Category: Hair Care

New to retinol? Before adding this active ingredient to your skincare routine, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Retinol & How Does It Work?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and plays a key role in warding off or mitigating the initial signs of aging. It offers numerous benefits for the skin, including anti-aging properties, acne alleviation, and enhancing overall skin health. As a versatile skincare component, retinol belongs to the retinoid family.

While more potent retinoids like Retin-A (tretinoin) require a prescription, retinol is available over-the-counter in concentrations up to 2%, making it easily accessible for those interested in incorporating it into their skincare routine. Esteemed among skin experts globally, it stands out as a powerful and effective ingredient in skincare. It continues to be highly regarded for its profound impact on improving a variety of skin issues.

It’s reputation for enhancing skin quality begs the question: how exactly does it work? Its efficacy stems from its unique structural ability to bond with the skin. Essentially, retinol speeds up cell turnover, allowing new cells to surface more quickly than they would naturally. Acting as an antioxidant, retinol dissolves in natural oils and attaches to skin cell receptors, initiating a series of actions that enhance the look and feel of skin types ranging from dry to oily.

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What Are The Benefits?

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The signs of ageing in skin are a combination of natural aging processes and the accumulation of environmental stress. Retinol plays a crucial role in any anti-aging skincare regimen. Amidst all the enthusiasm about its benefits, how does retinol serve your skin as it matures? As we age, our collagen production declines. Retinol, a type of retinoid, boosts collagen production and helps counteract free radicals (unstable molecules) that can harm skin collagen. This contributes to reducing the visibility of wrinkles and enhancing skin firmness.

IMPROVES ACNE AND SKIN TEXTURE

Individuals dealing with excessive oil production, blocked pores, and acne can witness significant skin improvements by incorporating retinol. The advantages of Vitamin A for such skin types extend beyond merely diminishing acne and imperfections; it also aids in lightening scars left by past acne. Retinol skincare products achieve these results by reducing the activity of oil glands and shrinking the appearance of pores.

ENHANCES SKIN RADIANCE

Dry skin often appears dull due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and a rough skin texture. A retinol serum facilitates skin exfoliation at a molecular level, speeding up the turnover of skin cells and unveiling a fresher complexion. This leads to a visibly rejuvenated and smoother skin for those with dry skin.

PROMOTES EVEN SKIN TONE

Among the notable advantages of retinol is its efficacy in fostering an even skin tone by encouraging the turnover of skin cells and its exfoliating action. This process brings new skin cells to the surface, helping to brighten and even out the skin tone while boosting collagen and elasticity. For optimal results in reducing dark spots and pigmentation, it is recommended to use retinol alongside a Vitamin C Serum.

How To Add Retinol To Your Routine

Apply Sun Protection Factor (SPF) Religiously

Utilising Retinol accelerates the skin’s cell renewal process, rendering it more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation’s harmful effects. It’s crucial to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin and to apply it diligently every day. If you find yourself under the sun for extended periods, reapply the sunscreen every two hours.

Incorporate Retinol Exclusively in the Evening

It’s advisable to apply Retinol exclusively during nighttime. This strategy ensures the stability of Retinol and shields your skin from potential sun-induced sensitivities. Moreover, your skin optimally absorbs and benefits from this active ingredient while you sleep.

Adopt a Gradual Approach

Introducing Retinol into your skincare routine necessitates a gradual approach to allow your skin to adapt to this potent active. Initially, apply Retinol every alternate night for the first 4-6 weeks. Assess your skin’s response and, if favourable, consider daily application. Should you experience dryness or irritation, it’s wise to decrease the application frequency.

Adjust Based on Lifestyle Influences

Factors such as stress, environmental changes, and travel can make your skin more reactive, necessitating a temporary reduction in Retinol usage. Resume your regular application once your skin returns to its normal, resilient state.

Exercise Caution with Additional Exfoliants

Given Retinol’s potent skin-renewing properties, it’s advisable to use it in alternation with other active ingredients like Hydroxy Acids. For example, apply it in the evening and Hydroxy Acids in the morning, or adjust the frequency based on your skin’s specific needs.

Be Gentle Around Sensitive Areas

When applying Retinol treatments, proceed with caution around the sensitive areas of your eyes and lips. For those aiming to leverage advantages specifically for these regions, explore products like the Age Reversal Eye Complex, which is tailored for the eye area.

Moderation is Key

Adhere to the recommended dosage of Retinol to avoid overuse. Typically, a pea-sized amount suffices for serums, whereas a grain-of-rice-sized quantity is advised for eye-specific Retinol treatments. Ensure application is limited to the area around the eyes, avoiding the eyelids.

When To Avoid Retinol

Retinol is a beneficial ingredient for various skincare concerns; however, it’s not suitable for everyone. Individuals with eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin might find it advisable to steer clear. It pairs well with moisturizers and hyaluronic acid but should not be mixed with vitamin C, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide to avoid adverse reactions. Additionally, it is photosensitive, making the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Therefore, using a high SPF sunscreen is crucial to protect against UV rays. Importantly, it can pose risks during pregnancy due to its potential to cause fetal retinoid syndrome, a condition associated with physical and mental congenital disabilities. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid retinol to prevent these risks.

Shop our range of retinol skincare serums from My haircare & Beauty!

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The LCO Method is one of my absolute favorites for stimulating healthy and moisturized hair. Whether your hair is natural or relaxed, your hair needs moisture in order to thrive. On your journey to keep your natural hair healthy and moisturized, you may have tried the LOC method. The LOC method stands for Liquid/Leave-In (L), then Oil (O), and Cream (C).  While this hair care technique comes highly recommended from thousands of YouTubers for hydrating your hair, it may not actually give your hair the moisture it craves.

If that’s the case, you should consider using the LCO method instead (Liquid/Leave-In, then Cream and then Oil). It uses the same ingredients as the LOC Method, but in a different order. The LCO method works for both natural and relaxed hair and is guaranteed to keep your hair feeling moisturized longer. Below we will discuss how to use the LCO method to achieve moisturized hair.

Step 1: Leave-In Conditioner (L)

The reason you are here is because you are ready to grow healthy moisturized hair using the LCO method, right?  The first thing you should do is get started with freshly washed and conditioned hair. After washing and conditioning your hair, you will need to mist your hair with a leave-in product (where water is the first ingredient) or plain water. I find that leave-in sprays or water work better than leave-in creams, for this method.  Sprays tend to be lighter on the hair and work together better when layering additional products on top.  The purpose of this step is to get the hair hydrated.

Step 2: Styling Cream  (C)

Now that your hair is fully hydrated with a leave-in conditioner, you can take things up a notch and apply your hair cream. While there are plenty of hair creams to try, it’s essential to use a product formulated with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients that don’t provide a heavy feel.  Depending on the style you are going for the cream could be a moisturizing cream or a styling cream (which has hold).

Step 3: Oil (O)

You’re at the finish line! Oils actually repel moisture, so it’s important that this is the last step to ensure that the moisture from the cream can penetrate the follicle. Seal in your moisture with the help of a sealing oil, such as the Voice of Hair PureFix Elixir.  This lightweight oil serum adds shine with a smooth finish to keep your hair hydrated for longer. Apply four to five drops of hair oil to the palm of your hands, distribute throughout and style as desired. Now, you’ve provided your hair with plenty of hydration so that you can get away with moisturizing every few days, without your hair feeling dry in-between. We recommend using the Nourish and Quench Bundle that includes an amazing shampoo, conditioner, leave-in cream, and oil to apply the LCO method with effectiveness.You are now one step closer to getting rid of dry hair! With spring being just around the corner, it may be time to consider some cute protective styles.

Peppermint oil is amazing!

But do you know what makes peppermint oil amazing?

In this article, I discuss 5 benefits of peppermint oil for your hair.

I love using peppermint oil because it makes me feel like this . . .

1) Soothes a Dry Scalp

Peppermint oil is anti-inflammatory, which means it will help soothe your scalp. As a result, this helps with dry scalp, prevent lice, and eliminate dandruff. For optimal results, it is best to add peppermint oil to your favorite carrier oil and apply it at night, right before you go to bed.

2) Helps to Grow Hair 

Peppermint oil is an essential oil that can help with hair growth. Essential oils help with blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn creates thickness of the hair and follicles. When working on growing your hair, you should apply the peppermint oil to your favorite carrier oil or shampoo/conditioner for deep moisture. Then, let the oil do its work. Once deep in your scalp, peppermint oil can help make your hair roots stronger and provide some needed nutrients to your hair. 

3) Strengthens Hair/Roots 

Peppermint oil is made from menthol and menthone. This helps to strengthen your hair roots and prevents damage. Many shampoos have peppermint in them, but if yours does not, then you should add a few drops of peppermint oil to it. In a shampoo, peppermint oil acts as a cleanser for your hair, which helps to naturally cleanse it. This will help your scalp to breathe and feel rejuvenated.   

4 ) Refreshes Hair 

Peppermint oil gives your hair a refreshing look and creates more shine. Due to its makeup, peppermint oil can kill off many types of fungus. For peppermint oil to refresh your hair, it is important to do a pre-shampoo treatment with peppermint oil and another carrier oil and then rinse it before shampooing it. Peppermint oil may feel tingly with a minty feeling to your scalp, and it will act as a deep conditioner and will refresh your hair. 

5) It is All-Natural 

Peppermint oil is light, with a great scent! It can moisturize your hair without it feeling greasy and weighed down. Studies have shown that peppermint oil can help to balance your scalp’s PH level. The good news is that peppermint does not contain harsh chemicals, which also makes it a good herbal treatment. 

***Please Note*** Undiluted peppermint essential oils can cause a burning sensation on your skin. Always dilute oils with a carrier oil to help protect your skin.

These 5 benefits of peppermint oil suggest that by adding this small addition to your hair care routine you can possibly receive large benefits in your hair journey. If you are looking for a product that combines the most hair enriching essential oils, including peppermint oil, check out the Voice of Hair PureFix Elixir! The PureFix Hair Elixir is a 6-in-1 hair and scalp treatment that works together to support longer, stronger and moisturized hair.