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Multi-Tasking Retinol: Retinol uses: Acne and Dark Undereye Circles

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This is part two of a two-part series about the Multi-tasking uses of Retinol, the go-to beauty product to fix numerous skin issues ranging from stretch marks to acne to wrinkles. Today we discuss both acne and dark undereye circles, and why Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer, a 2.5% non-prescription Retinol is a powerhouse for treating them both.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains natural moisturizers to soothe while treating acne and dark circles

ACNE & RETINOL

Retinol is especially effective on acne. No matter what age you get your acne, Retinol can tackle it.

Whether you are a teen, in your twenties or even post-menopausal, acne happens. But how acne is best-addressed changes with age. Teens generally use oil-drying cleansers combined with a heavy layer of benzoyl peroxide, both of which are too rough for more mature skin because it cannot recover moisture like younger skin.

At the first sign of an emerging pimple, apply a buffered Retinol like Lordsbury Retinol+C to reduce inflammation and redness without causing surface dryness or irritation

But this is not to say that Retinol cannot be overly drying to the skin, as it’s in fact, quite a potent topical acne remedy. So potent, that only a pea-sized amount should be used on the entire face. Even in small doses, prescription strength retinols need to be buffered with a cream or lotion to ease the dryness and itchiness that can come with Retinol. This is one of our favorite things about Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer for treating acne because it comes with an all-in-one 2.5% prescription strength pure Retinol and several soothing ingredients built right into the formulation to buffer the retinol with just the right balance. Natural ingredients include Organic Aloe Vera and Shea Butter that keep skin supple and pliable to help pre-empt stretch marks before they form. Also, there’s Green Tea that soothes irritation. Even when I use it twice a day, I don’t experience peeling, itching or dryness, yet it effectively targets acne.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer has soothing and hydrating moisturizers that buffer BOTH the prescription strength 2.5% Retinol and the 20% Vitamin C Serum to quickly reduce acne breakouts and heal acne mark scars

HOW IT WORKS

Retinol is a keratolytic treatment that dissolves dead skin layers. In laypersons’ speak, this means Retinol unclogs pores. This has a two-fold benefit of allowing other medications creams and gels, such as Vitamin C Serum or Salyclic Acid to more effectively treat the pore by cleaning it, removing bacteria and oil and shrinking its’ appearance. Retinol also reduces the number of blackheads and pimple outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging pores or entrapping bacteria and oil which form said blackheads and pimples.

Retinol unclogs pores so well that after about two weeks of Retinol use, users report a sudden acne breakout, often it is so bad that people feel Retinol is causing their acne. It’s not causing acne, rather purging pores. If you can hold on for just a few weeks, your skin will be clear and less congested.

USING RETINOL DURING A PIMPLE LIFE CYCLE

Retinol can also reduce inflammation and redness, which is a big part of what makes a pimple look so large.  At the first sign of a pimple, dab an extra bit of Lordsbury Retinol+C on the pimple to start reducing inflammation and quell the redness without causing a dry, crusty skin layer that is itchy.

POST PIMPLE HEALING

Retinol also encourages the formation of collagen, which helps the skin to heal, and it redistributes excess or abnormal pigmentation, meaning skin takes on a more even tone. This is why, in part, it addresses so many skin problems.

CYSTIC ACNE

Cystic Acne scars live on long after a pimple itself came and went, and the scar mark turns red then brown then after about six months fades to its’ final state of discoloration. Even if you are very careful not to pick, squeeze, poke or otherwise irritate these tricky cystic pimples, some are little jerks and just leave a scar anyways. The faster you can fade the scar, the better. Retinol tackles uneven skin tone and accelerates the healing process, breaking up the dark pigmentation of a red or brown scar. I particularly like Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer.

Got some discoloration from an old acne scar? Applying Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer to acne scars  helps quickly fade them and heal the skin texture without causing irritation

ACNE ON THE BODY

Acne on the body, especially the back, can be tough to treat. Benzoyl Peroxide, while effective and inexpensive, is often unsuitable for back acne, AKA “bacne” because it can bleach the fabric of clothing. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer dries down clean without a greasy finish so it can be applied to your back acne with no residue and is safe to wear even with nicer clothing. It also comes in a large 2.8-ounce container, large enough to apply liberally to acne prone areas such as shoulders, chest, and back.

RETINOL & UNDER EYE DARK CIRCLES

Dark under eye circles happen for many reasons: allergies, heredity, lack of sleep, and at times, leaking blood capillaries under the skin that creates a purple hue. The undereye skin area, being so thin, is also subject to the effects of sun damage.

Retinol breaks up excess pigmentation and disperses it to make the skin tone appear even. It’s also exceptionally effective in reversing the appearance of sun damage. But for some dark circle undereye conditions, the best that can be done is minimizing their appearance by optimizing the condition of the skin by keeping it wrinkle free and as hydrated as possible.

Part of what contributes to the appearance of a dark undereye circle is skin sagging and the resulting shadow. Collagen is the scaffolding of the skin, if there’s not enough collagen to support skin tissues, skin sags under the weight. Skin loses collagen with age, especially around the eye area. Retinol promotes collagen production and in tandem with topical Vitamin C, can reduce the sagging and discoloration substantially.

You likely cannot substantially eradicate hereditary dark shadows, but you can remove as much sun exposure and skin damage as possible to lighten, smooth and brighten the area and you can boost the collagen levels to lift the skin upwards for a younger, brighter look. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains Aloe Vera which feeds the skin like a vitamin, providing a dewy look over time that is smooth and reflects light, giving a lighter appearance. Vitamin C builds collagen and lightens the skin without bleaching it to an unnatural color, as can happen with some chemical peels or laser treatments.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains 20% Vitamin C Serum to build collagen, fade both discoloration and sun damage around the delicate eye area

TIP: To not irritate the delicate eye skin, only apply retinol as high as all along the orbital bone of the dark circle, below the eye bulge up to the brow.

CONCLUSION

Ranging from stretch marks, facial and body acne, dark undereye circles, wrinkles or discoloration due to sun damage, age spots, scars, discoloration or acne marks, Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer provides a powerful combination of a 20% Vitamin C Serum paired with a prescription level dose of 2.5% Retinol and all natural buffering moisturizers in one 2.8-ounce cream at a great price. Gentle enough for even sensitive skin, but potent enough to make a sizable difference in skin problems in short order.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer at Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PSEQX/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=lordsbury-20&linkId=80ce0c85b497e19a5480f6b096cc3147

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort as Brand Ambassadors of Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Multi-Tasking Uses of Retinol Series: Retinol for Stretch Marks, Acne, Wrinkles, and Discoloration

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If you were stranded on a desert island with only one skincare treatment product, what would it be? If your answer is Retinol, you made an excellent choice: Retinol treats so many skin care problems that it is a true-multitasker. Retinol treats a host of skin care issues regardless of your age. This week in a two-part series we cover five primary Retinol skin care uses that are game-changers for your skin. Today we cover how to use Retinol for stretch marks, wrinkles, and discoloration.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer tackles a host of skin care problems including Acne, Stretch Marks, Wrinkles, Discoloration, and Dark Circles. It contains all-natural retinol-buffering moisturizers built right in like Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Sunflower Oil, Jojoba and Vitamin E as well as 20% Vitamin C.

RETINOL FOR STRETCH MARKS

As mentioned in our recent article “Skin Care for Busy Moms“, Stretch marks are often associated with pregnancy but also happen during weight loss or gain and even if a teen grows quickly, small stretch marks can appear. Stretch marks can also occur as a side effect of steroid use, and some medical conditions, such as diabetes cause stretch marks due to inflammation and thinning of the skin.

Regardless of their source, Retinol is amazing at tackling stretchmarks whether they are currently forming, new or several years old.

 

HOW IT WORKS
Retinol encourages the formation of collagen, which helps the skin to heal, and it redistributes excess or abnormal pigmentation, meaning skin takes on a more even tone. Few products can address a stretch mark once they appear lighter than the rest of the surrounding skin like Retinol can.

Attacking stretch marks while they are still dark (sometimes red or even purple) is the best plan of attack, combining Retinol directly all over the skin, focusing in on the line-like marks, with a moisturizer like Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter and preferably a skin nourisher like Aloe Vera. We like Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer for stretch marks for several reasons. It combines 2.5% pure retinol with 20% Vitamin C (also important for collagen formation) plus skin nourishers including Aloe Vera and Shea Butter that keep skin supple and pliable to help pre-empt stretch marks before they form.

We also like Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer because Retinol Stretchmark treatments are surprisingly expensive, often costing more than similar treatments intended for the face. A quick Google search gave results in the $60-$90 range for Retinol products intended for stretchmarks, whereas Lordsbury Retinol+C costs a fraction of that, contains natural and superior ingredients and comes in a huge 2.8-ounce bottle. For treating stretch marks, it is tough to beat this combination at this price point. Another good feature of Lordsbury is that it contains Shea Butter, a traditional stretch mark remedy that heals and softens skin, but it is not sticky or greasy when used within the Lordsbury formulation, which dries down clean and can be worn under clothing to treat stretch marks.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Reports of Dermatological studies indicate women with severe cases of post-pregnancy stretch marks obtained meaningful results within six months, many seeing results sooner. While this may feel like a long time, even if it takes the full six months, if you start now, your stretch marks will be fixed by beach weather next summer!

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer comes in a huge 2.8 ounce size bottle for far less than the price of many Stretch Mark creams that contain only a fraction of the active ingredients contained in Lordsbury

RETINOL FOR WRINKLES

Wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial movements and skin sagging. Delicate skin areas wrinkle first because they have less support when sagging starts to occur. The best defense is 1) to keep the formation of the skin as strong as possible to bear the weight of said sagging, and 2) to mitigate the appearance of existing wrinkles by smoothing their surface and lightening them.

Collagen is the scaffolding of the skin, if there is not enough collagen, it is like pulling bricks out of a wall, eventually, it starts to sag under the weight. Skin loses collagen as we age, and we don’t replace it fast enough to avoid sagging. Fortunately, Retinol promotes the collagen production process regardless of our age, and in tandem with topical Vitamin C, can reduce the sagging surrounding the wrinkle, alleviating the weight of unsupported skin. This over time reduces the wrinkle.

WRINKLE DISCOLORATION: Wrinkled skin also tends to gain discoloration, especially in the receded valley of the wrinkle, effectively creating a shadow. With consistent retinol use, discoloration fades, and the valley of the wrinkle visually appears less dark and thereby less deep.

SMOOTHER WRINKLE SURFACE: Retinol also improves the appearance of the wrinkle by refining the texture of the skin, making existing wrinkles look smoother. If your wrinkles look better after a peel or exfoliation, then Retinol is likely to make your wrinkles appear finer and less noticeable.

DISCOLORATION & UNEVEN SKIN TONE

Whether from acne marks, scarring, or sun damage most of us experience some form of discoloration on our faces. As mentioned before, Retinol breaks up excess pigmentation and disperses it to make the skin tone appear even. But some discoloration is in the deeper layers of the skin, making many topical lightening products incapable of effecting meaningful change. If your discoloration is from sunbathing from years ago, or from very old, darkened acne marks that won’t fade, then they are likely discoloration found deeper in the skin and require a combination of Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid to affect results.

Hyaluronic Acid has the unique capability to absorb moisture to plump the skin, it also is a smaller enough molecule that it can slip into deeper skin layers. This means any active ingredient paired with Hyaluronic Acid can slip into these deep skin layers like it has a guest VIP pass, meaning Retinol paired with Hyaluronic Acid can tackle even very deep, old scars and sun-damaged layers of skin. You can purchase Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol separately and apply them both at the same time, or you can use a Retinol that already contains Hyaluronic, such as Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains Retinol to accelerate cell regeneration to fade old discoloration, and Vitamin C to prevent future discoloration, and Hyaluronic Acid to aid in deep absorption. It also contains several natural moisturizers to soothe and nourish skin for a more youthful look.

CONCLUSION

Lordsbury Retinol+ C Cream Moisturizer contains natural organic ingredients to soothe and nourish skin while treating common stubborn skin problems such as stretch marks, discoloration, and wrinkles. In our next article, find out how Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer can also be a powerhouse beauty secret for also treating acne and dark circles. Stay tuned!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer at Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PSEQX/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=lordsbury-20&linkId=80ce0c85b497e19a5480f6b096cc3147

 

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort as Brand Ambassadors of Lordsbury. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Skincare for Busy Moms

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Moms take care of everyone but themselves. It is easy to allow oneself to get into a bad pattern of not properly caring for skin because it can be time-consuming and expensive to buy an eye cream, an anti-aging treatment, an acne treatment, and a daily moisturizer. But it is important for Moms to take time for themselves to care for their skin. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer is a one-step product to treat and moisturize skin on the face, the eyes, and throat so even the busiest Moms can fit a skin care program into their day.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer provides fast, effective one-step skin care for busy Moms who are short on time

Caring for your skin in your twenties and thirties is very important. It is much easier to schedule an at-home spa night when there is no family to care for, but as soon as there are kids, all personal beauty rituals take a back seat. While it may be a very difficult time to buy out a few minutes to take care of the skin, a Mom needs good skin care the most, especially new moms. Post-Pregnancy hormones can lead to acne and brown spots. Rapid weight gain and loss leads to stretch marks and sagging skin. Many new Moms are so busy and tired that they can’t even begin to think of pre-empting signs of aging, but now is when they occur. You take the time to moisturize your skin after washing your face, why not make that moisturizer count for your short-term and long-term beauty needs?

ONE STEP SKIN CARE

Lordsbury Retinol+C contains the holy grail of skin care: a 2.5% prescription grade pure Retinol paired with 20% Vitamin C serum. This powerful combo addresses whatever may be wrong with your skin: acne, aging, sun damage, discoloration, sagging, loss of collagen, scars, uneven texture and tone. It is also paired with highly emollient natural moisturizers including Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Aloe Vera. You get an eye, throat and face cream all in one. It leaves skin with a dewy but not sticky finish that looks good enough that you may choose to skip wearing foundation entirely. Retinol gently exfoliates skin over time, so there is no need to use abrasive scrubs, masks or peels. Retinol and Vitamin C both treat acne. There are no extra steps with Lordsbury, just wash your face, apply Lordsbury and your choice of sunscreen, and that is all your skin needs!

Tempted to use whatever all-purpose moisturizer you find at the drug store or something basic like coconut oil? This may seem the most economical choice, but it does not meet the needs of the skin of a Mom.

Just a small dollop of Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer provides the power of retinol, Vitamin C, and rich moisturizing cream suitable for the eyes, face and neck, fast, easy and effective!

WHY MOMS NEEDS EXTRA TLC FOR THEIR SKIN

Pregnancy does a toll on the skin, leaving behind stretch marks, brown spots, acne, and hyperpigmentation left from “pregnancy mask”. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains both Vitamin C and Retinol that addresses all of these problems. Getting stretch marks? Nip them in the bud with Lordsbury’s combination of Retinol and Shea Butter to treat and reduce their appearance.

Being a Mom is a whole new level of tired, and for those who are returning to work, many are concerned about looking their best or at least looking half-awake. Proper skin care goes a long way towards looking well rested even if you are not. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer gives such clear, even skin that you may completely forgo foundation.

FAKE LOOKING AWAKE WHEN YOUR TIRED TIPS: Curl the eyelashes for a wide-awake look, add your favorite lipstick for a pop of color. Pink-based blushes look more “alert” than yellow-based. A good anti-redness eye drop can do wonders, especially if you keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

NO DRY DOWN TIME

Part of what makes elaborate skin care routines time consuming is waiting for products to dry down before applying the next product. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer absorbs so quickly that sunscreen or makeup can be applied on top immediately.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Now that one has a family, the concern for what we put in our body and on our skin becomes all the more important. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains organic and natural ingredients including Shea Butter, Organic Aloe Vera, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Sunflower Oil, and Jojoba Oil.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains natural ingredients including Aloe Vera, Jojoba, and Green Tea

COST EFFECTIVE

Spending money on oneself can feel selfish for a Mom, there are so many things that need to be done around the house and for the kids. Lordsburys Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer is a beauty regimen that won’t break the bank. For less than the cost of a manicure, it is the best deal around for a moisturizer, 20% Vitamin C serum, 2.5% Retinol, an eye cream all in one. Even just an eye cream at 2.8 ounces would often cost more than this effective combo! I really like that it serves as a cream for my eyes, face, and throat all in one product. And at this large 2.8-ounce size, it is big enough that using it on stretch marks is still more cost effective than buying separate DIY stretch mark home remedies. It is also more cost effective as it pre-empts acne and the more costly associated skin care products that are required to treat it.

CONCLUSION

Moms have enough to deal with in their hectic day without worrying about extra skin care steps. Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer is just one step to moisturize, treat acne and wrinkles, improve skin texture, gently exfoliate, and to help build collagen and keep skin looking bright and fresh. You can apply makeup or sunscreen directly over Lordsbury almost immediately because there is no dry down time and it won’t cause makeup to streak or run. It leaves a nice subtle dewy finish suitable for skipping foundation entirely. Made with natural ingredients, it is ideal for treating post-pregnancy acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer at Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PSEQX/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=lordsbury-20&linkId=80ce0c85b497e19a5480f6b096cc3147

 

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer is ideal for busy Moms to treat their skincare concerns with an effective, easy to use product

 

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort as Brand Ambassadors of Lordsbury. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Avoiding Hyperpigmentation: How to Fight the Insidious Threat Making You Look Much Older and You Don’t Even Know Why

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If asked to name a primary sign of aging, what would you say? Gray hair? Crow’s feet? Wrinkles? Actually, those aren’t even the worst one. The most insidious form of aging sneaks up on you: DISCOLORATION.  Learn how to stop age spots and discoloration with a quality Vitamin C and Retinol combo such as is contained in Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer. Lordsbury has 20% Vitamin C Serum paired with 2.5% Retinol, a prescription level dose, plus a host of skin nourishing moisturizers to keep skin dewy while sending discoloration and brown spots packing.

Discoloration due to aging occurs in three primary forms: red spots due to broken capillaries below the surface of the skin, the brownish areas of discoloration due to sun damage, and brown spots on hands and face. If you examine aging faces, you’ll start noticing how the vitality of skin is robbed not by the appearance of a few wrinkles here or there, but by the areas of discoloration and uneven skin tone.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer does double duty when fighting discoloration: the combination of ingredients fades existing discoloration and prevents the skin from forming new brown spots

HOW DO I KNOW IT IS DISCOLORATION THAT IS AGEING MY FACE?

Discoloration may be very obvious, or it may be diffuse and subtle, giving a general rough, lackluster look to the skin. But if you are in your forties or older, it’s likely happening. When a makeup artist wants to age a young face, discoloration accomplishes that: darkened under eyes, brown spots on the top of the cheekbone, and redness around the nose, drawing shadows in wrinkled areas.

In an interesting video, a female face is digitally aged from a child to an older woman. If you watch the video, you’ll notice the real change comes after the three-minute mark, when the brown discoloration increases, even accenting the existing sagging and wrinkles. The skin is more uneven, the face looks harder, less feminine due to the harshness the discoloration gives the face. Note the areas of the face such as the lower cheeks, where subtle darker patches and a veil of darkened small dots appear, making her once smooth skin appear pixelated and dill. One cheek (her right), the brown spots appear where highlighter should be placed, giving the face a sagging look on one side.

Digitally aged face shown young before discoloration, the skin is brighter and even (screenshots from video seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj0Qa2WCRTU)

 

Digitally altered face shown at the onset of skin discoloration. See how much harsher and tired the skin looks? Areas of darkness show as age spots, and as patches, such as seen on her lower cheek and above the jawline make the face appear receded in these areas. Darkened spots are almost a thin veil of dots, causing an uneven, dull look to the skin.  Darkness in wrinkles emphasizes sagging.  Redness can also be seen on the nose and under the nostrils.

Why does discoloration, redness, and brown spots happen as we age, and what can be done about it?

WHY IT HAPPENS

Redness can occur because your skin has become more sensitive over time or from using overly harsh skin care products in an attempt to youthify skin. Over 35, granular scrubs can tear skin easily, causing more harm than good. The acne treatments that worked as a teenager should be off limits to older skin, they are too drying. Also, broken capillaries happen in part due to the depletion of collagen as we age that results in weakened tissue structures. Capillaries bleed and the skin just can’t flush out these fluids like they used to. The leaked blood appears as red or eventually brown spots, as blood is absorbed into the delicate surrounding skin tissues.

Brown spots of discoloration can occur for several reasons, including due to hormonal shifts or medications, but they are primarily due to collective sun damage. The dark spots aren’t adorable like freckles, they make the face seem uneven and even haggard as if contour has been applied where it ought not to be. If you start to notice older faces, you will notice what makes them appear so old is less to do with some wrinkles or crow’s feet and more to do with this discoloration that occurs all the areas the sunlight hits – such as the top of the cheekbone, jawline, the nose, forehead and around the eyes. Many of the places you might apply a highlighter to look younger, you may have natural darkening like a muddy contour, making the face seem more drawn, droopy and less sculpted.

HOW TO FIX DISCOLORATION

Some people leap to doing IPL treatment series, chemical peels, and lasers, these can indeed effectively lessen the appearance of discoloration and brown spots. The problem is they also tend to lighten the entire face at the same time, meaning you lose your natural skin tone in the process. Topical lightening products, unless applied exceptionally sparingly, also overly-lighten the entire face. Even when “spot” applied, they do not necessarily deliver a result that matches your natural skin tone, it is like trading an overly dark spot for a mismatched too light one. So while these remedies can affect some results, they effectively only bleach the skin and they do not counteract future discoloration.

A BETTER REMEDY

A better remedy is a Retinol and Vitamin C combination topical treatment. A 2016 study in the peer-reviewed Journal for Drugs in Dermatology showed that 20% Vitamin C paired with a low dose prescription level Retinol greatly aid in reducing mild to moderate hyperpigmentation and photodamaged skin due to sun damage. [An Open Label Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerance of a Retinol and Vitamin C Facial Regimen in Women With Mild-to-Moderate Hyperpigmentation and Photodamaged Facial Skin, J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Apr;15(4):476-82.]

We like Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer because it contains all the ingredients you need to prevent and reverse discoloration in one product including 20% Vitamin C and 2.5% Retinol (a prescription level dose). Retinol and Vitamin C are both powerful ingredients, so Lordsbury also contains soothing nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and other moisturizers to properly buffer the Retinol/Vitamin C combo for twice a day use that leaves skin soft, youthful and looking dewy.

WHAT VITAMIN C AND RETINOL CAN DO FOR DISCOLORATION

Vitamin C accomplishes two things; pre-empt discoloration due to collagen breakdown by providing accelerating the bodies’ own collagen production, and by fading the existing sun damage and scars that dark the skin by breaking up the over pigmentation. This gives a far more natural result that matches your own skin tone, not a bleached out version of you.

Vitamin C fights free radicals that contribute to the aged appearance of sun damaged skin, meaning regular topical Vitamin C use results in less photodamage going forward. How is that possible? An article in the Journal of Indian Dermatology explains the science behind how Vitamin C even reduces future hyperpigmentation:

“Vitamin C interacts with copper ions at the tyrosinase-active site and inhibits action of the enzyme tyrosinase, thereby decreasing the melanin formation. Vitamin C also acts on the perifollicular pigment.” (Vitamin C in dermatology, by Telang. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr-Jun; 4(2): 143–146. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.110593)

Retinol fades discoloration and creates new and fresher skin that diminish and eventually replace the dark spots, making skin look young again. It also increases cell turnover to banish fine lines and wrinkles. When the skin inside a deep wrinkle has discoloration it looks deeper than it is. When retinol fades the discoloration within deep wrinkles, the “shadow” effect is gone and they appear more shallow than before.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains Retinol to accelerate cell regeneration to fade old discoloration, and Vitamin C to prevent future discoloration. It also contains several natural moisturizers to soothe and nourish skin for a more youthful look.

 

CHOOSING A RETINOL TO FIGHT DISCOLORATION

Looking for a non-prescription Retinol with all the lighting discoloration benefits and none of the irritation? Try Lordsbury Retinol+C moisturizer, a twice a day 2.5% retinol with 20% Vitamin C and loads of natural moisturizers to keep skin soft and dewy. Find Lordsbury Retinol+C moisturizer at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M3PSEQX/.

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort as Brand Ambassadors of Lordsbury. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

HOW TO USE RETINOL: WHY RETINOL NEEDS BUFFERING

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Have you experienced this? Retinol suddenly becomes too irritating to your skin to continue use? Don’t quit Retinol, learn how to apply retinol without irritation.

MY STORY: I start using retinol and within a few days, my skin is SO smooth and refined. My dermatologist said to use it only every other day, the directions say spread a pea-sized amount into a thin layer all over the face. But, the results are so good, I assume myself special, directions surely don’t apply to ME. So I use more. Because if a little is good, more will be better, right?

So I dab on extra, thinking with a bit more retinol, soon I won’t even need to wear any foundation! I’m convinced I’ll have to explain suddenly looking so young, so fresh, so dewy. And then… OUCH! all kinds of irritation, tightness, redness, and peeling. What happened?

Google and the dermatologist tell me that I have, like so many before me, inadvertently given myself an at-home chemical peel burn from too much Retinol. Nothing helps. I had to take a couple weeks off of retinol for my face to repair. Boo. Yet, somehow, I never learn and repeat this pattern whenever I am on prescription retinol.

Many who try retinol have fallen into the trap of thinking that we’re special and the directions do not apply to us, thereby more is more. You know what? You ARE special. But not about Retinol. Everybody is the same to Retinol.

WHY RETINOL IRRITATION HAPPENS AND HOW TO FIX IT

Retinol is a powerful cell-turnover agent that demands your respect for how it works: if skin cell-generation occurs too rapidly, young, fresh skin is revealed, which is why you look so ridiculously young, it is for all intents and purposes, baby skin. But it’s also about as sensitive as baby skin and it’s not ready to be exposed to excess retinol, which is why your lovely skin suddenly becomes irritated and burns when more retinol is applied.

And don’t feel so superior just yet you rule-followers who adhered to the directions and put on the exact prescribed amount, you aren’t immune. Not only is “more” not more, the prescribed pea-sized dosage packs a peely-faced, red, itchy wallop too. Skin builds a small retinol tolerance after a few weeks, and cell-turnover happens at a slower rate. The same dosage of product suddenly causes surface irritation. Thin-skinned areas have problems first, but these are also the areas that wrinkle first, so it’s tempting to over-treat them with retinol. So how does one get all the retinol goodness without the irritation and burning? BUFFERING.

LAW OF THE BEAUTY UNIVERSE: Pure Retinol must be buffered or else you will have to take constant breaks due to irritation. Or better yet, avoid irritation altogether by using a pre-buffered retinol product like Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer contains all natural moisturizers to buffer its’ 2.5% Retinol

TOP TIPS TO BUFFER YOUR RETINOL

1. ALWAYS APPLY MOISTURIZER AND PLENTY OF IT

Some prescription retinol such as Renova or Atralin has an emollient base that tricks you into thinking you don’t need a secondary moisturizer, but you do.

Prescription retinol can be deceptive: it looks emollient but still requires lots of moisturizers to tolerate its’ powerful effects

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO BUFFER RETINOL

  • If your skin is already irritated or very sensitive, apply moisturizer first, then retinol.
  • If your skin is normal, mix your retinol directly into your moisturizer and apply it together.
  • If you’ve been on retinol for more than one month, apply retinol first, then moisturizer on top.

WHAT MOISTURIZER SHOULD I USE TO BUFFER MY RETINOL?

Your moisturizer may be unknowingly contributing to your irritation. What moisturizer should you use to buffer? I prefer as natural and simple as possible because there’s already plenty going on with just the retinol. Does your moisturizer contain brighteners, Vitamin C or exfoliating ingredients? Stick with gentle ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Jojoba, and Sunflower Oil which are all very soothing and nourishing to the skin. The problem is due to the consistency of these natural moisturizing agents, you look a sticky and oily mess after a direct application and makeup application is out of the question.

A product that has saved me a lot of grief in the tricky retinol and moisturizer buffering department is Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer. It contains a prescription level 2.5% Pure Retinol, 20% Vitamin C and has a host of hydrating natural moisturizers all in one product, so it is gentle enough to use twice a day without every getting irritated.

Highly moisturizing Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer contains soothing and hydrating natural moisturizers to buffer the retinol

Even if I over-apply, I haven’t gotten irritated even ONCE in months of use, which means I never miss a dose or have to take time off from Retinol. If you don’t want to worry about combining retinol and moisturizer or just don’t want the hassle of multiple products, Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer is a no-fail, highly effective and emollient one-stop shop that contains all the hydrating nourishing buffering moisturizers including Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Jojoba, Sunflower Oil, Vitamin E, plus soothing Green Tea and the moisture powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer contains all-natural retinol-buffering moisturizers built right in like Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Sunflower Oil, Jojoba and Vitamin E

2. RE-EVALUATE OTHER SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Do you use Vitamin C Serum, AHA, glycolic, skin lighteners, peels, or scrubs? Even harsh washcloths and sponges or sonic facial brushes, these are all potentially too harsh now for your delicate retinol-treated skin. Retinol is already doing all the peeling and exfoliating for you, you just have to keep your skin clean and moisturized, nothing more.

Vitamin C Serum during the day and Retinol at night is touted as the standard for skin renewal, this is true, but this requires even more intensive buffering. Master retinol use first before adding in Vitamin C Serum.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer has so many soothing and hydrating moisturizers that it can buffer BOTH its’ prescription strength Retinol and its’ 20% Vitamin C Serum when applied TWICE a day with ZERO irritation

3. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE

Yeah, it is exciting to see Retinol’s rapid skin renewal, but less is actually more with retinol because if you have to take two weeks off to heal from overuse, you lost more than you gained in zealous overuse. Even if you buffer, don’t use retinol more than once a day. The exception to this would be a buffered retinol product, such as Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer, that can be used twice a day due to it’s pre-buffered highly moisturizing ingredients.

When it doubt, apply as little Retinol as you can, and apply more moisturizer than you think you may need.

Retinol requires powerful moisturizers to buffer its’ irritating effects. Before finding the all-in-one Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer,  I often had to use expensive moisturizers like Creme de La Mer Concentrate to counteract the dryness that retinol causes. Lordsbury gives a better result, is faster and far more cost effective

CONCLUSION

Don’t give up retinol due to irritation! Retinol is a powerful resource for removing wrinkles, brown spots, acne scars, discoloration, and refining overall skin tone. It is exciting to see changes in your skin! But buffering retinol is MANDATORY to be able to use it consistently without irritation. While buffering your prescription retinol with moisturizers or hydrating serums can make a world of difference in tolerating your retinol program, an easy no-hassle alternative is Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer. It contains 2.5% Pure Retinol, which is the lowest level on the prescription dosage scale, but Lordsbury can be used twice a day, it contains 20% Vitamin C and it comes pre-buffered with skin moisturizing, hydrating, youthifying nourishing ingredients that take the guessing work out of buffering your retinol. This way, you never miss a dose or have irritated skin.

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C moisturizer at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M3PSEQX/

Lordsbury Retinol+C has 2.5% Pure Retinol plus several moisturizers all in one bottle for one step skin care

Lordsbury Retinol+C has 2.5% Pure Retinol plus several moisturizers all in one bottle for one step skin care

 

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort as Brand Ambassadors of Lordsbury. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

 

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