of irritation and gives more noticeable results over time penetrating skin cells at a deeper level. Nourishing ceramides and multi-molecular hyaluronic acid work to strengthen skin’s natural barrier and deliver deep replenishing hydration to keep your skin looking dewy and radiant.
Our cream formulation with nourishing added ingredients also means you don’t need to buffer your retinol product because we’ve already done it for you. “Buffering” is when you mix retinol with your regular moisturiser to reduce the risk of irritation and dryness, a problem with products not developed specially for menopausal skin.
What are the benefits of resveratrol for menopausal skin?
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the skin and seed of red grapes, all berries, and even dark chocolate. It is one of the top performing antioxidants when it comes to skincare. It belongs to a family of chemical compounds known as polyphenols, which give protection against UVA/UVB rays and other environmental stressors. It has many benefits when used on skin and is particularly effective when it comes to targeting the hormonal skin changes experienced in menopause. If you are suffering from any of these skin concerns, resveratrol is the antioxidant you need to be using; Sun damage, Breakouts, Redness, Uneven texture, Hyperpigmentation, Dullness, Bumps, Dryness, Fine lines and Sensitivity.
- Unlike other antioxidants like vitamin C which can be irritating, resveratrol calms sensitive and over-exposed skin
- Reduces the appearance of redness and irritation. Skin can become increasingly prone to redness, flushing and sensitivity in menopause so you need an antioxidant that will soothe rather than irritate
- Brightens your complexion and boosts radiance
- Helps skin maintain normal moisture levels which is key for menopausal skin which becomes much drier due to fluctuating hormone levels
- Reverses the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (we prefer to call them laughter lines)
- Hydrates skin
- Smooths skin’s texture
- It’s a phytoestrogen (which means it mimics the effect of oestrogen on your skin) that supports collagen synthesis for plumper, firmer skin
- Helps with the breakouts that many menopausal women suffer from and is known to inhibit the growth of bacteria for clearer skin
Resveratrol was our must-have ingredient when we were formulating Collagen Boost Moisturiser. As well as the skincare powerhouse resveratrol we teamed it with a whole host of other skincare goodies like collagen boosting peptides, more superstar antioxidants niacinamide and vitamin E, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and nourishing natural butters.
What is best Retinol or Resveratrol?
If you want great-looking, healthy skin you need to be using powerhouse ingredients that complement one another to get maximum results. While retinol is the gold-standard for smoother, softer, firmer, more even skin, resveratrol is the super effective yet gentle element that neutralizes free radicals, reduces hyperpigmentation and increases elasticity. Using retinol and resveratrol together will boost collagen production, radiance, even out skin tone and leave skin more supple and resilient. For an easy to use routine try our award winning Day & Night Set: Containing Collagen Boost Moisturiser for day and Super A Retinol Sleep Cream for night.
