Retinol+ Emulsions by iS Clinical features an innovative new form of Retinol of botanical origin that is combined with a proprietary blend of Bakuchiol, other powerful botanical boosters, antioxidants and Extremozymes® to provide an elevated Retinol experience.
Available in two strengths, 0.3 and maximum strength 1.0, Retinol+ Emulsions is a fast-acting formula designed to boost the intrinsic anti-ageing capabilities of Retinol with a host of carefully curated ingredients that work in synergy to help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, promote even skin tone and texture for a smooth, radiant complexion.
Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 is a gently resurfacing yet nourishing formulation that incorporates a mild keratolytic form of Retinol. Professional strength, Retinol+ Emulsion 1.0 (recommended for use only as advised by a skincare professional) is a rapidly resurfacing yet still nourishing formulation that uses a powerful keratolytic form of Retinol.
Both are encapsulated with bio-identical lipids for easy delivery to the skin helping improve skin resilience and enhance overall skin condition. Retinol+ Emulsions is also particularly beneficial for those with problematic skin that has been resistant to treatment.
Joanna Karpinski, iS Clinical Trainer explains how this high-performing, targeted skin solution works and how it should be incorporated into a skincare routine.
What makes Retinol+ Emulsions different to other Retinol products on the market?
iS Clinical’s highly active, fast-acting Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 is a mildly keratolytic formula featuring a Retinol of botanical origin that is encapsulated with bio-identical lipids, Phosphatidylcholine, and Triglycerides.
This well-delivered Retinol product boosts overall skin condition through its vitamin and antioxidant properties, as required for normal skin epithelialization. At the same time, a proprietary blend of potent botanical boosters, antioxidants, and Extremozymes® helps nourish skin and improve its resilience.
Retinol+ Emulsions have also been specifically developed to be well-tolerated by the skin without compromising results. It’s a clinically advanced technology that minimises, if not altogether avoids, the usual peeling and skin irritation often experienced with the use of Retinol, making it suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin.
What benefits does Retinol+ Emulsion deliver to the skin?
For optimal results and to ensure accurate delivery to the skin, iS Clinical has utilised intelligent liposome encapsulation comprised of bio-identical lipids, to facilitate penetration of botanical Retinol providing visible results.
Once penetrated through further metabolic processes, Retinol+ Emulsions start acting as a natural normaliser and corrector of various skin functions to help support the skin’s natural moisturising factors, act as an antioxidant and help minimise irritation, promoting overall skin rejuvenation and optimum skin condition.
At what stage should you include it in your skincare routine and how/why do you need to phase it in?
Retinol+ Emulsions should only be applied in the evening as part of the ‘treat’ step in a comprehensive skincare routine. Its potent formula delivers notable benefits to the skin during the restorative night-time period providing optimal results. It’s also important to note that using sun protection in the morning when applying Retinol in the evening, is essential due to increased skin sensitivity.
It’s important to introduce Retinol to the skin slowly and gently which is why there is a phase-in process. Retinol+ Emulsions are powerhouse products so start low and go slow so the skin learns to tolerate it over time.
Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3: Apply 2-3 pumps per use to cover face, neck and décolleté in the evening every 3 nights for 2 weeks, then if well tolerated, apply every 2 nights, and eventually every night, or as directed.
Retinol+ Emulsion 1.0: Apply 2-3 pumps per use to cover the face (or as directed). Use in the evening every 2-3 nights for a week, take 1 week off, then resume this cycle. Consult your aesthetic practitioner about your unique skin type and needs before beginning a recommended application.
How long must you be using Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3 before progressing to 1.0?
Progressing to the more potent Retinol+ Emulsion 1.0 depends on the individual and varies from skin to skin. The factors to be considered include overall skin condition, skin barrier function, moisture deposition and damage accumulation. It’s always best to take a slow, step-by-step approach when increasing potency to avoid retinization symptoms which can result in mild, visible skin shedding. An iS Clinical clinician will be able to advise accordingly.
Is Retinol+ Emulsions suitable for all skin types?
iS Clinical’s philosophy is to work with the skin not against the skin so yes, while it’s suitable for all skin types, it is best to avoid active ingredients if you have sensitised skin with a compromised skin barrier and inflammatory skin conditions (ie rosacea like).
What are the best iS Clinical products to layer Retinol+ Emulsions with? Are there products that we should avoid when using Retinol+ Emulsions?
It’s best to use Hydra Cool Serum under Retinol+ Emulsions, with Sheald Recovery Balm then applied on top for lipid dry skin. For normal/ combination skin, we would recommend Reparative Moisture Emulsion to be applied on top of Retinol+ Emulsions and Moisturising Complex for oily and younger combination skin.
We also advise against the introduction of higher percentage of AHA/BHA products on the same night to avoid overstimulation. Initially, just start on Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3, until the skin can tolerate nightly application well (no erythema, micro shedding or heat accumulation). It might take time and a couple of bottles, as every skin is different.
Then you could introduce Retinol+ Emulsion 1.0 one week on, one week off ( especially if that strength is needed (ie 40 & 50-year olds+ with damage accumulation).
If your your skin does not need Retinol+ Emulsion 1.0 strength yet, we recommend alternating with other active products (for example Active Serum with Retinol 0.3 ) every second night- especially if skin cannot tolerate Retinol every night.
However, every skin is different so we would always suggest consulting with an iS Clinical specialist so they can assess your skin and provide you with the best skincare regime.
It’s normally not recommended to use vitamin A while pregnant. What makes Retinol+ Emulsions delivery technology different so that it can be applied during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A lot of Retinols are synthetic. iS Clinical uses pure botanical Retinol in liposomal encapsulation, which ensures targeted delivery to the skin, and no bloodstream/systemic penetration.
Is Clinical products including those containing Retinol are non-systemic making them suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, please note that we always recommend consultation with your doctor and to follow your clinician’s advice regarding unique health situations, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.