Menopause and Retinol
Retinol - it’s the gold standard skincare ingredient renowned for its transformative effects on skin. It speeds up cellular renewal, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collagen and reduces hyperpigmentation. It's a real skincare powerhouse but in menopause using the right formulation is key. Our retinol has been specially formulated for menopausal skin to enjoy all the benefits of retinol with none of the irritating downsides. Here's why Super A Retinol Sleep Cream is different.
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. The list of skin benefits is endless – reduction in fine lines and wrinkles (we prefer to call them laughter lines), it speeds up skin cell renewal, reduces hyperpigmentation, gently resurfaces skin, unclogs pores and boosts collagen production. It’s a real skincare powerhouse but it can come with some well-known side effects like increased sensitivity and flaking. That’s why using the right formulation is key.
With so many variations of retinol and products on the market how do you know which one to choose? Throw menopausal skin changes into the mix and things can get even more confusing. That’s why we created Super A Retinol Sleep Cream – so you can enjoy all the transformative effects of retinol with none of the irritating downsides.
Retinol 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 – a scary sounding 30% of collagen in lost in the 5 years following menopause. If you aren’t already using retinol, you need to start now as retinol will help stimulate the skin to boost collagen production. The result: smooth, glowing and healthy skin.
It’s a potent ingredient and its well known that retinol use can trigger side effects particularly in the early stages when your skin is getting used to it. Menopausal skin can be even more prone to sensitivity and irritation whilst being increasing dry so it’s important to use the right retinol in the right way.
Here’s why Living M Super A Retinol Sleep Cream is different:
During menopause our skin changes dramatically. Falling levels of oestrogen cause collagen levels to decline leaving skin drier, thinner, less radiant less able to hold on to water. Our skin barrier starts to weaken and this can leave skin more prone to irritation and sensitivity and lacking in vital moisture. 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.
Super A Retinol Sleep Cream contains encapsulated retinol which is released gradually as you sleep. This targets cells at a lower level for more noticeable results over time. Time release technology reduces the risk of irritation often experienced with retinol use like dryness, peeling, redness and irritation. We have added a very effective 0.5% level of retinol and the delivery system and nourishing formulation make it much less likely to cause skin sensitivity.
There are a lot of retinol products available – serums, creams, single ingredient formulas, different strengths to choose from. Skincare can be confusing. We have chosen to formulate ours in a super nourishing formulation packed with nourishing and skin strengthening ingredients especially designed for menopausal skin changes. A blend of 3 ceramides helps to maintain moisture levels. These are lipids naturally found in skin that strengthen skins natural barrier, plump and hydrate, maintain moisture levels and calm redness and irritation. We have also added multi-molecular hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and combat skin dryness. This is a powerful moisture-binding ingredient that works beneath the skin surface and can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Three different types of this super-hydrator penetrate deep into skin’s layers to deliver intense hydration and lock in vital moisture.
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 it with your regular moisturiser to reduce the risk of irritation and dryness, a problem with products not developed specially for menopausal skin.
Because your skin is more prone to sensitivity and dryness as you approach and during menopause, it’s important to avoid anything that is likely to irritate skin and make it even drier especially when you are using a retinol. Living M Skincare has been formulated without any ingredients that are known to irritate skin such fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, and sulphates. These ingredients are found in many skincare products, but they should be avoided in menopause.
Use in the evening and apply to clean dry skin. For the first two weeks - Use 1-2 times a week on non-consecutive days watching carefully for signs of irritation. If your skin is comfortable after 2 weeks you can then start to slowly increase usage over the next two weeks building gradually to use every other night. Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so it’s essential you use sunscreen in the morning and reapply throughout the day.