Retinoids: Should You or Shouldn't You?

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It's not just a celebrity secret anymore. Retinol is hailed as the holy grail of anti-aging (at least topically) and is known as the beauty worlds best needle-free answer to smoother skin as it lessens scars, lines and wrinkles. As a derivative of vitamin A, retinol has been medically and scientifically proven to speed up the skin's cell cycle. But before you rush off and start Googling retinol creams, know that it's not for everyone and you may find just as many horror stories as there are rave reviews. Let's see if retinol is a match for you:

1. Do you have sensitive skin? If you do, retinol is probably not a good choice for you. Retinol is extremely potent and powerful, and people with reactive skin find it is too harsh for them. You may find your skin more red, dry, flaky, and irritated than it was before using it.

2. Are you pregnant? If so, retinol should definitely be avoided. It's efficiency comes from the fact that it is absorbed into the body and creates activity in the skin cells. Vitamin A is very hazardous to a developing fetus and has been known to cause birth defects.  

3. Will you wear SPF? When using retinoids, whether topically or in over-the-counter medication, always remember to wear a high grade sunscreen, as retinol does increase photosensitivity.

4. Are you ok with the concept of "worse before it gets better"? Many find this to be the case with use of retinoids. As I mentioned before, the redness, dryness and flakiness happens to most people. But with proper care and lots of hydration, both internally and externally, these effects should subside within 2 weeks. And as always if these symptoms continue to persist absolutely stop using any kind of retinoids right away. 

Not so sure if retinol is for you right now? You might be in luck soon. While there is no alternative that is comparable to the effects of retinol at the moment, there are products being developed that are more sensitive skin friendly and include retinol derivatives, which are man made ingredients that negate the bad side effects of natural retinol.

Whatever you decide, just always remember that it's a good idea to always consult your dermatologist, and discuss with them whether a retinol is right for you. 

Xo,

Lexi

Want to know what changed my life and was able to give me opportunity to be my own boss?

Life can throw some hard balls at you, I think we can all agree on that. Sometimes you need an angel to come down and help you and that's exactly what happened for me and my story.  

I was in a dead end job going no where made $300 a week, rent was $1000. I had to buy food, utilities, cell phone, and that does not cover the cost of clothes to look professional. My car was a total hazard. I was told it was a death trap. 

So one Easter a friend of mine we went to AC   I have no idea where he went, so I went on my merry way started playing craps. This man appeared out of no where. He says " here play". So I did, and I started wining and winning BIG he said please take this money, Put it in your bag you need it. I was a little confused, cause I am not a street walker as  I told him. Then he chuckled. I did not know what to do, what did this all mean, how much longer could I play before it became greed? Do you think I can do this more often? My mind was racing. So that night I walked away with a good amount of money. I put myself through eyelash school that was my first investment, the basic and advanced, purchased the kit (ours were not included), bought a massage table, and a computer. This man changed my life. So thank you whoever that man is out there I am eternally grateful. 

Doing eyelashes raised the bar for me, as you will learn in my class. There are so many techniques, and I have been to 4 schools none like my first school. She was the best. I have picked up so many tips, and tricks that have made it a lot easier too. It takes hard work and dedication but it's worth it in the end. When you see how happy your clients are and you get compensated accordingly. Not just anyone can do this or teach it. It takes patience. Take a step in a new direction and add this to your repertoire.  I want to be the one to change your life so you can provide for your family or make a better life for yourself..

All my Best,

Lexi