The Power of Retinol is Your Skincare

If you’ve even so much as dabbled in the skincare community, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard about retinol and how it seems to be the magic ingredient to all our skin woes. While that statement isn’t completely realistic, it is proven to be a powerful ingredient that does a lot of good for the skin!

Using Retinol in Your Skincare Routine

If you’ve even so much as dabbled in the skincare community, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard about retinol and how it seems to be the magic ingredient to all our skin woes.

While that statement isn’t completely realistic, it is proven to be a powerful ingredient that does a lot of good for the skin! Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is used to treat a variety of skin types and conditions by promoting cellular turnover and collagen production.

If you’re new to retinol or just looking for more information, you’re in the right place. Here’s GlyMed’s guide to all things about retinol.

The Benefits of Retinol

1. Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Retinol is best known for its anti-aging benefits, especially reducing the development and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is a powerful collagen-encouraging ingredient, so proper and regular use of retinol will allow the skin to heal and regenerate from the inside out! As new collagen is produced the skin will appear plump with softened wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful look.

1. Treats Acne and Scarring

While retinol is an excellent age-management ingredient, the benefits don’t end there. Retinol has the power to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other impurities that get stuck in our pores and cause acne. As well as preventing acne, it is also capable of reducing scarring from within, due to its ability to penetrate the skin into the second layer, the dermis, to stimulate collagen and elastin, two proteins that are crucial for healing.

1. Reduces Hyperpigmentation

If there’s anything to note about hyperpigmentation, it’s that it can linger under the skin before making an appearance. Therefore, it is essential to use a product that can stimulate cell turnover to eliminate excess pigment that results in uneven skin tone. Retinol encourages and increases cell turnover to speed up results and even the skin's overall tone. Furthermore, it can increase the effectiveness of other ingredients, so pairing retinol with a tyrosinase inhibitor will reduce excess pigment for better results.

That’s also what makes retinol so wonderful for skin that has been exposed to sun damage. Since sun damage doesn’t surface on the skin right away, retinol can treat the damage, such as pigmentation, before it appears.

1. Brightens the Skin

While our skin cells naturally turn over to bring healthier cells to the surface, this process begins slowing as we age. The slowing of cell turnover can lead to dull, lackluster skin that often comes with aging. Then enter retinol. As a restorative antioxidant, retinol does not physically exfoliate the skin, but instead regulates the natural exfoliation process by increasing cellular renewal, leading to brighter, even-toned skin.

1. Smooths and Improves Skin Texture

Have you ever put on makeup to find that it did not sit well on your face? It may not be the makeup or the application technique, but instead uneven skin texture. Textured skin is often a result of a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin, acne scarring, enlarged pores, aging, and other environmental factors. Thankfully retinol can help! As we already know retinol will increase cell turnover, and as a result, it will refine and resurface the skin without thickening the outermost layer. The result? A smooth and improved surface that’s easy to apply makeup to.

When to Start Using Retinol

Even though retinol is typically seen as an anti-aging product, it’s not only reserved for those who are starting their aging-management routine. Since it’s an effective treatment for acne and skin texture, retinol can be safely used to treat teenage acne if the individual is over the age of twelve. If you have questions about retinol and when you can add it to your skincare routine, speak with your skincare professional to make an informed decision.

How to Choose a High-Quality Retinol

While you can easily find retinol in drugstores and cosmeceutical-grade skincare, effective retinol is best found in professional formulations sold through estheticians and other skincare professionals. GlyMed’s Retinol Restart Rejuvenation Serum is a suitable place to start as our retinol is micro-encapsulated, which means it is slowly released over time, rather than as soon as it’s applied.

Micro-encapsulation allows the product to penetrate deeper into the skin before activating so it can promote skin wellness from the inside. It is also proven to be less aggressive on the skin, making it suitable for first-time retinol users and those with sensitive skin.

What to Keep in Mind When Using Retinol

Always Wear SPF (SUN PROTECTION FACTOR)

Retinol breaks down when exposed to the sun’s UV rays, so it’s essential that SPF is used to maintain the efficacy of the ingredients. Additionally, retinol can cause photosensitivity, even if you’re only using it at night, so make sure you’re protecting your beautiful skin during the day!

Skin Conditioning May Be Required

Retinol can be extremely drying for someone who is using it for the first time. If you’re brand new to retinol you may want to use a buffer product (such as our Ultra Hydro Gel) or start by using it only a few nights a week and increasing usage as your skin gets used to the new ingredient.

Retinol is Not Advised for Pregnant or Nursing Women

When you’re pregnant or nursing, everything that your body absorbs is also fed to the child. While the use of topical vitamin A (retinol) is safe for adult skin, it has proven harmful to unborn and newborn children, so you must discontinue your retinol use if you are actively trying to conceive, are pregnant, or nursing.

During this stage, you may be searching for a safe alternative that can continue to improve the skin the way your retinol does. We highly recommend the Bio Renewal Serum as a pregnancy-safe alternative as it will stimulate cell detoxification and delay cellular aging similar to the way a retinol would.

Speak to Your GlyMed Pro About Adding Retinol to Your Routine

If you have any questions and would like to speak to one of our friendly Master Aestheticians in your area, please email support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au

Written by The Institute of Skin Science

The Power of Retinol in Your Skincare

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10 Powerful Skincare Ingredients and How They Work

Jun 15, 2022 10:57:13 AM / by The Institute of Skin Science

Are you ever curious about what’s going on in your skincare? Or perhaps you know that a certain ingredient is good, but you’re unsure why or how it works. At GlyMed, we take pride in using only the highest quality ingredients that we can find.

Powerful Skincare Ingredients That Work

Are you ever curious about what’s going on in your skincare? Or perhaps you know that a certain ingredient is good, but you’re unsure why or how it works.

At GlyMed, we take pride in using only the highest quality ingredients that we can find. Made from potent botanicals sourced worldwide, our ingredients are all certified organic and backed before making it into any of our formulas.

Besides being high-quality, you may still ask yourself what makes a key ingredient good for your skin. We’re here to answer that very question with our guide to these ten ultra-powerful skincare ingredients.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol is one of those ingredients that seems to do everything, so we had to put it first on this list! Known as one of the best age management ingredients, retinol reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin production in your skin. It also has the power to improve skin tone and fade age spots and acne scars as it stimulates the production of new blood vessels.

But the benefits don’t stop with aging skin. Retinol has been proven to be a powerful acne treatment as it is a gentle exfoliator that removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. It works wonders for all kinds of acne, especially those who deal with stubborn hormonal acne.

There are a few things to be aware of with such a powerful ingredient. First, skin not familiar with retinol will need some conditioning to get used to the ingredient. Try using it sparingly at first, increasing use as skin normalizes. Additionally, retinol is not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying for pregnancy. The last thing to note is that retinol will cause sun sensitivity, so use only at night and be diligent in using SPF during the day.

Best-Selling Retinol Products:

• Retinol Restart Rejuvenation Cream

• Retinol Restart Rejuvenation Serum

• Other Professional Only Peels and Products

Hyaluronic Acid

These days, it seems like hyaluronic acid is everywhere, and for good reasons. Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in regulating water content, distributing nutrients to cells, and maintaining elasticity. Since hyaluronic acid is healing and hydrating, it improves skin appearance, creating supple skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid is an excellent treatment and preventative ingredient safe for all skin types, conditions, and Fitzpatricks levels. If you’re looking to add it to your skincare routine, check out these products below.

Best-Selling Hyaluronic Acid Products:

• Eye Calm

• Facial Hydrator

• Skin Recovery Mist

• Skin Bliss Hydrating Masque

• Ultra Hydro Gel

Vitamin C

Another popular skincare ingredient that seems to have endless benefits is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, so it offers protection against environmental stressors you run into daily. But this ingredient holds power to do so much more!

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties, offers UV protection and repair, boosts collagen synthesis, and treats hyperpigmentation. It’s ideal for treating sun-damaged skin and strengthening the skin’s barrier response for healthier, younger-acting skin.

This ingredient is a must-have for aging skin and those with hyperpigmentation disorders, but everyone can benefit from its protective and antioxidant properties. Many of our Vitamin C-infused products are suitable for all skin types.

Best-Selling Vitamin C Products:

• Daily Repair Mega Moisture Cream

• Mega-Purifying Cleanser

• Vitamin C Serum

• Vitamin C Cleanser

• Vitamin C Cream

Ceramides

Ceramides are fats or lipids found in skin cells that play an essential role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. As we age, these natural ceramides decrease, so topical ceramides become necessary for maintaining healthy skin.

While using ceramides now will have some anti-aging effects along the way, they should not only be reserved as an age-management ingredient. Ceramides are beneficial for everyone since they prevent trans-epidermal water loss, protect from environmental damage, and protect your skin from harmful bacteria and other germs. This ingredient is key to keeping your skin healthy now and in the future.

Best-Selling Ceramides Products:

• Amino Acid Epidermal Sealant with PC10

• Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

• Cell Protection Serum

• Daily Lift Serum

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are best known for their chemical exfoliation power. They can slough away dead skin and draw out impurities without harsh scrubbing, which makes us love them so much! But this gentle exfoliation leads to more than just softer, smoother skin. AHAs treat wrinkles, age spots, and acne while leaving behind a glowing complexion.

Another benefit of a chemical exfoliant is that your skin will absorb critical ingredients better, allowing your skincare to work more efficiently. You’ll find a low percentage of AHAs in many GlyMed retail products, while many of our chemical peel solutions use higher percentages of these ingredients to provide a deeper treatment that must be performed by a licensed professional.

Like retinol, AHAs are highly active ingredients and may require skin conditioning for those new to the ingredient. Make sure to start slow and increase usage as your skin gains more tolerance for it.

Best-Selling AHA Products:

• Gentle Facial Wash

• AHA Accelerator

• Alpha Therapeutic Hand & Body Lotion

• Alpha Therapeutic Ultimate Body Scrub

• Skin Gel

• Other Professional Only Peels and Products

Peptides

Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as messengers to our skin cells. Peptides prompt our skin to perform specific functions like producing collagen and elastin, repairing tissue, and even relaxing the muscles. They are an excellent age-management tool that can be easily incorporated into any skincare routine using a cleanser, serum, cream, or a combination of all three.

Natural peptides are already found within the body, so your skin doesn’t react to the ingredient but responds to them, making them gentle enough for all skin types, conditions, and Fitzpatrick levels.

Best-Selling Peptide Products:

• Peptide Cleanser with PC10

• Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex

• Peptide Serum

• Bio Renewal Serum

• Atraxi Peptide

• Age Delay Cream

• Other Professional Only Peels and Products

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is a rejuvenating ingredient that stimulates lipid production within skin cells and improves your skin barrier function. It has powerful anti-aging properties as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and microcirculation. Niacinamide is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent that can treat all types of inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea, and it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Best-Selling Niacinamide Products:

• CBD-B3 Facial Mist

• CBD-Micro Silver Hydratherapy Masque

• CBD-B3 Age Delay Facial Dew

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is one of the newest additives to make its way into the professional skincare scene, but don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of this incredible ingredient. CBD is a powerful antioxidant – even more powerful than vitamins C and E and is the only plant source of vitamin D in skincare.

CBD is best known for its anti-aging effects and for balancing the skin by regulating oil production. CBD is safe for all skin types and conditions as a restorative ingredient.

Our CBD is derived from the hemp plant and is tested to ensure 0% THC; therefore, there is no psychoactive component, making it legal in all 50 states. GlyMed is proud to use only the highest quality cannabidiol available in the US, which never contains pesticides, heavy metals, or harmful chemicals.

Best-Selling CBD Products:

• CBD Booster

• CBD Regenerative Eye Cream

• CBD Power Balm

• CBD-Micro Silver Miracle

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Tyrosinase Inhibitors are a specific set of ingredients that suppress excess melanin production by interrupting the biochemical process that triggers the production of tyrosinase, therefore preventing and treating pigmentation disorders and age spots.

At GlyMed, we use bearberry, licorice root, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and mulberry extract, all potent botanicals that are effective tyrosinase inhibitors. Using the below products at home in conjunction with regular treatments will give you the best results in reducing age spots and the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Best-Selling Tyrosinase Inhibitor Products:

• Diamond Bright Skin Lightener

• Living Cell Clarifier

• Other Professional-Only Peels and Products

Enzymes

Enzymes work on the surface of your skin to slough off rought, dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother, brightener, and clearer. Most notably, enzymes alone do not disrupt the pH balance of your skin and are gentle on your skin barrier. Enzymatic exfoliation is one of the mildest forms, making it an especially beneficial option for those with dry, sensitive, and aging skin types.

There are four common enzymes used in skincare, and each comes with its own benefits:

• Papain – Reduces blemishes, nourishes skin, and fights premature aging.

• Bromelain – Anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, accelerates healing, and improves skin texture.

• Protease – Increases hydration, supports skin cells, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

• Pumpkin – Brightens skin, regulates oil production, reduces acne, and fights signs of premature aging.

Best-Selling Enzyme Products:

• Ultra-Hydrating Enzyme Masque

• YOUTH Firm Age Defying Peel

• Restorative Skin Clarifying Masque

• Daily Smoothing Peel

These Ingredients and More with GlyMed

If you’re looking for effective skincare solutions, it’s time to give GlyMed a try. We’ve kept a high standard of using only the best skincare ingredients to create the highest quality skincare for professional treatments and at-home use.

As skincare innovators, we strive to find the next best solution for skin. Rest assured you’ll find these powerful skincare ingredients and so much more in our formulations.

If you have any questions, please email support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au

Written by The Institute of Skin Science

10 Powerful Skincare Ingredients and How they work

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The Power of Peptides

Peptides are a chain of two or more amino acids bonded together in a specific order to perform functions in the skin through communications between cells, helping to improve and stimulate cellular functions.

Peptides are a chain of two or more amino acids bonded together in a specific order to perform functions in the skin through communications between cells. This "communication" can improve and stimulate cellular processes such as collagen and elastin production, tissue repair, or even relaxing muscle contractions.

Peptides are naturally found within the skin, but the amount of naturally produced peptides decreases as we age, making topical peptides essential for aging gracefully. Since each peptide has different effects, our skincare routines must include peptides of all kinds. However, we know that learning about each type of peptide and how it works can be daunting, so we're here to be your peptide guide! We'll explore the different peptides we use in our professional skin care and what concerns each one will address.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a neuro peptide compound that temporarily intercepts messages from the brain to prevent muscle contractions. Repeated muscle contractions, whether involuntary or intentional, will lead to wrinkles and fine lines on the skin's surface. We know that we can't always control our reactions and expressions, so using a peptide such as this will help tremendously to keep these signs of aging at bay.

Repeated use of GlyMed products that contain acetyl hexapeptide-8 will decrease the appearance and formation of fine lines that typically form around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

This peptide can be found in: Daily Lift Serum, Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex, Bio-Renewal Serum

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3

This peptide is one of the more powerful peptide molecules in the latest generation of high-end professional skin care products. Clinical studies have shown an increase in overall collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid synthesis.

The increased collagen in the skin will result in fewer fine lines and wrinkles. At the same time, hyaluronic acid stimulates faster skin healing and reduces scarring. You'll notice a smooth and plumped appearance when using this peptide.

This peptide can be found in: Stem Cell Power Serum, Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Of all the peptides, this one seems to do a lot! This peptide is known for its ability to lighten the skin, reduce inflammation, improve skin elasticity, and stimulate the regeneration of collagen fibers. It also provides skin tightening benefits by increasing hyaluronic acid, attracting moisture into the epidermis.

Tightened skin, fewer dark spots, reduced redness, and fewer fine lines and wrinkles are just a few benefits of this potent peptide, a truly gentle but effective age-management ingredient!

This peptide can be found in: Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex, Bio-Renewal Serum, Atraxi Peptide, Peptide Serum, Age Delay Cream

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

With cell-communicating abilities, this peptide can help skin cells function in a healthier manner. Skin cells work better by stimulating collagen production and encouraging the production of intercellular matrix substances such as hyaluronic acid. Increasing the skin cell cycle keeps your skin looking, feeling, and acting younger.

With this peptide, you'll notice firm, tight, and toned skin, creating a more youthful appearance. The added production of hyaluronic acid will help your skin retain moisture, providing a radiant, plumping effect.

This peptide can be found in our Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

This peptide sends signals to the skin cells to trigger collagen and hyaluronic acid production while supporting connecting tissue to firm and tighten the skin.

As we age, the collagen in our skin naturally breaks down. You may also notice more dryness as you age since the skin becomes more prone to trans epidermal water loss. That's where this peptide can save your skin, as it replenishes and restores what is missing. When using this peptide, you may also notice reduced fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation, and an increase in the strength of your skin barrier.

This peptide can be found in: Bio-Renewal serum, Atraxi Peptide, Peptide Serum, Age Delay Cream

Pentapeptide-48

This peptide consists of five amino acids: arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine, and threonine. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and encourages cell turnover and regeneration.

Pentapeitde-48 is a powerful ingredient used to even the appearance of the skin tone and delay common signs of aging, like sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. This peptide is both healing and preventative, so it's suitable for all stages of skin.

This peptide can be found in: Atraxi Peptide, Age Delay Cream

Copper Tripeptide-1

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a potent healing peptide that delivers essential nutrients to skin cells to aid tissue regeneration. As a regenerative ingredient, this peptide is both a treatment and preventative measure against the signs of premature aging.

With regular use of skin care products that contain copper tripeptide-1, you'll not only notice a glowing, vibrant complexion, but you'll also strengthen your natural skin barrier. An improved skin barrier protects your body from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other environmental damages that can enter a compromised skin barrier.

This peptide can be found in: Bio-Renewal Serum, Atraxi Peptide, Peptide Serum, Age Delay Cream

Acetyl SH-Heptapeptide-1

This protective peptide neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative damage that comes naturally with aging. While all skin types and stages greatly benefit from this ingredient, it is especially suitable for those who are using peptides as preventative skincare.

As we age, cellular turnover slows down, trans epidermal water loss increases, and our bodies produce less collagen, leaving the skin dry, dull, and compromised. Acetyl SH-Heptapeptide-1 can regulate the natural aging process, allowing room to age gracefully while maintaining healthy, even skin.

This peptide can be found in our Peptide Serum

Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate

This multi-functional peptide helps enhance the skin's natural exfoliation process to remove damaged skin cells and replace them with healthier, more durable skin. Hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate supports the natural exfoliation process rather than forcing it the way a chemical exfoliator would, making it a gentle option for aging, dry, and compromised skin.

This peptide is highly regenerative, so you'll notice smoother skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. You'll find your skin is healthier with a stronger skin barrier that protects against damage from external elements. Using a product with this peptide will serve you well now and for many more years to come!

This peptide can be found in our Bio Renewal Serum

GlyMed and the Power of Peptides

At GlyMed, we've created potent skincare products containing the most effective peptides. In our Next Generation of Peptides line, you'll find epigenetic peptides that heal the skin and protect against the early signs of aging. As one of the most effective solutions for aging skin, our peptide-infused products restore and treat the skin while serving as a preventative measure for those who have yet to demonstrate signs of aging.

As mentioned before, peptides are gentle on the skin, making our peptide products friendly to all skin types, skin conditions, and Fitzpatrick levels. If you are a skincare professional, make sure to join us virtually for our Higher Aesthetics Education Class that is all about our New Generation of Peptides line. You’ll learn the ins and outs of these peptide products from the Master Estheticians of GlyMed!

Have questions? Reach out to support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au

Written by The Institute of Skin Science

The Power of Peptides

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