3 Ways To Improve Your Lashes!

Lash Lift

Want a little more drama, but want to avoid the time and expense of eyelash extensions? Try a lash lift—a semi permanent treatment that “lifts” the lashes, giving them some curl and boldness! Your lashes will appear longer, more visible, and more dramatic for up to eight weeks. This treatment is best suited to clients with healthy, long or semi-long lashes that want some extra pop. Or, anyone in need of enhancing the look of their lashes. 

Lash Tinting

If you don't want to use mascara, we offer lash tinting services.   It's best to do lash tints after lifting because they are in the best state to receive the tint.  This service last approximately 4 weeks.

Lash Serums

And, if you want a little more lash to work with, try lash serums.  They bulk up the lashes, make them darker, thicker and longer.  Daily application of our Lashes LTD serum is suggested until you reach desired length and fullness.  Lashes can be maintained by applying serum 2 to 3 times per week.  Results are typically seen within two weeks.

We offer all of these services at Celebrity Skin Studio and would happy to introduce you to them! Call us or visit our website to book. 602-505-4313 www.celebrityskinstudio.com

3 Things You Should Know About A Radio Frequency Facial

What is an RF Facial?

Radio Frequency has been around for years and is now being used in facial treatments.  It's biggest effect is firming and tightening of the skin.  It's a great alternative to facial surgery for many reasons and should be considered before doing something as extreme as a face lift.  Here's why:  Non invasive, no infections or wounds to deal with.  Painless, no down time, can return to normal activities immediately.  More cost effective that a face lift.  Ideal for those who are not willing to undergo and invasive surgical procedure.  Best suited for those with mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues.  It's commonly used to treat the forehead, under eyes, sagging in the mid face and jowl area.  We recommend our Lipo Contouring treatments to treat the double chin or sagging skin around the neck which includes both fat cavitation and radio frequency. 

How does an RF Facial work?

The currents passed cause heat to build up in the skin tissue. This heat works to contract the dermis (the upper skin layer) resulting in wrinkle reduction (some wrinkles are eliminated all together). Clients often compare the feeling to a warm stone massage. Another important beneficial effect of the radio frequency treatment is the stimulation of increased collagen and elastin production as well as increased blood circulation. These result in overall skin rejuvenation lasting for months.

What Can I Expect?

In the past the only way to combat sagging facial skin was undergoing a surgical face lift where incisions are made, excess skin removed and ends pulled tightly together. Needless to say such procedures are costly and involve severe discomfort as well as lengthy down times. As any type of surgery, plastic surgery included, face lifts are not risk free.

Radio frequency treatments offer a safer, easier to endure, less expensive alternative to face lifts. 
RF face treatments are conducted in 30 to 60 minute sessions, usually a series of some 4 to eight treatments is recommended, one to three weeks apart. 
No recovery time is needed after a radio frequency treatment! You can just get up and go on with your daily routines. 
Results become apparent immediately but their maximum effect is visible some two months after the treatment cycle is over. Results last for years and treatments may be undergone again when necessary.

All About Brazilian Bikini Waxing

Everything you ever wanted to know about Brazilian Bikini Waxing.

 Book Your Brazilian!

Brazilian Waxing tips from AJ

Do:

• Ask if this is your aesthetician's speciality, or how long they have been performing this service.
• Exfoliate before. This makes hairs stand up and become easier to wax.
• Let hair grow a minimum of 2 weeks so hair is long enough. Hair has to be a minimum of 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.  (Trust me you are not a freak of nature and a super fast grower-everyone thinks this.)  If hair is too short can cause discomfort or bruising and hair will not be removed properly. 
• When selecting an aesthetician, ask friends for recommendations and read local reviews.
• Share your medical history including any allergies, sensitivities and medications with your aesthetician. These things can affect your skin's reaction to waxing.
• Try to book your appointment when you are NOT close to starting your menstrual cycle.  Any PMS type symptoms can affect your experience.  Swelling and bloating causes nerve endings to be closer to your skins surface and can make for a slightly more uncomfortable experience.
• Try to relax, tensing up never makes it more comfortable.  If necessary your aesthetician may give you some breathing techniques to help you. 
• Arrive fresh and clean, most aesthetician stock personal wipes if you need to freshen up a bit.
• Keep up on your appointments. I tell my clients that the first time is the most uncomfortable. If you keep up on your appointments, the next one will be about 60% less painful.  The hair grows in stages and if you book your appointments monthly you will see it's thinner and sparser, making waxing much more comfortable.  
• Pick someone you feel comfortable with. 
• Be specific about what you would like.  No hair, some hair, shapes.

 

 Don't

• Give yourself a trim before.  Trust me, it's never too long and if needed your aesthetician will trim for you. Many times clients have tried to "help out" and have left the hair too short to wax and have to reschedule. This is a bummer for both the aesthetician and client who got themselves all worked up into a tizzy for this appointment.
• Be offended if your aesthetician asks you to help hold your skin.  From waif thin models to voluptuous beauties, everyone has areas that are a little fleshy, especially in the thigh and tummy area. This is just a supporting technique to hold skin tight and provides a more comfortable experience.
• Jump or squirm, this can cause waxed areas to stick together, will pull the hair and may cause bruising and discomfort.
• Take any aspirin or ibuprofen type products, or any kind of anti inflammatory medication.  I can't tell you how many articles advise people to do this...BAD idea!  Why?  Anti inflam meds thin the blood and make you prone to bruising.  Although bruising is not necessarily painful, it can be unsightly.  It looks like a hickey or broken blood vessels.  Some medications can cause a similar result.
• Tan after, skin has just undergone a form of exfoliation and is sensitive to rays.
• Aggravate the skin while it's still recovering from the wax, excessive sweating, jumping into a hot tub or chlorinated pool is just asking for trouble. 
• Apply creams, oils etc to the area prior to waxing. It can break down the wax. 
• Wax yourself!  Wax can burn, lift skin (remove skin and leave it raw) and in some cases if done incorrectly can cause permanent scaring.  Leave this task to the pros.  

Why do I want a Brazilian? 

All the cool kids are doing it.  No, seriously you didn't fall for that in high school did you?  Most women like them because they feel cleaner and cooler, and of course there is the sexy factor.   When you are free from  hair, it's easier to keep clean.  Especially for that on the go woman who likes a quick shower. Think of showering at the gym and being able to just quickly pat dry. As an added bonus it doesn't itch when it grows back.  When you cut hair with a razor it is angled and sharp and can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. When it grows back from waxing it's in it's natural tapered shape.  It also helps with perspiration and body odor. Think of how you underarm would react with a fully grown out batch of hair.  Enough said?  I hope these tips have been helpful.  If you have any other questions, feel free to post them.  I'm always up for a good Q&A session.

Removal of Skin Irregularities

Enjoy Flawless Skin!

Pictures of actual clients treated one time for a flat pigmentation (sun spot) above and fibromas in lower photos. The after picture taken approximately 1 week after treatment.  

Skin irregularities are the most common of all skin problems and increase in number and kind with age. They vary in kind, size and where we find them on our body. Superficial irregularities can be treated non-invasively and extremely rapidly, without the need of anesthesia. This procedure uses a high frequency wand that never enters the skin for rapid removal of minor skin irregularities such as skin tags, cherry angiomas, fibromas (freckles), milia, sebaceous hyperplasias, telangiectasias (broken capillaries) and hyper pigmented (age) spots and dehydrates the area with use of high frequency.

The skin is prpped with a topical numbing agent.  Treatment causes minimal discomfort and most irregularities only require one treatment. Treated area will form a small crust which sheds in 5 to 7 days for most individuals.

 Consultations are FREE, the pricing below is  meant to be a guideline. Each case will be treated individually with care.  For example if there  is an area with several lesions, reduced pricing will be taken into consideration. Click the tab below to Schedule

 Removal of Minor Skin Irregularities

Skin Tag     |      S $35     |      M $45      |      L $55

Skin Tags are small portions of skin that appear to be attached to or protrude from normal skin and are a common benign condition of the skin. Usually just a few millimeters in diameter, skin tags vary in appearance. Some are the same color as surrounding skin while others are hyperpigmented. Areas for tags are eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest (particularly under the female breast), and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic locations where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
 
Fibromas     |      S $35      |      M $45      |      L $75

Fibromas are composed of fibrous tissue that can be flat or raised. Small fibromas, and the texture and color of large fibromas are different from normal skin because they are darker in color with a more fibrous texture. African-American skin is very susceptible to fibromas.  
 
Broken Capillary     |      S $55      |      M $75      |      L $95

Broken Capillary or Telangiectesia can be seen anywhere on the body. They are most common on the face, nose, cheeks and chin. They may be visualized on the extremities as well. Telangiectasia are red linear marks usually measuring less than 1-2 mm in width and several millimeters to centimeters in length and temporally disappear if you press on them with your finger.
 
Keratosis     |      S $35      |      M $45      |      L $60

Seborrheic Keratosis appear as wart-like growths in a variety of colors. They may appear in large numbers on the surface of the body, most typically on the face, chest, shoulders and back. They are usually painless and benign, but may become irritated and itch. They may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing as a result. A waxy or wart like appearance is noted with a pasted on appearance as yellow, brown, black or flesh.
   
Cherry Angiomas     |      S $35      |      M $45      |      L $55

Cherry Angiomas are minor skin irregularities that can occur on any part of the body. Cherry angiomas appear as tiny pin-point red papules, especially on the trunk, and increase with age. Cherry angiomas are benign, very common skin growths that vary in size. The cherry-red “bumps” develop alone or in groups, most often on the torso and frequently on the face, scalp, neck, arms and legs.

Sebaceous Hyperplasiaare one of the most frustrating conditions and this is one of the only treatments available for these irregularities. They are easily recognized by their unique "donut" or "volcano" type shape.  They may render fluid if expressed and flatten slightly, but will refill.  These are overgrowths of the sebaceous (oil) gland. Prices same as above sm/med/lrg

The Rumors Are True!

Maybe you have heard the rumors.....

They are true!  We have created the Star Bar!  Celebrity Skin Studio is pleased to announce this new addition!  With this new feature comes many great new services and products including professional make up application, mask services and brow services. 

Choose an everyday look such as our "Daylight" application, or "Starlight" for a little more drama including contouring and highlighting, If all eyes are on you for your special day, or you just want to be the center of attention, you will want to chose our "Spotlight" application.  In addition, we will be offering "Make Up Coaching", a complete lesson with application showing all the tricks of the trade! And lets not forget every Hollywood Starlet's secret...Lashes!  We will have several celebrity looks in strip lash applications to choose from to complete your look.   

Another new offering is our Mask Service. Is your skin in need of a little pick me up?  Or just want to share a service with a friend? Start with our Facial cleansing station, followed by choice of mask and steamed towel service. A pump of 3 Milk Moisturizer complete this express self applied indulgence.    

Need a brow make over?  Brow services such as waxing and tinting will be another convenience at our Star Bar.

Secure your appointment by calling us at 602-505-4313 or booking an advance appointment online. 

Do Slimming Treatments Really Work?

What is it?

Do you have tough areas of fat that just won’t go away? Love Handles? 

Our Lipo Contouring Slimming Treatments use Ultrasound Cavitation. It is a relatively new aesthetic treatment. Using leading edge technology it converts fat cells into liquid which can then be naturally drained by the body’s own natural filtration system. Generally one fat cavitation treatment lasts 25 – 30 minutes where a single part of the body is treated. 72 hours must pass between each session so that the body can eliminate the fat. The minimum suggested number of fat cavitation sessions is between 6 and 10. This treatment also utilizes a Radio Frequency treatment that tightens and firms skin. And, includes a vacuum treatment that helps expel fat through the lymphatic system. 

Which are the areas where treatment is more effective?

All those areas with localized fat: thighs, abdomen, flanks, and buttocks are the most popular but there is no real limitation as to areas of the body.  This treatment is great for both men and women!

How does Ultrasound Cavitation work?

Our therapist will apply a specially designed hand piece to your skin. The hand piece will then transmit low level ultrasonic waves which consist of compression – expansion impulses that travel in high-speed cycles. This back and forth cycle then causes an infinite quantity of micro-cavities or micro-bubbles that gradually enlarge. This progressive enlargement finishes as micro-bubbles start to collide and implode, producing shock waves that favor emulsification and elimination of fat tissues (this phenomena is called “cavitation”). The liquid is then easily vacuumed out from the body using the lymphatic and urinary system.

Is ultrasound cavitation painful?

No, cavitation is a painless treatment. Mild redness may appear occasionally but will be highly unlikely to cause any actual pain. The heat from the hand pieces felt during the treatment is perfectly tolerable. This treatment is a nonsurgical procedure without anesthesia – it’s non-invasive (no cutting, leaves no scars or the need for any post-operative course) and no downtime should be experienced after the treatment.

Can you lose weight with ultrasonic cavitation?

Cavitation is not a method to lose weight but to reshape the body. It is particularly indicated for the reduction of adiposity, the famous “love handles” that won’t go away with diet and exercise. Treatments remove cellulite preventing fat cells from recurring in the treated areas, without damaging the vascular system.

Fat is a solid substance right? How can it be eliminated through the urine?

Because ultrasound cavitation causes an emulsification of fat, converting it into a substance easy to eliminate through the urinary and the lymphatic system.

What do I need to do before my treatments?

We recommend a low calorie diet and drink at least 1.5 litres of water before and after the session. Drinking water is a necessary part in order to eliminate the fat. Regular exercise such as walking or other aerobic activities should also be maintained in order to help the system to naturally process the fat after the treatment.

Number of treatments and treatment frequency for each area?

• Ultrasound Cavitation: 6–10 treatments spaced 1-2 weeks apart per specific area. Due to the elimination process of the fat, it is recommended to focus on one treatment area per session.

Advantages over other treatments:

• Non invasive treatment
• No need for hospitalization nor anesthesia
• No scars nor long term marking of the skin
• Very little discomfort
• Elimination of the fat through a natural process
• 20-60 min per session
• Affordable

Preparation before each treatment:

Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litters of water a day a week before your treatment. Choose an area you wanted to treat and start moisturizing that area thoroughly everyday and at night. Hydration will help make the treatment a lot more successful.

Upon completion of your treatments we recommend one of our cactus toning massage treatments to help firm and tighten skin as well as to help stimulate healthy lymph flow and eliminate toxins in the body. The below review came from a client who had her abdomen treated. 

"I had my first lipo contouring treatment and lost one inch!  The treatment is very relaxing and no pain at all. The pre and post treatment instructions are easy to follow. I am looking forward to my next lipo contouring treatment at Celebrity Skin Studio"-Christina J

Throw out your falsies!

There's hope. Let me introduce Lashes LTD! 

Lashes LTD is designed to help lashes appear longer, thicker and darker. Lashes LTD is designed to enhance the appearance of your natural eyelashes. Simply pull the brush from the tube and apply serum to lash line for visibly longer looking lashes within 2 weeks. At a fraction of the price of other lash enhancement products it sells for just $75, and a tube last about 5-6 months with daily use. Here's a tip....can also be used on brows!

Here's what one of my customer's had to say:

It’s an excellent product with the added benefit of the price.  As a previous user of Latisse, this product exceeded my expectations and I saw better results at a lower price.  I gained longer and thicker lashes with less applications, by comparison and had no adverse side effects.  I also prefer the way this product is packaged as it was easier to apply, very similar to liquid eyeliner. ~Jada B

More Reviews

1. Works awesome

   POSTED BY CATHY ON 5TH JAN 2015
   I have always had short lashes and as I have been getting older they are hard to see. I started using Lashes Ltd. in July, it was recommended by a co-worker, and have placed a reorder because it works soooo good and I have had lots of compliments but no one really knows what exactly is different. I love this product.

   ---

2. Amazing Product!

   POSTED BY JOANNE ON 21ST MAY 2014
   Everyone compliments my lashes when I am using the product. Love, love, love this product! I actually stocked up and purchased two so that I don't have any waiting period. Well worth the dollar.

   ---

3. Magic

   POSTED BY ELLEN ON 7TH MAY 2014
   I'm so glad I found this serum. It works like magic. I've tried tons of lash serums and this one has been the best. All my friends use this now and love it!

Instructions:

• Only apply once daily 
• Cleanse eye area and let dry
• Pull brush from container
• Apply a small amount to the base of your upper lashes (like you would an eyeliner)
• Do not apply to the lower lid or to the waterline
• Do not double dip
• Do not extend solution beyond lid
• Avoid getting solution in eyes
• May also be applied to your brows
• Let solution dry before rubbing eyes or using any other product on your eyes

Warning:

Do not use if you are under the age of 18. DO NOT GET IN THE EYE. Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if you are undergoing chemotherapy. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not apply to the lower lid. If redness or irritation occurs discontinue use. For more warnings and instructions please consult the insert.

What is a Ultra Sonic Facial with L.E.D.?

A Ultra Sonic Facial with L.E.D.  is a safe non-invasive treatment, which is suitable for almost all skin types. It helps to repair redness, and surface capillary damage, while improving the underlying skin cells resulting in reduced redness, smother skin tone and texture, and combined with LED lights can treat the following:
·       mature skin with signs of sagging, wrinkles and fine lines 
·       dry, dull, dehydrated, sagging skin 
·       hyperpigmentation
·       puffy eyes
·       poor complexion and skin tone
·       scarring of the skin (stretch marks, post acne) 
·       oily skin, enlarged pores and acne formations
·       flabby skin with decreased muscle tone

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The treatment starts with an Ultra Sonic cleansing.  Sonic treatments use vibrations that result in a much cleaner face than just using your hands.  It uses sound waves (ultrasound) by passing gently over your skin, the sound waves are gently infusing the mix of products into your skin for added results. Combined with select colors of LED light targets certain skin conditions.  

WHAT RESULTS WILL I SEE?

Product penetrates deeper in to your skin for instant, and long lasting results. Immediately after your treatment your skin will look radiant, hydrated and glowing. As the product has been able to reach the Dermal Layers of the skin, it has the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production and hydrate the cellular layer, literally from the inside out. The different color LED light treatments will reduce acne, inflammation and pigmentation while firming and tightening skin with it's collagen stimulation.

Who needs to avoid it?

Pregnant women, people with cardiac issues or pacemakers.

 

Who Needs a Peel?

 

Anyone looking to make change. Formulations include solutions for acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, sund damage,rosacea and even sensitive skin conditions.

Who can have a peel?

Those who are willing to comply with pre and post peel instructions and who are not currently engaging in other skin care treatments or have any medical conditions that would be contraindications of a peel treatment.  See you aesthetician for full details. Some exclusions would be current or recent chemotherapy, current or recent use of accutane, current medical treatments for acne, current laser treatments.  Some other health conditions or concerns and medications may be a factor, please be honest and discuss any and all concerns with your esthetician. 

 

Who will get the best results?

In my decade plus of experience, the ones who get the best result are the ones who follow instructions!  Clients who are already on a professional skin care regimen prior to a peel treatment see better results and typically have less down time with peels that involve a shedding process. Also, keep in mind that if your peel is recommended to be completed in a series, you will need to complete the full series.  Don't be frustrated if after the first peel you don't experience a miracle.  It's a process, and it requires removing damage that has been done over many years.  Be patient, hang in there, follow your esthi's directions and make sure you protect the new skin we are working to reveal with adequate sunscreen.  Some peels require post treatment care, if so follow those directions and use only products that are part of your post treatment regimen to avoid any irritation or unwanted interaction to the treatment you just received.

What can I expect with a peel? 

There are different types of peels, some are more gentle than others.  Some are to add plumpness and hydration to the skin and despite their name, don't involve any shedding.  Those types may be recommended for a person with Rosacea or more sensitive skin.  Other peels can be more aggressive and cause exfolation and result in a shedding process.   Shedding usually occurs on about day 3 and continues for a few days.  The process can be different for each individual.  Your esthi will go over the details with your and give you specifics for your particular type of peel.  The actual process of the peel may briefly involve some mild discomfort. It's often described as stinging, prickly or flushing.   The sensation quickly subsides and you will be given home care in structions and if necessary post treatment care to take home with you.  

 

 

Brows Are The New Black!

Did you know there is a perfect place to start, arch, and end your brows?  We can help!  Here at Celebrity Skin Studio, we are mad about brows!!! You have probably seen all the buzz about brows lately.  Even if you have problematic brows, creating the perfect brow is easier than you think! Framing the face with perfect brow gives life to the whole face, the eyes stand out and your look is complete!  Check out these brand new products we now carry. Ask for a FREE lesson including product application at your next brow wax appointment!

The Always Perfect Brow Kit makes sparse, faint, or over-tweezed brows look fabulous!

This kit contains 3 shaping stencils, one Powder Brow Color, and an Angled Brow Coloring Brush

To Use:

4 quick steps

•Select stencil that matches your brow shape.
•Place stencil over your brow.
•Brush color onto brow through the stencil.

•Remove stencil and blend with brow grooming brush.and Brush easily creates the look of fuller, healthier brows.

Get a Brow tames unruly brows with this conditioning, non-flaking gel. Shapes, holds brows in place and adds natural shine. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and hydrolyzed keratin protein strengthens brows and keeps them healthy and thick. Tints give natural color definition. To Use:Brush through brows to set shape, either alone or over Brow Style colors. Add extra fullness with the Tinted Get A Brow Gel.  Comes in both clear gel and tinted formulas.

Brow Lift Brow Highlighting Pencil gives your brows a sexy, eye-catching ‘lift’ and brightens your eyes for the most wide-awake look ever. This smooth creamy formula glides on easily and blends like a dream. One shade brightens all! To Use:

Apply under the brow arch and at the inner corner of the eyes. Blend with finger or brush

Works Well With
• Get A Brow Gel

These Items are also available at our online store. www.skintherapybyaj.com

Sunscreen - SkinCancer.org

Sunscreen - SkinCancer.org

Dry Winter Skin...why do I have it and what do I do about it?

What do I do with this Dry Winter Skin?

The season has definitely changed and Old Man Winter is doing his best to make you look old and winter-y too!  

What is going on?  Why is this happening?   Well, there are several factors.   In our efforts to keep warm, heating systems can be very drying.  They remove the moisture from the air that our skin thrives on.  This can result in tight, flakey, rough skin that can itch, sting and redden easily.  Ouch!  

Exposure to cold and windy conditions can also damage the healthy oil barrier that your skin naturally produces.   Conditions such as Rosacea can be especially irritated by all of this!

What to do?

1.  Schedule a consult with your Aesthetician to go over the changes in your skin and discuss what you might need to add to your regimen for extra moisture, and also what you might need to subtract as well.  Some overly sudsy cleansers can be a little harsh in the winter months.  

2. Consider using a humidifier next to your bed while you sleep, this is also helpful for dry nasal passages that are caused when running heat.  

3.  For the face, you may need to incorporate an additional  moisturizer under your sunscreen during the day (yes, we still wear sunscreen in the winter!).  Or, adding a hydrating serum may do the trick. Hyaluronic acid is great addition to your regimen to bind water to the skin and give it additional hydration. It comes in serum form, or I like to cocktail it right into the moisturizers and customize my client's moisturizing products to meet their specific needs.   I suggest Image's Hyaluronic acid and their Vital C hydrating serum.

4. For the body, resist the urge to take a really hot shower as this can strip healthy oils we are trying to preserve.  Also limit showering to once a day to preserve these lipids.   

5. Immediately after showering apply a light body oil to the skin to trap in moisture.  I suggest Agave Nectar from FarmHouse Fresh, it's light, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin.  Not to mention the light fresh scent!  You can also add this to a bath.  An "oily bath" as my mother calls them, is a great way to add a soothing healthy glow to chapped winter skin. 

6.  Keep exposed skin covered with scarves and gloves to keep it safe from harsh conditions.

7. Schedule a hydrating facial!   Nothing is nicer on a cold winter's day than snuggling up in a warm facial bed and being pampered with your Aesthetician's arsenal of hydrating products! 

I hope you find these tips helpful.   For more information, make sure you stay connected to my facebook page!   Facebook.com/SkinTherapyByAJ

To Retinol or not to Retinol: That is the Question

Posted on December 16, 2014 Shared, from my friends at IMAGE Skincare, great info!!!

What is retinol? Chances are you’ve heard of it, perhaps even used it before. But do you know what retinol is, and what it does for your skin? Are you hesitant to try it because you’ve heard of the possibility of harsh side effects? Let’s take a closer look at what retinol is, what it does, dispel some rumors, and figure out if it is right for your skin. 
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A—an excellent antioxidant and cell communicator. It works by attaching itself to the skin cells and telling them to act healthy and younger, causing cells to turn over faster, making way for new growth. It also hinders the breakdown of collagen and thickens the deep layer of skin where wrinkles first start, thus making retinol extremely effective in not only decreasing fine lines, but also reducing pore size, improving texture, stimulating collagen production, and also managing acne and discoloration. 
While many dermatologists agree that retinol is the best age eraser available, it doesn’t come without side effects. For some, retinol can cause the skin to become irritated. This is far more common when using the prescription form of retinol known as Retinoic Acid, Retin-A or Tretinoin, which as you might suspect, is a much higher concentration. Retinol on the other hand is milder and is converted into retinoic acid when absorbed into the skin.
One of the reasons retinol products cause less irritation is because of the combination of other ingredients formulated to sooth and hydrate. For example, the IMAGE Ageless Total Eye Lift Crème uses retinol combined with green tea, cucumber extract and Echinacea, which are all natural anti-inflammatory ingredients—giving your under eye area all the benefits of retinol, but with less irritation. The Ageless Total Repair Crème blends retinol with AHA exfoliators to repair sun damage and reduce wrinkles, along with Hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. Both the Eye and Repair crème are applied nightly, a general rule for all retinol products, as the skin renewal process makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
When deciding if retinol is right for you, it’s important to note that even with the soothing agents, retinol based skincare products can still cause irritation. Often symptoms subside as your skin adjusts, but if the irritation worsens, it’s time to discontinue use and perhaps look into a milder repair line such as Ormedic. Still, it’s hard to dismiss the scientific proven results of this “miracle” product, and it’s well worth checking out the variety of retinol products that Image offers.