The Double Retinoid Trick To Maximise Results

Let me start by saying this. I’m not one of those people who thinks everyone needs to be slathering retinoids on their face. In fact, most of them cause more irritation than results and I have no interest in skin peeling for the sake of it. Hello post inflammatory pigmentation!

But when a retinoid is well formulated, barrier friendly and actually delivers visible results without the dreaded retinoid reaction, then yes, I will of course recommend it.

WHY VITAMIN A MATTERS

Vitamin A in skincare has been a huge trending ingredient for the last few years and for good reason. It helps with cell turnover, boosts collagen, smooths fine lines and even keeps breakouts in order. It is one of the most reliable ways to improve how your skin functions overall.

The trouble is, not all vitamin A products are created equally. Too harsh and your skin ends up red, sore and flaky. Too weak and you’ll wonder why you even bothered.

THE DOUBLE RETINOID TRICK

Most people think of retinoids as something you apply at night in a cream or serum. My favourites are always the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream or Clearing Serum and Nimue Retinal+ Power Serum. Both are cleverly formulated and give results without damaging your barrier. You can order these here.

But here’s where things get interesting. You can actually support your vitamin A levels from the inside too. Skinade Derma Defence A&D is designed to do exactly that. It feeds your skin from within with clinically proven levels of vitamins A and D, which helps your topical retinoid work even harder.

Skinade Derma Defense

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Instead of plastering your face with more actives, you’re strengthening the skin from both sides, inside and out. That means better results, less irritation and a much smarter way of working with your skin. I like to call it a 'sandwich effect'.

WHY SKINADE IS SO GREAT FOR THIS

I have recommended Skinade for years because it is consistent and the results last. Their collagen drink is already a client favourite, and Derma Defence is the perfect partner. It creates a strong foundation that helps your topical skincare perform properly, especially your retinoids.

HOW TO DO IT

Take Skinade Derma Defence A&D every day (ideally along with your Skinade Original Collagen Drink too).

Use a barrier-respecting retinoid in the evening like SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream or Nimue Retinal+ Power Serum.

Keep your hydration topped up with something like Forlle’d Refining Lotion, which goes deep, allows your actives to penetrate better and strengthens the skin barrier.

Protect it all with SPF every single morning. My favourites are Nimue Sun-C SPF 40, Nimue Environmental Shield SPF 50, or the Revision Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45.

Vitamin A is an incredible ingredient but only really works best when you use it consistently. Using this method allows you to get even better results and when using the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet range or the Nimue Retinal Power+ Serum, you can apply it every day without the retinoid reaction to get the best results and without causing unnecessary sensitivity.

If you want me to build you a personalised plan with the right products for your skin (not your favourite influencer’s), fill in my Skin Check-In form. It’s free, quick, and I’ll email you everything you need to get started.

Thank you so much for reading,

Emmaline