Retinol 101

Retinol is by far one of the most misused and misunderstood skincare products on the market which is why we felt the urge address it head on. Retinol or retinoids which include retinoid acid (tretinoin), retinal palmitate, isotretinoin and alitretinoin are all just chemical derivatives of vitamin A! Vitamin A is the key nutrient responsible for cellular turnover the process when our skin produces new cells that travel from the lowest layer of the epidermis to the top layer and then are shed.

Retinol In SkinCare

Retinol is a common ingredient in modern skincare formulations because it is effective for enhancing the brightness of the skin, minimizing acne breakouts and boosting collagen. The problem is many consumers are feeding their skin retinol without a strategic game plan to mitigate the risks associated overusing retinol.

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When To Start

A retinol regimen should not begin until you are in your mid 20s to early 30s. Many people are motivated to be proactive and combat the early signs of aging, however, the using retinol when you are too young could cause adverse reactions such as severe acne breakouts, intense sunburns (retinol increases photosensitivity), intense flaking and redness. On the flip side waiting too long can also be problematic because your skin may be too aged and require a higher (often prescription strength) dose of retinol that will increase skin sensitivity.

The Right Balance

Retinol should always be incorporated slowly and carefully integrated with your existing skin care regimen. It is important to identify any existing products you are using with retinol to prevent an overdose. At Manhattan Aesthetics we carefully manage our patients’ retinol use and often will start with a low dose such as SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 which releases the active ingredient slowly and gently making it an an excellent prerequisite for virgin retinol users.

How To Use

Retinol should only be applied at night time because of its interaction with sunlight. In addition to photosensitivity the sun will actually impair the effectiveness of retinol. It is for this reason it is imperative to wear an SPF50 or greater while taking retinol and also should be avoided during the summer months.

To learn more about retinol schedule a complimentary skin evaluation with our Triple Board Certified Dermatologist by calling (646) 969-3652

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Yesterday I tried Thermiaesthetic which is ThermiSmooth Skin Tightening. I ran over on my lunch break and LoLa who was the Esthetician couldn’t have been nicer! She rubbed a ton of gel on my lower face and neck with my clothes covered with towels then came the funny device. I was nervous as she said I might be a little red after, but I wasn’t at all! The treatment itself was pleasant and I almost fell asleep I was so relaxed! Then the gel was cleaned off about 25 minutes later and then I was good to go! I went back to the office and they were none the wiser! My skin already looks tighter although she recommended another couple of treatments. Which at the price point is affordable. If you need a little lift with no down time I can’t recommend it enough! Plus everyone at Manhattan Aesthetics was delightful!"*

"My experience getting SculpSure at Manhattan Aesthetics was top of the line. The people there are incredibly friendly and the office is spotless and gorgeous. The process of SculpSure is much more efficient than Cool Sculpting, it is less painful and takes less time. I was targeting my abs and as mentioned, the first 5 minutes is challenging but once I was acclimated to the heating and cooling sensations (plus my tech did massage my legs during) it was easy and I was done in 25 minutes. Afterward there was no pain or redness so I decided to do more applicators on my lower back (love handles). The follow up is to simply massage the area twice a day and drink lots of water. It is non-invasive and though I just had it done yesterday, I literally have NO after pain and I am excited to see the results! Five stars for a great experience at Manhattan Aesthetics."*

"I had coolsculpting last year and never got much of a result so decided to try sculpsure at Manhattan Aesthetics. I did 8 applicators targeting my abdomen and love handles. Layla my technician warned me the first 4 minutes would be uncomfortable so she distracted me by keeping me company and massaging my leg. After this it was it was easy, painless and actually kind of fun. I have to say the procedure was dramatically faster and less painful than coolsculpting and saw an incredible result. The best part was no downtime whatsoever-the next day I did feel sore like I did an intense ab workout. Definitely better than liposuction-sculpsure 5 stars Layla 5 stars Manhattan Aesthetics 5 stars"*

"I am totally addicted to Manhattan Aesthetics! Chelsea and Craig are so pleasant, kind and helpful. It’s always so nice to see them. The space is gorgeous. Both Lola and Natalie are great!! I couldn’t be happier with the first procedure I have received from Lola. Results were visible weeks before the suggested 6 week mark. I am currently undergoing the ThermiSmooth and will have to wait out the results but I will come back to update. I want to try the microneedling and photofacial next. I am addicted to Manhattan Aesthetics and the wonderful staff here. I came in through a groupon offer and I have no intentions of straying."*

"I am absolutely happy with the service I received at Manhattan Aesthetics. Everyone there is super nice, very friendly. Their office is pretty nice and clean. They have these candles at the front desk that smell fantastic and the melody makes you feel relaxed. I definitely recommend this place to anyone."*

"My experience was nothing short of amazing! the entire staff, specifically Craig, Chelsey and Natalie could not have been more informative, helpful and caring! I learned the hard way that body contouring does in fact work after a long painful expensive bout with coolsculpting at skinney medspa. I then purchased the 4 applicator special at Manhattan Aesthetics for the sculpSURE laser. After 3-4 weeks my flanks were dramatically less bulky with a very noticeable definition. I have since treated my inner thighs and outer thighs. Everything about my experience and the procedure has been phenomenal!"*

"Manhattan Aesthetics is 5 stars the knowledge of the staff is second to none and I could not be happier with my results. I was referred by a friend and have done both sculpsure and trusculpt and am extremely pleased with the result. Natalie was unbelievable in recommending the best possible treatment to ensure I not only lost my stomach but tightened the skin as well. Chelsea is amazing and went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule and make sure I was seen without a wait."*

★★★★★ 5/5

*Individual results may vary.

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The first step is to come in for an in-person consultation with our expert providers at Manhattan Aesthetics serving Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, New York, and New Jersey. Please fill out the form on this page or call our office during normal business hours at 212-960-8172.