Better Than Retinol: Meet Retinatural

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative and often used in anti-aging products like serums and face creams, because of its ability to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids are popular for helping with skin’s elasticity and slowing the breakdown of collagen. 
However, the long term effects of overuse of retinol products are questionable. The more retinol you use, the poorer the barrier function of your skin. The use of retinol also makes skin more susceptible to UV light. Along with these risks, women can sometimes be creating experimental “concoctions” of sorts when they mix, match and combine various retinol-infused products. People can randomly combine ingredients, without understanding if what they are using is balanced or safe for their health. 

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Cosmetic doctor, Mervyn Patterson states, “..if you plaster way too much retinol on in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, you could be depleting all of those healthy cell divisions that you really should be storing for cell divisions further down your lifetime." Also that “"The skincare industry is taking us into a massive experimentation of the population," he went on. "They're just interested in the short-term marketing of the products — we don't know what will happen with prolonged excessive use."

Retinyl Palmitate is an ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A) and is one of the 1800 ingredients on Beautycounter’s Never List because when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may result in adverse health consequences like lesions and photosensitization.

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Beautycounter has innovated it’s finest anti-aging regimen called Countertime, and it boasts similar results to that of its retinol counterparts, but without the risky ingredient. Countertime is a full collection including cleansing oil, hydrating essence, tri-peptide radiance serum, antioxidant soft cream, tetrapeptide supreme cream, and ultra renewal eye cream. The nature-inspired collection works with Swiss Alpine Rose and retinol-alternative Bakuchiol. The two together are what Beautycounter calls its Retinatural Complex

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Swiss Alpine Rose - Renowned for its remarkable ability to protect itself against dehydration and other environmental stressors at the highest altitudes of the Swiss Alps.

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Bakuchiol - Native to India and derived from seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia, bakuchiol has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic skincare remedies for centuries.

​Bakuchiol is a safer natural alternative to retinol and according to this independent clinical study (see study) Bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistical difference between the compounds. The retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.

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Consultants results with Countertime products. Some added on booster products like Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel and/or All Bright C Serum

There are many more articles that list the skin benefits of bakuchiol and why it’s a better alternative to retinol. I’ve personally used Beautycounter’s Countertime Collection since July 2019, and can vouch for it as being effective, potent, but also luxurious and gentle to my skin - which can often lead to more sensitivity with harsh products. 

My favorite products from the collection are:

1. Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil - helps remove makeup and impurities with the most spa-like rose scent and smooth application. 
2. Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence - infuses skin with vital nutrients to renew, balance, and prep skin for treatment step.

I’m impressed at Beautycounter’s formulation of a high-end skincare line that offers clients a luxury experience while also considering responsible packaging and ethical sourcing. Countertime is bottled in US manufactured glass bottles and all products are EWG-verified for safety. This is great news for the planet, for your skin, and your health!

View my personal demo of the complete collection here.

SOURCES
https://www.businessinsider.com/retinol-risks-according-to-a-doctor-2018-6#:~:text=The%20more%20retinol%20you%20put%20on%2C%20the%20poorer%20the%20barrier,to%20UV%20sunlight%2C%20in%20particular.
https://labmuffin.com/bakuchiol-better-than-retinol/
https://www.beautycounter.com/maliaboersma?goto=/the-never-list
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjd.16918

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