The A Method Reti-Xo Retinol Exosome Serum Review

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I have been happily using The A Method products for quite a while now, and I am quite impressed by their products. Created by a dermatologist, The A Method seeks to create high quality, and effective, products that simplify your skincare routine.

About The A Method,

The A Method® was created by Tina Alster, M.D. – founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC. to provide her patients the ability to maintain and care for their skin at home.

Dr. Alster is a world-recognized leader in dermatologic laser surgery and has published hundreds of articles and 8 textbooks on the subject. She received her B.S. and M.D. degrees with highest honors from Duke University and completed her dermatology residency at Yale University. It's our mission to simplify skincare routines using clean, paraben-free formulas without fragrances, dyes and other stressors that can lead to many common skin concerns.

My latest discovery is The A Method Reti-Xo Retinol Exosome Serum, and this highly effective gel-based retinol serum is worthy of note. The lightweight gel serum, which is cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free and vegan, is effective, easy to use and it doesn't dry out my skin or leave it flaky. It stimulates cell turn-over and collagen production and skin fresh and glowing. 

It is extraordinarily important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products because they can cause photosensitivity, and in the absence of a high SPF sunscreen the use of a retinol-based product can lead to hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation. It is also very important to consult with your doctor and/or dermatologist before adding a retinol-based product into your skincare routine. You may have suspicious moles, spots or lesions that could be cancerous or pre-cancerous, and they need to be treated medically before adding cosmetic treatments that could exfoliate those skin conditions. Your doctor may say that retinol-based products simply aren't a good core for your skin. Additionally, some medications that you may be taking may create photosensitivity, and your doctor should evaluate the products that you are thinking of adding to your skincare routine before you decide to try them.

According to The A Method,

Reti-XO is a revolutionary serum formulated with Plant Exosomes and gentle levels of 1% All Trans Retinol to stimulate conditions for strong collagen, vibrant complexion and improved elasticity.

A highly safe and effective combination deeply stimulates collagen while Plant Exosomes deliver a therapeutic effect that calm skin and improve conditions for healing and faster anti-aging results.

Formulated with All-Trans Retinol and Copper Tripeptides to create synergistic benefits for improved collagen and glowing skin.

Features:

• Paraben-free

• Dermatologist tested 

• Non-comedogenic

• Cruelty-free

• Fragrance-free

• Gluten-free

• Vegan

Directions: Apply a thin layer to the face, neck and décolleté once daily. Follow with your normal skincare regimen.

Warning: For external use only. Discontinue use if signs of irritation or rash appear. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Use of a sunscreen is recommended during the day.

Benefits: 

• Topical Retinoid: If you are pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant, consult a physician before use.
• Reti-XO combines ethically sourced Plant Exosomes with All-Trans Retinol and skin-renewing Peptides to stimulate, nourish and improve conditions for collagen and healthy, glowing skin.
• Targets: Skin elasticity and conditions for brighter, firmer, healthier-looking skin.
• Suited for PM. 
• For all Skin Types.
• All-Trans Retinol nourishes conditions for strong collagen.
• Plant Exosomes help improve conditions for skin recovery and regeneration.
• Copper Tripeptides help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles via strengthened elasticity.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Niacinamide, PRX⁸ Complex, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Porphyra Umbilicals Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Glucose, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Overall Assessment: This luxury retinol is a definite splurge, but it is very effective and worthy of your consideration if you are seeking to add retinol to your skincare routine.

$349.00 for 1.52 oz from The A Method and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

The A Method Pearls of Retinol Review and Retinol Coupling

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As you already know, I am a big fan of Dr. Tina Alster's The A-Method Skincare, and I was over-the-moon when I was offered the opportunity to test both strengths of The A Method Pearls of Retinol.

The A Method Pearls of Retinol come in two strengths, a milder 0.5% concentration of All-Trans Retinol and the stronger 1% concentration. If you are new to Retinol, I recommend the 0.5% concentration, and work your way up to the 1%. The golden micro-encapsulated "pearls"– which are All-Trans Retinol– are suspended in a wonderfully hydrating solution that contains Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing extracts that kept my finicky skin from drying out and visibly peeling. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing serum that immediately leaves skin hydrated. The formula helps skin cell turnover and collagen production without irritating the skin. This formula softens the appearance of fine lines, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin. 

It is important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products, and it is imperative to have your skin looked at by your family physician or dermatologist to make sure that the spots and irregularities that you want to treat are neither pre-cancerous, nor cancerous lesions. I have my skin fully evaluated during my yearly physicals, and I usually bring my doctor the list of ingredients of products that I am considering before I use them. I am not a medical doctor, and I consult with mine regularly to make sure that I am not doing something potentially dangerous to my skin.

According to The A Method,

Micro-encapsulated “pearls” of All-Trans Retinol are suspended in a uniquely hydrating formula that lessens irritation associated with Retinol use. Assist healthy collagen production while visibly reducing the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by the sun and other factors – for brighter, more even toned skin with consistent nightly use. Formulated with ultra-hydrating ingredients that compliment Retinol in balancing texture, moisture and working to improve skin elasticity and vibrance.

Features:

• Micro-dose levels of All-Trans Retinol are non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin

• Light serum texture is ultra-hydrating and fast-absorbing

• Delivers unique powdery-dry finish, helping to control shine and oiliness

• Improves moisture balance, thus improving skin elasticity

• Helps to inhibit key enzymes involved in the synthesis of hyperpigmentation

Key Ingredients:

– Micro-encapsulated All-Trans Retinol

– Portulaca Oleracea Extract

– Pelargonium Graveolens Extract

– Sophia Anguvstifolia Root Extract

– Chrysanthemum Indium Extract

– Sucrose

– Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract

– Arginine

– Panthenol

– Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredients for 0.5% All-Trans Retinol Formula: Water, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose,Zea Mays Starch, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pelargonium, Graveolens Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract, Trehalose, All-Trans Retinol, Sucrose, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Arginine, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.

Ingredients for 1% All Trans Retinol Formula: Water, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose,Zea Mays Starch, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pelargonium, Graveolens Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract, Trehalose, All-Trans Retinol, Sucrose, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Arginine, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.

Ingredients:

Directions: After cleansing, place 1-2 drops of Pearls of Retinol in the palm of your hand – and with your fingertips – gently apply the serum to the entire surface of the face, neck and décolleté , as needed. I would only use this at night.

About Dr. Tina Alster,

The A MethodⓇ Skincare Line was developed by Tina Alster, M.D. – founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC. to provide her patients the ability to maintain and care for their skin at home.

Dr. Alster is a world-recognized leader in dermatologic laser surgery and has published hundreds of articles and 8 textbooks on the subject. She received her B.S. and M.D. degrees with highest honors from Duke University and completed her dermatology residency at Yale University.

Meet the “Retinol Coupling” Skincare Trend

The A Method explains why you should be combining the ultimate power couple of ingredients – All-Trans Retinol and Tranexamic Acid.

Below, The A Method’s licensed esthetician Madelyn Cusimano shares how Retinol Coupling promotes healthy collagen production while visibly reducing the look of dark spots, uneven texture and signs of aging and discoloration caused by the sun and other factors.

How do I try the Retinol Coupling trend? Start with clean dry skin and apply The A Method’s Skin Perfecting Serum first. You do not need to wait long. Skin Perfecting Serum absorbs quickly into the skin, so just wait until it has absorbed into the skin. Then, apply Retinol of Pearls.

What does the Skin Perfecting Serum do? This serum is a 6-acid blend that is going to target fine/lines, pigmentation, skin texture, decongestion of pores, and it's also a skin brightener with the 10% tranexamic acid. It also has a pH of 1.5, so we know the product is definitely absorbing into the skin as well as balancing the skin closer to that perfect 4.5-5.5 pH range. Our skin naturally fluctuates in pH from topical agents, free radical damage, acne, taking medications, etc. When our skin is too alkaline, it's in an agitated state and needs something to help balance its pH out so that it's not in a constant state of irritation and inflammation. Most acne lies in the 7.5-8.5 pH range making it very difficult for the skin to take in any products without becoming more irritated because the skin is in an already irritated state at that pH. Skin Perfecting Serum is going to be a great product to use before Pearls of Retinol because it sets up the perfect environment for maximum product penetration. Allowing the skin to get the most out of the product.

How does the Pearls of Retinol work? The pearls hold micro-encapsulated All-Trans retinol stable until mixing with the hydrating serum base when pumped through the dispenser. This also creates the perfect micro-dosing scenario that is supported by hydrating ingredients to avoid dryness, redness and irritation. You'll see in the retinol world; people's skin becomes very dry when using retinol alone with no follow up products on the skin. With Pearls of Retinol, you’ll experience the anti-aging, skin balancing benefits of All-Tans Retinol with less irritation, and better moisture balance for improved results after consistent nightly use.

The serum base features a unique mixture of ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, 24K Gold and several natural extracts that aid in moisture retention all of which are mixed with water. Water is the driver for retinol to absorb properly into the skin.

What makes this magic happen? The magic happens when the low molecular weight of the Skin Perfecting Serum is able to dive deep within the skin, setting up the perfect environment for the Pearls of Retinol to distribute or as we like to say "micro-dose" the retinol within the deeper layers of the epidermis. At the same time the Pearls of Retinol provides hydration to the skin to avoid that itchy, red skin that happens while using retinol.

How often do you use both? daily? Begin by using this combo 2-3X a week. On the days you aren't using the combo, use only the Pearl of Retinol. This will help to build your skin's tolerance, leading up to using the combo 7X days a week. If you have never used a retinol before, then I would use the combo 1-2X a week and then pick another day of that week to use only the Pearls of Retinol by itself. You can build your skin tolerance from there based on how your skin is responding.

How soon would you see results? If you're using it consistently 6-8 weeks you should start seeing results.

Overall Assessment: The A Method Pearls of Retinol are both very effective, and very high quality. The Retinol Coupling method is definitely a next-level at-home treatment! A+

The A Method® Pearls of Retinol - 0.5% - $104.00 & 1% - $124.00 from The A Method. The A Method® Skin Perfecting Serum - $100 from The A Method. The A Method is also sold in their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). 

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Fleur & Bee A Game Retinol Serum Review

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If you want to start using retinol in your skincare routine, but want one that is gentle, rather than aggressive, then Fleur & Bee has created Fleur & Bee A Game Retinol Serum, and it is a perfect for people new to retinol. This retinol-based serum, which pairs 0.1% retinol with a number of vegan superfoods, such as green tea, jojoba oil and dandelion, soothes and protects the skin while retaining the skin-turnover and anti-aging benefits associated with retinol. 

This serum is lightweight, fast absorbing and contains no fragrance. It gently encourages skin cell turnover, it softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fades hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, unlike most retinol-based skincare products, which often dry out the skin, this gem offers the skin vital hydration– which mitigates the typical irritation and drying associated with retinol. 

Disclaimer: Before using a retinol-based product, I highly recommend consulting with your doctor, and having a thorough skin exam. Oftentimes people seek retinol-based products to treat sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation, but sometimes those seemingly benign (and here I use this word literally) sunspots or skin irregularities are actually precancerous or cancerous lesions, and therefore you should see a dermatologist before using retinol-based products. I am not a medical doctor, and am not giving any medical advice, and this is why I always have my doctor look over my skin very carefully, and evaluate the products that I am considering for my skin.

DOES NOT CONTAIN: parabens, sulfates, silicones, GMOs, artificial fragrances and 1,300+ other nasties. Fleur & Bee is a Cruelty-Free company.

According to Fleur & Bee,

Great for beginner retinol users, this anti-aging serum gently works to help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven texture.

We crafted a high-performance retinol serum that is gentle and less likely to cause irritation by pairing 0.1% retinol with several vegan superfoods, such as green tea, jojoba oil and dandelion.

Our botanically based formula delivers transformative results by harnessing the healing power of nature and boosting it with clinically proven actives free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Learn more about the 22 nourishing actives found in 'A' Game below.

Directions: Apply to clean skin every other night until skin adjusts, then use every night, followed by a moisturizer.  If used during the daytime, follow with SPF. Apply after toner and before moisturizer.

Features:

• Clean Skin Care Made the Right Way: Fleur & Bee offers clean skincare products that are good for your skin, good for your wallet, and good for the planet. All our skincare products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made with carefully sourced ingredients.

• Clean and Non-Toxic: We never use any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, GMOs, artificial fragrances, gluten, dyes or anything else that is not good for your skin.

• Sustainably Made. Doing Good: Our products are crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients and are made with 100% renewable wind energy. Our packaging is made with 100% recycled, FSC certified paper. We donate 1% of all sales to Days for Girls, which helps distribute menstrual hygiene products to girls in nee

• Retinol Serum: 'A' Game: This anti aging retinol face serum will rejuvenate, brighten and hydrate your skin, even skin tone, and minimize the look of dark spots. This retinol face serum helps with: Aging Skin, Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dark Spots and Dry Skin.

Ingredient Benefits:

• Retinol: one of the most studied and effective anti-aging ingredients.
• Coenzyme Q10: a powerful antioxidant.
• Rosehip Oil: hydrates, moisturizes, and protects; can also rejuvenate & brighten your skin.
• Organic Aloe Vera: Forms a thin, protective layer.
• Squalane: an effective moisturizer with anti-aging properties
• Vitamin E: has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration.

Ingredients: Water, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Glycerin (Kosher, Vegetable), Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Retinol (Vitamin A), Organic Rosehip Oil, Organic Jojoba Seed Oil, Glycolic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Squalane (From Olive Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Gotu Kola Extract, Willow Bark Extract, Horsetail Extract, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Wild Geranium Extract, Organic Dandelion Extract, Jojoba Esters, Carbomer, Thioctic Acid, Tara Gum, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carrageenan, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract.

Overall Assessment: This is an excellent and innovative retinol serum, and Fleur & Bee is a brand worthy of your attention. A+

$39.00 for 1 oz. from Fleur & Bee and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.