My review of Azul Skin Health Vita A Serum with Peptides
By Carla Snuggs

I had been hearing a lot about retinol and even have had friends who use retinol and admired their results. But I was a bit nervous to try retinol because. Friends, Azul Skin Health sent to me (as the last product in my ambassadorship), their Vita A Serum with Peptides, so of course I wanted to try it because I trust the brand and have seen amazing results from the products I have used.

Have you ever tried retinol or been curious to try it? Keep reading because I tapped Elle MacLeman for the scoop on retinol. Elle MacLeman is the Skincare Biochemist for The Derm Review and has over 12 years’ experience in the skincare and beauty industry. The following are Elle’s tips:

What is retinol

Retinol is a type of retinoid. A retinoid is a type of skincare ingredient derived from vitamin A. Retinoids convert into an active retinoic acid when it is absorbed by your skin.

Studies have suggested that vitamin A may help to reduce visible fine lines, hyperpigmentation, collagen production, blemishes, and may help to improve skin cell turnover. This is why retinoid products, like retinol, are so widely used.

How to use retinol correctly

Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol onto clean, dry skin at night. Unlike hyaluronic acid, applying retinol to dry skin is best. This is because the water can make the skin more susceptible to retinol-associated sensitivity.

It is best to apply your retinol product over the top of your moisturizer. This helps to protect your skin from irritation.

“I would recommend starting with retinol once or twice a week initially; this allows your skin to get used to this active ingredient. This skincare marvel does take time to show results. Usually, this can be 3 to 6 months for visible improvements,” says MacLeman.

Slowly increase the frequency and concentration over time, retinol can have a delayed onset time for irritation. You may get to two weeks in and think ‘great, this is going well let’s increase it’ but it can take about a month to know whether you’re at a good level.

How not use retinol

Retinol is a fantastic ingredient and one where the hype is usually deserved. However, they can be a little tricky to use as retinol is associated with sensitivity and irritation. Here are some tips to help you use retinol safely and get the most out of the ingredient.

Always apply retinoids at night. This is due to the fact that retinol breaks down given sufficient sun exposure.

Use an SPF sunscreen to protect your skin which will be particularly sensitive at this time. Remember if your skin reacts poorly to any skincare product you should stop using it and speak to a medical professional. Reapply your sunscreen as often as your lifestyle allows throughout the day.

If your skin becomes irritated, reduce the frequency of use. You can also reduce the time you have the retinol on your skin - you can leave the retinol on your skin for 10-20 mins and the rinse off. You will still benefit from the product but will reduce irritation.

Apply over a moisturizer - This creates a barrier between your skin and the retinol.

Start small - use low concentrations first then build up. Retinol is actually one of the few ingredients your skin actually gets used to. When you experience ‘the getting used to effect’ with other products, it generally just means the product isn’t working for you. So, over time you will want to increase the strength of the retinol.

You can also experience purging, where your skin experiences more breakouts in the first few weeks of use. If you experience purging, breathe through it, speak with your doctor and know that the purging effect is temporary.

Azul Skin Health Vita A Serum with Peptides

About Azul Skin Health Vita A Serum with Peptides: Containing Retinol, the Gold-standard in anti-aging skincare known for its skin transforming properties to plump wrinkles and reduce the appearance of age spots, sun damage and rough skin. This power-house serum is also loaded with peptides to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types.

Retinyl Palmitate/Retinol/ Retinyl Propinoate – three forms of Vitamin A
Tocopherol – Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that protects the skin during the cleansing process and prevents free radicals from damaging the skin
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide – This peptide promotes skin renewal and rehydration
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 – This short chain amino-acid polymer supports a more youthful appearance.

Shop: Azulskinhealth.com

My thoughts/review of Azul Skin Health Vita A Serum with Peptides

At night, I use a tiny amount of Azul Skin Health Vita A Serum with Peptides (about the size of a dime size and apply to my face and neck. Then I let it dry 5 minutes before I apply my moisturizer and serum. I always wear sunscreen when I am using it. I started with a tiny dot to make sure my skin wasn’t sensitive to the product and then I gradually increased until it was the size of a dime.

While this is sadly my last product with Azul Skin Health under this ambassadorship, it has by far been my favorite. My skin!! I’ve been using it for about one month and one week. I have noticed my skin has become more even toned and brighter and fine lines have significantly reduced. I also noticed the texture of my skin is smoother. I know that it can take up to 12 weeks to see optimal results, but I am very, very happy with the results thus far. I am going to keep using it and hope to see my skin become even more dewy!

Have you ever used retinol as part of your skincare routine? Leave me a comment below!