Episode 16: Expert Tips for Starting Retinol

Reawakening Beauty Podcast by Shawna Patruno

Air Date: March 13 2022

Improve your appearance and reduce natural wrinkles with the help of Shawna Patruno and her guest, Andrea Vlahovich. Both experts share their know-how and recommendations when starting to use retinol.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

  • What are the other names for retinol? 
  • What is retinol used for? 
  • What are some myths behind this product? 
  • When should you use retinol? 
  • Is stronger, better? 
  • Can young people use retinol? 
  • How can my listeners find you?

SHOW NOTES:

  • Retinol is a skincare product with lots of names: varying forms of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, and adapalene. Each consist of varying amounts of the vitamin which helps produce new skin cells. Acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation are the reasons to try retinoids. Young people can use this stuff to prevent wrinkles.
  • Do not use retinol everyday. You must be very careful using this product because it’s a concentrated chemical with various makeups depending on which product you’re using. Get educated about what product you’re putting on your skin. 
  • Typically, you should use retinol at night because it’s meant to stimulate cell turnover. Some people only use it during the winter too. You put your skin at risk for adverse reactions when exposed to sun after retinol use. 
  • Do not go into hot areas for at least three days. This can cause something that looks like chemical burns. 
  • Be mindful of the concentration of your retinol. If it’s over-concentrated, you might get hives. Stronger is not better. You want to start by micro-dosing. 
  • If you have very sensitive skin, build up the skin barrier and  increase hydration before using this chemical. 
  • Natural retinol alternatives that are big on the market include: 
    • Buriti oil (aguaje oil): This is beta carotene, the precursor to retinol. Our bodies are great at regulating the amount of vitamin A taken from this beta carotene. The fatty acids in the oil reduce negative reactions to retinol. This product is better for people with dry skin or those with acne. Start this oil 2-3 times a week. If you are not getting adverse reactions, use it more often. 
    • Rosehip seed oil: This is made from trans-retinoic acid and linoleic acid. This is for someone with an oily skin type and acne. 
    • Bakuchi oil: This comes from babchi seed used in ayurvedic medicine. This is created through chemical processing and doesn’t include vitamin A but acts as such.
  • There are benefits to retinol or vitamin A oils, but if you use too much too soon, you might not see the results you want. You must build a foundation and work with a professional when using this kind of product.

SHAWNA PATRUNO (HOST OF REAWAKENING BEAUTY)

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ANDREA VLAHOVICH (GUEST ON REAWAKENING BEAUTY)

BIO:

In 2020, after turning 30 years old and having more time during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea decided to marry her passion for skincare with sustainability and formed Imaya Beauty. Andrea runs the business on her own out of the Junction Triangle neighborhood of Toronto.  

Andrea studied at the University of Ottawa, City University of Hong Kong, and Queens’ University. She worked in labor relations and as a sourcing consultant for an organic food startup. Her work with Amazonian agro-ecology organizations led to her discovery of the locally known Aguaje fruit, which has beneficial properties for the skin and is critical to the ecological health of the Amazon Rainforest. 

Sustainability, transparency and authenticity are her core values and these values are reflected in her brand.

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SPEAKER WEBSITE: https://www.imayabeauty.com/pages/our-story