Showing posts with label retinol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retinol. Show all posts

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Instytutrum Swiss Skincare

Instytutrum has branded itself Result-Driven Skincare. It was founded in 2014 by Dr. Natalia Derkach who teamed up with Swiss laboratory scientists -- skincare veterans with 30 years of skin research experience -- to develop professional in-office strength skincare to be used at home. The beauty company strives to be a skincare disruptor offering innovative formulas and performance-driven actives such as retinol, hydrators, and peptides.

Instyturum's Founder and CEO

Its full line of professional-grade skincare products contain ingredients that are clean, cruelty-free, and next-generation actives backed by clinically proven efficacy.

 A main objective of Instytutrum is to teach and advise clients about effective home skincare. Free online or telephone consultations and skincare advice from a team of skin experts are offered to anyone interested in receiving it by going to its website or calling an 800 number listed on the website.

Additionally, type the words: skincare or anti-aging in THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S search box to learn about skincare ingredients and effective brands to put on your radar.

Instytutrum is more expensive than drugstore anti-aging beauty brands but it contains ingredients that leading dermatologists recommend and celebrity clientele like Kristen Bell and Gabrielle Union buy. It's worth examining the ingredients in the brand and comparing them with similar products to increase your overall knowledge about what works to maintain and treat your skin. 


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Target Your Skincare: Naturium

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.3% Night Cream

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.3% Night Cream is relatively new on the market. It isn't for beginner users of retinol but if you've been using Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair for a while, the newer Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ o.3% Night Cream is stronger. A potent retinol is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to be tough on deep wrinkles and dark spots yet gentle on the skin. It fights the signs of aging while moisturizing the skin. Use it only at night.

Starting slow is always wise. You might try using it 3 times a week for 2 weeks before applying it every other night. If your skin tolerates it well, then use it every night. Retinol (as well as its prescription strength Retin-A) reduces the signs of aging only if you can use it regularly without stopping due to red, raw skin.

Consumers are promised visual results. Instantly you should have smoother softer skin. In 1 week your skin feels hydrated and rejuvenated with brighter and healthier skin. In 4 weeks you get firmer-looking skin with softer lines and improved skin tone. Retinol promotes cell turnover and the production of collagen. 

The 0.03% Retinol is developed to be a pure, powerful retinol that's still gentle and hydrating on the skin. The retinol is stabilized and the night cream is fragrance-free.

I bought just the night cream and have no problems using it on my face and under my eyes.

Currently, both Walmart and Amazon are selling the newer 0.03% Retinol for about $22 which is a discount on its usual $34 cost versus $29 for the Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream. I love all the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair formulas and plan to buy the best deal!


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Thursday, January 12, 2023

When To Increase Your Retinol to 2.5%

Retinol (the non-proscription derivative of prescription strength Retin-A) is an anti-aging powerhouse. Dermatologists often call it the gold standard in promoting a more youthful appearance by helping to build collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. 

But to minimize the discomforting effects sometimes associated with retinol, like dryness, flaking, and raw sensitive skin, you have to start with a lower potency retinol such as .5% --> moving up to 1.0% --> then perhaps increase to 2.5% over time and before attempting prescription strength Retin-A (known as Tretinoin). 

Understand that a higher potency retinol isn't a better or more effective anti-aging serum. The consistency of using retinol trumps potency.

Some people with sensitive skin may never tolerate the prescription strength of Tretinoin; and virgin skin must begin with a lower strength retinol like .5%, often using it only once a week (the 1st month) until your skin can tolerate it 2xs a week (the 2nd month), then applying it 3xs a week (the 3rd month), and eventually, using retinol every night of the week. Only after your skin can tolerate a lower potency should you consider bumping up the strength of your retinol. It takes time for your skin to tolerate higher retinol strengths.

Always remember that the retinol is working to erase those lines and wrinkles at the strength your skin can tolerate it. Consistency, consistency, and consistency is the key to fighting the signs of aging and improving your skin. We expect quick fixes, but with retinol and other effective skincare ingredients, it may take 6 months or longer before you see the benefits.

I have been using drugstore retinol for a couple of years and only now will I try to bump up the potency to 2.5% strength, which I aim to use once a week and return to lower strengths (and bakuchiol) for the rest of the week before using 2.5% retinol more than once a week.

All the brands of 2.5% retinol featured on this blog sell on Amazon and Walmart for $10 - $14. Check the ingredients for extra benefits like hyaluronic acid (for hydration), vitamin C (an anti-antioxidant to protect and brighten the skin), and aloe (to smooth the skin), etc.

I bought the Mo Tulip Retinol (below๐Ÿ‘‡) at Walmart to try. So far the hyaluronic acid in the serum is super hydrating, and green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protective properties, but I'll have to use it longer to verify the effectiveness of its retinol.

With choices galore, you don't have to spend a fortune for a good retinol that really works, just look for transparency on the label to know exactly what you're getting.

๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ‘—๐Ÿ‘ 

For folks with sensitive skin who can't tolerate retinol, dermatologists recommend using bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative. It offers the benefits of retinol without the side effects of retinol. Although bakuchiol takes a different path, it has been shown in a double-blind study to have the same collagen-stimulating genes as retinol. 

Three Ships is double the price of the above retinol, but the small batch brand comes highly recommended by dermatologists. Along with its high 2% bakuchiol,
Skin Hero serum also contains rosehip oil to brighten the skin; and the Dream Night cream has squalene plus seed butters as moisturizers. 
A small batch brand with excellent anti-aging ingredients. I can verify 1% bakuchiol, but I can't verify the percentage of retinol as 1% or 2.5%. My mother and I love IMGN bakuchiol and will add other IMGN items for her senior and still lovely skin.

Every skin type can use bakuchiol. Retinol has more studies behind it, which is why people whose skin tolerates it might use it instead of bakuchiol although bakuchiol looks very promising.

For other quality budget finds featured on THE SAVVY SHOPPER, see the links below this post. I try to find the best retinol serums in the $10 - $20 range because, over time, the expense of daily use adds up! The 2-ounce sizes backed by science for less are fabulous, and I've featured some of them. Many brands of budget-friendly retinol are on the market so you never have to go broke using retinol consistently.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Tula Anti-aging Skincare

Photo: Adweek
As regular readers know, I've switched to drugstore retinoids for my skincare routine because certain brands (Olay, Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Roc) are budget-friendly with scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients that really work. But it doesn't mean I don't continue to learn about skincare and put other impressive brands on my radar. Tula is such a brand to know about. Although it costs far more than the drugstore brands, the retailer has regular Friends-and-Family discounts, making it more affordable. And, Tula has a store on Amazon with savings.

Tula focuses on a gut-to-skin connection by putting prebiotics and probiotics in its skincare. While this may seem like shrewd marketing, there is real science behind it. We have billions of bacteria living on our skin, as well as, in our gut. {A lurking microbiome of living microorganisms ... you are never truly alone!๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜‚} Without a doubt, preprobiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are essential for overall good health, creating a good microbiome and resulting in skin balance, not to mention, glowing skin. There's plenty yet to be learned, but the company's approach of putting biotics into its skincare works to balance the skin microbiome -- this is backed by science, as it helps fight inflammation (a cause of aging), treats wounds, and strengthens immunity.

Tula is formulated by Dr. Roshini Raj, its founder, a practicing gastroenterologist who is at the forefront of the gut-to-skin microbiome connection. Dr. Raj developed an innovative way to put probiotic extracts called S6Pro Complex into skin elixirs to effectively balance your skin microbiome with the results of strengthening, hydrating, and healing the skin. She has 20 years of experience, including research with successful clinical trials and product testing, behind her.

Next, I'll list Tula's probiotic complex products in the order I'd splurge on them ... still only after waiting for a good sale to roll around:

1) Retinol Alternative Serum - To ease wrinkles with 3 botanical retinol alternatives of bakuchiol, alfalfa sprouts, and stevia with squalane.

2) Pro-Ferm Overnight Complex - To recharge and replenish the eyes -  It contains bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative), s6Pro complex (as do all Tula's products), peptides, chamomile, squalene, and shea butter. As it happens, I don't use a separate eye cream, but if retinol is too harsh, this should provide the same benefits.

3) Overnight Repair Treatment - A high-potency face cream to treat wrinkles using alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C.

Watch for more beauty brands to offer biotics-based skincare -- it's coming and will ultimately bring prices down.

When splurging on skincare I tend to buy only one item, not everything all at once. The serum is the most-worth-the-splurge item for me (as it treats both under the eyes and face). With a 2nd splurge, I might try something I don't already have (anti-aging eye cream). Finally (later on) I might complete the set with the night cream. If I ever see Tula at T.J. Maxx, I'll be sure to snatch it up for less! It's why putting the name on your radar is a smart move.


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Monday, August 29, 2022

The Barebones Anti-aging Skincare Products You Need

It so happens I have 3 friends who want to take better care of their skin and have asked for my advice on skincare products. I love it!
๐Ÿ˜ 
Photo: Depositphotos

In suggesting stellar products to my 3 friends I know 4 important details:

a) What they want their skincare to do: Target lines, wrinkles and dark spots as much as possible with anti-aging ingredients; 

b) A simple and easy routine:

c) Products that work without being too strong for their virgin skin;

d) Potions that are affordable and highly effective (i.e., backed by science without sticker shock).

We are also in the midst of inflation with people wisely economizing and trying to get the most bang for a buck. So without further ado, here are my rock-bottom with the least amount of steps recommendations, a/k/a --

A Skincare Routine With the Least Amount of Products For Less Money:

1) Wash your face with Noxema Cleansing Cream - It contains eucalyptus and camphor, anti-inflammatories used in Ayurvedic medicine. Cost: $4.47.

2) Treat your face by starting with The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and work your way up to The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid in Squalane 5% - Retinol/Retinoid converts to retinoic acid the Holy Grail of anti-aging ingredients. Cost: $7.50 - $14.95.

3) Moisturize your face with The Inkey List Bakuchiol - It has 1% bakuchiol, the new anti-aging wonder is backed up by a 2-blind scientific study showing it works, as well as, retinol. 1% is double the concentration tested in the study. Also, bakuchiol plays nice with other skin care products, so you can layer it without canceling the benefits of any other anti-aging ingredients you may be using. Cost: $11.49. {Learn more about the InkeyList here.}

4) Protect your face with the daily use of sunscreen such as Olay Sensitive Skin SPF 15 - SPF 50 - SPF 15 is a lightweight formula and provides sufficient protection as long as you reapply it every few hours. Higher SPF numbers don't give you much more protection, yet you don't need to reapply them as often. Doctors often recommend SPF 30 or SPF 50 because patients forget to reapply their sun protection. Walmart has an I can't tell the difference knockoff brand, Equate Beauty All-Day Broad Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 15. Cost $3.50 {complared to Olay's $10}.

The grand total of my suggested barebones, anti-aging-beauty-elixirs is $26.96.๐Ÿ’‹

How do 4 products and 4 steps that have you covered in anti-aging ingredients for under $30 sound? The whole shebang ... ultra budget-friendly and without compromise!๐ŸŽฏ

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Honorable Mention for All Skin Types - the new one-step face serum for both morning and night:

2 ounces of a 1% bakuchiol serum from Imagine Dermatology for $16.12 is a steal! The formula also includes green, white and chamomile teas; hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (vitamin B3); glycolic acid; and, rosemary. You could use it in the morning (replacing Vitamin C serum if you use it) to brighten your skin and again at night (replacing retinol) to erase lines and wrinkles, plus this serum improves elasticity by increasing the production of collagen. Bakuchiol serums are gentle for sensitive skin that won't tolerate retinol.


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Monday, October 25, 2021

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 with hydrating ingredients has a MAX formula with 20% more retinol. It also contains vitamin B3, which hydrates and brightens the skin and promotes elasticity, plus fights free radicals. If your skin isn't used to maximum strength retinol, stick with Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 in its regular strength. More retinol doesn't always mean better, you just need enough effective anti-aging ingredients -- here, retinol ... and to use the potency of retinol that is tolerated by your skin. To be effective, you must use it regularly. If too harsh, making your skin red and raw, you then stop using it.

I like the availability of a greater retinol strength in Olay, a non-prescription potion, for people who have been using the regular formula for a time and feel it's time to bump the potency up. To be sure, if mistaken their skin will indicate its need to return to the lesser strength!

As regular readers know, Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 and Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair are 2 of the drugstore brands of anti-aging night creams I fancy. Each works without emptying your wallet.


Be on the look out at T.J. Maxx for this 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair 2-pack for $16.99, a steal! Full-sizes and about half the price of one item alone at the drugstore (when not on sale). The instructions say to apply the retinol oil and follow with the retinol cream. The oil adds another 3% of retinol for double the wrinkle-fighting power (know that 2.5% is considered a good and standard amount in a non-prescription retinol formula).

If not already using a retinol skin cream potion, start slowly. You may have to apply the cream once a week, then twice a week, then increase to every other night before your skin tolerates it every night.

Choices are good for consumers, especially if they land on the shelves at T.J. Maxx. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max is another effective budget-friendly formula to know about. 

You are left with money in your pocket and a smile on your face ... winkles that soften or perhaps are erased.๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ™‚ 


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Friday, July 23, 2021

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum


RoC Retinol Correction Line Smoothing Daily Serum is another effective retinol available at your local drugstore. In addition to drugstores, Walmart, Target, Amazon and Ulta also carry it, so it's easy to find and perhaps even catch a sale! I often say, choice is THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S  best friend. 

Now let's review what retinol is and what it does for aging skin: Retinol is the non-prescription derivative of prescription strength Retin-A, the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. With regular use, both retinol and Retin-A help speed up skin cell turnover, collagen production, plus lighten uneven skin tone and age spots. 

As it turns out, stronger (i.e., prescription strength Retin-A) isn't always better. What matters most is consistent use. The strength of Retin-A is something the skin tolerates only after a long period of use. Virgin skin can't tolerate it, and sensitive skin may never tolerate it. But non-prescription strength Retinol, used regularly, offers similar anti-aging properties with less of harsher Retin-A's unpleasant side effects. 

Not only does RoC's powerful Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum deliver anti-aging benefits, it provides serious hydration; and the retinol in this formula is time-released which preserves the effectiveness of the vitamin A derivative by keeping it stable so it can work over a 12-hour period. As a time-released formula, it is less likely to cause irritation. So if another retinol leaves your skin, dry, red and raw, this one should be more comfortable yet still work. What's more, while the retinol is working to smooth your lines and winkles, two moisturizing ingredients, ashwagandha and squalane deliver 12 hours of time-released hydration.

Many women like to apply a rich moisturizing night cream before bed, so a thicker cream formula is also available.

Anti-aging skincare can be super expensive, so put THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S recommended retinol brands on your radar. They start at good price points before promotions. Be sure to catch the sales to look your unlined best while staying in the green!


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Monday, January 18, 2021

Tree Of Life Skin Serums

There's a vitamin C serum on the market that tops a number of beauty editor's lists {namely, Skin Ceuticals}.  It sells for $166 for 1 ounce, and frankly, the endorsements annoy me since regular people (Raise your hand!) can't afford to use it every day. So what good is the expensive recommendation?! That's when I decided to find equivalent brands of skincare backed by science for less money. I've got your back, readers!๐Ÿ™‚

In my quest for cheap without compromise skincare, I've found another brand I like called Tree of Life, a plant based, cruelty-free, non-toxic line founded by biologist, Ellyn Davis.

Tree of Life offers top-notch ingredients in the right combinations to address every skin concern. The company takes care of its customers in a myriad of ways. A peruse of its website teaches you about proper skincare. You learn about ingredients in the serums and how to use the products correctly. Once you identify what you want your skincare to do, it's easy to know what to buy. The trio featured at the top is a useful, basic set of serums (vitamin C - for daytime, retinol for nighttime and hyaluronic acid for day or night moisture). The beauty line also offers a money-back guarantee.

Plus Tree of Life cares about you by not asking you to deplete your savings to buy their scrubs, serums or moisturizers. The cost of 1-once bottles averages from $7 - $11 (with one multi-ingredient formula going for $18)... super affordable for proven ingredients and lacking fillers! The brand keeps costs low with simply packaging and by not advertising. Money is spent where it counts on product development and its clean, potent ingredients. 

Combo packs knock already low prices down more, and the retailer offers VIP Rewards which I recommend always signing up for, as extra savings go to repeat customers.

Available on their website, Amazon, Walmart and eBay. Tree of Life ... I'm your newest customer!

Readers, are you feed up with overpriced skincare???


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Monday, April 20, 2020

Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Retinols


Let's do a roundup of the 5 best non-prescription anti-aging skin care products on the market. With Ulta and Sephora temporarily closed head to the aisles of your local drugstore. These are the brands recommended by doctors and beauty experts alike time and again. The 1st 4 choices are the best value. The last one is pricey -- perhaps to be saved up for -- yet has very powerful retinol, so I'm putting it on your radar. When T. J. Maxx reopens after the pandemic, you may find it there.

1) Neutrogena tops the list of countless dermatologists and beauty editors as the best anti-aging drugstore retinol available. You can't beat the price for quality retinol. If starting with one product, I'd go for the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, the 4th in the image above. If you like it, add its night cream (the 1st item) to layer on top of the serum. Containing a retinol complex, glucose, and hyaluronic acid, the serum brightens your complexion and attacks stubborn lines and deep wrinkles by promoting skin turnover and the production of new collagen.
    
2) Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum - If you only buy one anti-aging beauty product, it should always be serum, which has tiny molecules to penetrate deeper layers of skin. Add a moisturizer on top of the serum if your skin feels dry. L'Oreal is another solid beauty brand with great retinol power.

3) Olay Retinol 24 - Like all the brands featured here, Olay sells serum, moisturizer and eye serum. You only need the eye serum if the delicate skin under your eyes is so sensitive it can't tolerate the regular serum or moisturizer. If you can use the same serum and cream for your face and eye area, save your money! No need to buy extra. Olay has an arsenal of retinols, B3, and peptides to treat fine lines and wrinkles.
4) RoC is another reliable brand making drugstore anti-aging skin potions containing retinol with antioxidants and peptides -- ingredients backed by science known to work. Start with RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Facial Serum and add what you wish. Personally, I buy face serum and a moisturizer as essentials. I use other brands of products with sunscreen, but some customers prefer to buy all their products from the same retailer. It's a safe way of knowing one item's ingredients won't cancel out another.
5) SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 - Too strong for beginners, this retinol is for veterans who have used retinol for a while. A night cream that treats the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, retinol 1.0 is the maximum strength. Its main ingredients include: Ceramidesshea butterherbal extractsretinolessential oilsalpha hydroxy acidsantioxidants, and dimethicone.

So you have choice galore of retinol beauty products sold at the drugstore. Great quality without a prescription for less. Also different skin types have different needs. I will attach some links below to help you figure out what you want your skin products to address. Feel free to explore the beauty posts on the blog for even more information.


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Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Collection

Olay makes anti-aging skincare as good as the luxe brands for less. In fact, with the advanced anti-aging ingredients contained in elixirs from The Ordinary, as well as, other drugstore brands, including L'Orรจal and Neutrogena, there is no real need to spend big bucks elsewhere. Not only do drugstore brands start at lower price points, they also go on sale for additional savings!

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Collection contains the bonafide ingredients that science says work. The collection hydrates, brightens, evens out skin tone, minimizes pores and smooths the appearance of fine lines and winkles by using a combination of retinol, retinue propionate and vitamin B3. The formula is created to deeply penetrate the skin and encourage quicker skin cell turnover with less irritation.

Do we need more retinol youth lotions and potions on the beauty market? Yes ... yes, we do! Why? Because ... consumers win: More product, competition, selection and savings!

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Collection consists of 3 items:

1) Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer - Contains retinol, vitamin B3 (a hydrator) and amino peptides. Hydrates the top layer of skin. Apply after serum.

2) Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum - Has retinol, vitamin B3 and amino peptides. Serums have smaller molecules and the ability to penetrate deeper layers of skin, the reason we use them. Apply before a moisturizing cream.

3) Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream - Contains retinol, vitamin B3 and amino peptides for the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Even at drugstore prices, the cost of skincare adds up. For that reason I recommend buying the serum and moisturizer, but the eye cream only if you have sensitive skin under your eyes requiring a separate cream. The Night Moisturizer is unscented, so many people tolerate it to treat and moisturize their entire face, including the more delicate skin around their eyes.

Bring it on Olay, the more anti-aging skincare the better!


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