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Retinol: The man, the serum, the mystery.
Okay, there’s not actually a man here, but this product has always seemed pretty mysterious to me. Besides diving into what retinol is and why it’s time to not use it, there’s also a big reveal at the end of the post. Which isn’t actually that big of a reveal if you read the post title.
What Is Retinol?
A retinoid. HA. Seriously, that was the answer that I kept finding when I looked this up. Yeah, retinoid still doesn’t answer my question. To be more specific, it’s a derivative of vitamin A that occurs naturally in your skin. If you want to get into the chemistry sphere, retinol is also a highly reactive molecule that can break down as soon as it is exposed to sun light or air. To quote Dermalogica, LLC:
Everyone’s skin reacts differently to Retinol. Some people experience temporary redness, flakiness, peeling and sensitivity because their skin lacks enough “retinoid receptors.”
Retinoid receptors are proteins naturally found in skin. They act like shuttles that carry and release retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) into skin cells, triggering collagen production. Retinol – the strongest form of retinoid available without a prescription – is converted by skin enzymes into the even stronger form of Retinoic Acid, which is what causes the irritation.
What does it do?
Retinol actually does a lot, which is why people are seemingly in love with it.
- Slows down the aging process by smoothly fine lines and wrinkles. It can also minimize the wrinkles that are in the process of forming.
- Retinol exfoliates your skin to show brighter and smoother skin.
- It can treat your acne by keeping your oily skin at bay and stopping your pores from clogging.
- Fades dark spots, sun spots, scars, and even out your complexion.
- They’ll help to increase collagen and elastin production which can help your skin clear and appear brighter and with less spots.
But the thing is, after sharing all of this research I don’t actually want you to use retinol.
Yup, after all of that, I actually want you to do everything you can to avoid retinol and instead, turn to it’s clean counterpart, Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, the Clean Retinol Counterpart
Can I tell you how to pronounce it? Uhhh, still working on that. But I can tell you what it is and does.
What Is Bakuchiol?
An extract from the Ayurvedic Babchi plant. Which is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s also been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
What Does Bakuchiol Do?
It functions similar to retinol! It can stimulate collagen production and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Why should you use this instead of retinol?
First, studies have actually shown that bakuchiol is just as effective, if not better than retinol at regulating collagen cell turnover.
Second, it causes less irritation, peeling, dryness, or sensitivity.
Basically, you get all of the benefits of retinol with none of the downsides.
How could you say no to that?
But wait, there’s more.
You don’t have to go searching for which products to buy with bakuchiol or what you need. Why?
Countertime, by Beautycounter
Today, July 9th, Beautycounter has launched their newest line, Countertime. Countertime is a 6 product anti-aging skincare line, using bakuchiol! Beautycounter wanted to give everyone the ability to have access to the benefits of retinol, but still follow a clean beauty life style.
Let’s breakdown Countertime by Beautycounter
The Benefits
Optimized Hydration
Strengthens your skin’s barrier function and supports skin elasticity.
Visible Regeneration
Smooths and refines the surface of the your skin.
Antioxidant Protection
Defends against daily environmental stressors. What does this mean? Think about the exhaust from buses and trucks, the wind and air from the metro as it rolls by you, the ever changing air pressure. All of those things effect your skin!
The Products in Countertime by Beautycounter
Step 1: Cleansing with Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil
Remember, oils are good for you! This one will remove your make up and any other impurities from your skin. But unlike other cleansers, this one will be gentle on your skin and you don’t have to worry about it stripping your skin of any of the essential oils it needs.
Step 2: Prepping with Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence.
Next up is a lightweight, but incredibly nourishing essence to add nutrients to your skin’s moisture barrier. What does that mean exactly? It’ll help your skin stay hydrated (which is definitely good) and make you look even more radiant!
Step 3: Treat your skin with Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum
Next up, we’re focusing on skin’s firmness and elasticity, but also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lucky for you, this serum does the trick!
Step 4: Protect yourself in the morning with Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream
It’s a velvety cream that will help improve your skin’s barrier function throughout the day AND boost hydration. I know I keep talking about hydration, but really, that should just emphasize to you how important it really is.
Protect yourself in the evening with Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream
Let’s talk about beauty sleep! This cream will also help with your skin elasticity, while firming and smoothing your skin’s texture.
Real Results
I’m starting to use my Countertime collection this week, so I’ll be sharing my results on Instagram throughout the week. However, a handful of consultants have already been testing and reporting back their results. I’ve had girls tell me that their skin already looks better after ONE USE! Here are some of the results that users saw after a four week study using the products we just discussed.
- 91% of participants said skin felt renewed and looked revitalized
- 97% said skin texture felt smoother
- 88% said skin looked more youthful
- 88% said Countertime reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Thinking about Ordering?
Well, then I have some offers for you!
- If you place an order with at least ONE Countertime product, I’ll pay for your shipping!
- If you place an $125 + order with at least one Countertime product, I’ll pay for your order AND send you a bag of free samples.
- Also, if you place an $250 + order with at least two Countertime products, I’ll pay for your order, send you a bag of free samples, and one full size Countersun Mineral Sunscreen!
- If you buy the FULL COLLECTION (includes all six products at a 10% discount-Please keep in mind that there is a 60 day return policy for a full refund, so there’s no risk in trying these AMAZING products) & a Band of Beauty membership (the Beautycounter Rewards program), I’ll pay for your BoB membership! (This will get you free shipping and save you a LOT of money on this order.)
How does this offer work?
While shopping, make sure that it says “Shopping with Dana” in the upper righthand corner when you place your order, otherwise your order will not count. (On a mobile phone, it will be on the left tool bar). Then forward your receipt with either your venmo username or paypal email to Dana@SomethingGoodBlog.com. Once the payments have processed after July 31th, I’ll send you the cost of basic shipping! This offer does not apply to any type of expedited shipping and your order must be at least $75 not including tax and shipping. This offer is only good through Sunday, July 14th at 11:59pm.
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