All about: Dermalogica’s new Overnight Retinol Repair 1%

I swear in my life I have tried about every single ‘hope in a jar’ out there, spending god knows how much on eye creams, serums and whatnot as I (fruitlessly for the most part) battle the creeping signs of ageing. There’s certainly no way to escape them, but a little softening here and there is more than welcome, and if I can find a product that gives my skin that extra boost then bring it on.

In the skincare world there is one thing that we know absolutely delivers the goods however, and that’s retinol. Some are so potent that can completely change your skin overnight, but not all are created equal. There are a lot of misconceptions about retinol too, with good reason. Also there is the fact that there are ‘Retin-A’ products, and ‘retinol’ products… and both are ‘retinoids’. It’s all vitamin A, but the first kind is pretty heavy duty (i.e. you need a prescription) and the second type you can buy over the counter. Unlike standard exfoliators, retinoids work at the cellular level to increase collagen, smooth-out annoying fine lines and even-out the tone, all of which are on my shopping list thank-you-very-much.

Retinol is a key ingredient in Dermalogica’s new Overnight Retinol Repair 1%, which ratchets things up another notch from their much-loved Overnight Retinol Repair 0.5%. The highly concentrated new night-time treatment cream offers clinical-strength Retinol (1.0%) for users who want advanced results in a formula that won’t compromise skin health or comfort. Part of the brand’s AgeSmart range, it has been designed as the next step for those wanting a stronger retinol formula, be it as a treatment course or as part of their ongoing nightly treatment. Retailing for $198 and recently added to the brand’s on counter lineup, the super powered formula also comes with a buffer cream moisturiser, which is there to mix with it initially to help the skin acclimatise to the retinol.  

Key to the formula is pure Vitamin A, a highly active form of retinol that has been shown to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, and combat free radical damage. Because the retinol molecule on its own is extremely delicate, and can lose its potency as soon as it is exposed to light or air, Overnight Retinol Repair 1% was developed using the most advanced microencapsulation technology to protect the molecule within the formula. This allows the retinol to retain stability and deliver results.
Additional ingredients in the powerful formula include Squalene from Brazilian Sugar Cane to restore skin moisture and suppleness, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and TAUT Peptides help minimise the appearance of wrinkles and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (antioxidant Vitamin C) to help reduce the appearance of skin discolouration. Active polysaccharides are also in there to hydrate and prevent water loss in the skin, helping to soften fine lines, whilst Licorice extract helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant power. Boom!
To help skin acclimate, Dermalogica recommends mixing one-part Overnight Retinol Repair 1% with three parts Buffer Cream, applying to cleansed skin. For more sensitive skin, apply the mixture on alternate nights. Increase the ratio as skin adjusts, at which point Overnight Retinol Repair 1% may be used alone or prior to or mixed with moisturiser. Like all retinol products, use this beauty only at night when cell renewal is at its prime, wear sunscreen during the day and avoid excessive sun exposure. 

Due to the expert strength of this product, Overnight Retinol Repair 1% is only available to purchase in store at authorised Dermalogica stockists on recommendation from qualified skin therapists and will not be available to purchase online from dermalogica.co.nz. It is available right now though, so what are you waiting for?