WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol is one of the most researched anti-aging ingredients used in topical facial skincare with decades of clinical research and real-world results. Found in some of the most trusted wrinkle creams and anti-aging serums, the powerful derivative of vitamin A possesses a multitude of benefits for the skin, including:

    • Smoother skin texture + radiant skin tone
    • Improved skin renewal for healthier skin barrier + minimized sensitivity
    • Increased exfoliation for reduction of clogged pores, breakouts + skin congestion
    • Visibly improved skin evenness
    • Diminished appearance of fine lines + wrinkles

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM RETINOL

As one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, retinol has the power to visibly transform your complexion. Even so, results take time. Whether you need a retinol cream for beginners or are an experienced retinol user, it is essential to gauge your skin’s tolerance for it and gradually increase use. A ZO® retinol skincare routine ideally balances skin tolerability with results you can see.

 

COMMON RETINOL REACTIONS

All skin types can benefit from retinol. The key to attaining visible results is to gradually build your skin’s tolerance for it. Depending on your ability to tolerate retinol, you may experience redness, flakiness, dryness and other common signs of irritation. Due to its potency, moderate sensitivity is to be expected.

HOW TO BUILD A TOLERANCE FOR RETINOL

As one of the most effective anti-aging actives, some sensitivity when using retinol is normal. You may ask yourself, “how long does it take for skin to tolerate retinol?” The truth is it varies from person to person. However, how your own skin reacts can be controlled by adjusting product strength and usage frequency. Over time, your skin will become accustomed to retinol, revealing a smoother, more even-toned and youthful-looking complexion.

HOW MUCH RETINOL SHOULD I USE AS A BEGINNER?

If you are new to retinol, ZO® recommends starting with a lower concentration and limiting usage to your PM routine, 2-3x per week. As your skin adjusts, you may increase frequency to every other day. Once your skin’s tolerance has reached an optimal level for you, you may choose to step up the potency of your retinol treatment. Always wear an effective facial sunscreen, especially the morning after you have used a retinol cream, serum or treatment of any kind. Consult a physician for a custom retinol protocol.
PAIR WITH RETINOL 
ZO® has decades of expertise in the use of topical retinol for face. To moderate signs of sensitivity, we recommend pairing your retinol face cream or serum with one of our proven functional hydrators as well as an SPF to protect against photosensitivity.
ZO® FUNCTIONAL HYDRATORS – Renewal Cream, Hydrating Cream, Recovery Cream

ZO® SUNSCREENS – Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30, Sunscreen and Powder SPF 45, Daily Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50, Smart Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 50. 

WHICH RETINOL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR SKIN?

 

ZO® Skin Health provides highly effective and clinically proven retinol products in a variety of strengths to address skin concerns such as lines + wrinkles, uneven skin tone and rough texture. The proprietary delivery technologies maximize the anti-aging benefits of retinol and enhance the product experience to improve compliance and tolerability over time.

 

 

Accelerates surface exfoliation to mimic the effect of chemical peels and to visibly brighten the complexion.
Beginners (0.25%), Regular users (0.5%), Advanced users (1%)

Retinol Skin Brightener is available in three retinol strengths to meet your skin’s tolerance level and address your unique skin concerns, including the intensity and prevalence of dark spots and other forms of complexion discoloration.

Product Benefits

    • Promotes exfoliation to eliminate uneven skin tone and improve skin smoothness
    • Supports skin’s resiliency against future discoloration aggressors
    • Specially encapsulated to deliver a targeted, controlled release of retinol for maximized brightening
    • Contains calming + soothing properties for improved product experience

 

 

WRINKLE + TEXTURE REPAIR

Visibly improves the appearance of deeper wrinkles and soothes texture while restoring natural hydration. 0.5%
Regular and advanced users

This retinol face serum is for moderate signs of aging, Wrinkle + Texture Repair helps visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles, smooth skin texture and restore skin’s natural hydration.

    • Featuring a microemulsion delivery system, it is formulated with high-potency 0.5% retinol
    • Targets to reduce the look of deeper lines + wrinkles
    • Helps refine skin texture
    • Improves skin barrier function to support natural hydration

 

RADICAL NIGHT REPAIR 

Maximizes skin brightening by targeting visible pigmentation and helping prevent the causes of uneven skin tone. 1%
Regular and advanced users
ZO highest strength retinol creams without the need for a prescription, Radical Night Repair is formulated for advanced retinol users with a potent concentration of 1% retinol to help improve the appearance of skin texture, uneven pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.
    • Features 1% high-potency microencapsulated retinol
    • Accelerates superficial exfoliation to mimic the effects of chemical peels
    • Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Visibly improves skin complexion

 

FAQS

 

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM RETINOL?

The visible effects of retinol will depend on the strength of the product, the consistency of usage and the overall skin condition.

 

WHAT ARE COMMON RETINOL REACTIONS?
Redness, flakiness, dryness, burning, or stinging are all normal, anticipated reactions when starting retinol. With regular product use, skin will acclimate, revealing a smoother, more even-toned and youthful-looking complexion. We strongly advise keeping reactions to a minimum and building up skin tolerance slowly. It will take more time to see results, but it will not have a negative impact on your skin barrier.
HOW LONG DOES RETINOL SUN SENSITIVITY LAST?
One of retinol’s many benefits is that it accelerates cell turnover, bringing new skin cells to the surface. These cells are more susceptible to sun exposure, so it’s essential to limit time in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and re-apply it every 2 hours and use protective clothing.
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS PEOPLE SHOULDN’T USE RETINOL?

Although retinol is one of the most effective + researched skincare ingredients, it may not be right for everyone, at every season in life. Some common reasons include but are not limited to:

  • Not wanting to experience the initial retinol acclimation period
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • If you have a chronically dry or reddened skin condition, such as eczema
  • If you spend extended periods of time in the sun as retinol can cause photosensitivity

 

HOW TO PURCHASE

Purchasing ZO is is via consultation only. We can set up a face to face or telephone consultation with one of our team members to get more advice on this range.