A guide to using Retinoids

Retinoids are one of the most well-researched skincare ingredients, known for their ability to address multiple skin concerns. They belong to the vitamin A family, and while many forms of vitamin A occur naturally, retinoids used in skincare are synthetic molecules designed to target visible signs of aging. Over time, factors like environmental stressors and natural aging cause a decline in collagen and elastin, leading to uneven texture, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Retinoids help counteract these effects by supporting skin renewal, enhancing firmness, and improving skin tone. They are considered the gold standard in skincare for aging-related concerns. Let’s dive deeper into what makes retinoids so essential.

How Retinoids Work

Retinoids primarily work by promoting collagen production and accelerating cell turnover. Collagen, a protein essential for youthful skin structure, decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Cell turnover is the process by which old, dead skin cells are replaced with new ones, helping to refine skin texture and even out tone. When collagen production slows down and cell turnover declines, signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone become more prominent. Retinoids help to restore and maintain youthful-looking skin by addressing these concerns directly.

Choosing the Right Retinoid

Retinoids encompass a variety of vitamin A derivatives, each with different strengths and benefits. The three most commonly used retinoids in skincare are:

• Retinol – The most widely used and studied form of vitamin A in skincare. It undergoes two conversion steps before becoming the bioactive form used by the skin.
• Granactive Retinoid™ (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) – A next-generation retinoid that works similarly to traditional retinoids but does not require conversion by the skin, leading to reduced irritation.
• Retinal (Retinaldehyde) – A highly potent form of vitamin A that requires just one conversion step to become bioactive. It delivers faster results compared to retinol but may be more intense for sensitive skin.
  The key difference between these retinoids lies in how many conversion steps are needed before they become active in the skin. Choosing the right retinoid depends on individual skin needs and tolerance levels.
  

When to Start Using Retinoids

The best time to introduce retinoids into your skincare routine depends on your skin concerns and age. Typically, people begin using retinoids in their late twenties or early thirties when early signs of aging—such as fine lines, uneven texture, or discoloration—start to appear.

To minimize irritation, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage. If irritation occurs (such as dryness, redness, or peeling), reduce the frequency of application. Additionally, retinoids increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so daily sunscreen application is essential.
While retinoids can be used daily, it’s important to build tolerance over time. Experienced users may opt for higher-strength formulations, while beginners should start with gentler options.

How to Incorporate Retinol Into Your Routine

Retinoids should be used in the evening as part of your nighttime skincare routine. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Start Slowly – Apply retinoid serum 2-3 times a week at night to allow your skin to adjust.
2. Use a Pea-Sized Amount – One pump is enough to evenly apply to clean, dry skin.
3. Increase Gradually – Once your skin builds tolerance, you can increase usage to nightly application.
4. Always Apply Sunscreen – Retinoids make skin more sun-sensitive, so wear SPF daily.

Can You Use Retinol Daily?

Yes, but only after your skin has fully adapted. If irritation persists after two weeks, reduce frequency or pause usage. Since retinoids accelerate skin renewal, they may cause dryness, so it's essential to keep your skin well-hydrated with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

We offer two retinoid serums for different experience levels:

• Fill Me Up – A beginner-friendly serum with a gentle formulation to help skin adjust.
• Fill Me Up More – A more advanced serum with a higher concentration for enhanced results.

Maximizing Retinoid Benefits in Your Anti-Aging Routine

To get the most out of retinoids, pair them with complementary ingredients. Vitamin C and peptides are great additions:

• Vitamin C (AM) + Retinol (PM) – Vitamin C brightens and protects skin in the morning, while retinol supports overnight renewal.
• Peptides – Boost collagen and elastin production. Can be used in either morning or evening routines.

What to Avoid When Using Retinol

Certain ingredients can increase irritation when combined with retinoids. Avoid:

• Direct Acids (AHA or BHA) - May overstimulate skin when used with retinoids. Instead, alternate usage on different days.
• Direct Vitamin C (L ascorbic acid) – Can increase sensitivity when combined with retinoids. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinoids in the evening.
• Copper Peptides – Can enhance exfoliation, increasing the risk of irritation. Alternate use with retinoids or add them to your morning routine.

Pregnancy & Retinoids

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend avoiding retinoids, in accordance with EU Scientific Commission on Consumer Safety (SCCS) guidelines.

Why Choose Our Fill Me Up Retinoid Serums?

1. Scientifically-Backed Formulas – Our serums feature encapsulated retinol and retinal for enhanced stability and gradual release, reducing irritation. We also incorporate Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) for faster effects with minimal irritation. These are combined with niacinamide and co-enzyme Q10 for optimal skin benefits.
2. Gentle on Skin – Our formulations include soothing agents like squalane, bisabolol, and ceramides to minimize irritation, making retinoids more accessible for all skin types.
3. Proven Results – With consistent use, our serums deliver noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity.

Whether you're new to retinoids or an experienced user, our Fill Me Up and Fill Me Up More serums provide effective, well-balanced solutions for healthy, youthful-looking skin.