Geek & Gorgeous. A-Game 5 Retinal Serum 30ml

Description

Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 Retinal Serum is a silky, lightweight emulsion with a medium strength dose of retinal to target visible signs of ageing while staying gentle on the skin.

Retinal is the older sibling of the better known anti ageing ingredient retinol. Retinol needs two conversion steps before it becomes retinoic acid in the skin, while retinal is only one step away. It is thought to convert to retinoic acid around ten times faster than retinol, which makes it a very efficient member of the vitamin A family.

Once converted, retinal helps skin cells to produce more collagen and other structural elements, so the skin looks firmer, bouncier and more elastic. It also speeds up the renewal of the upper skin layers, helping the complexion to appear smoother, more even and refined.

6-6.5pH | 0.05% Retinal | Allantoin + Biosaccharide Gum-1

In terms of strength and knowledge, we would compare our 0.05% Retinal serum to a mid-strength Retinol product (typically in the 0.2-0.5% range), but with less irritation potential and possibly quicker results. 

Benefits

• Targets fine lines and early signs of ageing
• Helps improve firmness and elasticity
• Refines texture and supports a more even skin tone
• Can be used alongside products that target pigmentation
• Suitable as part of a routine for acne prone skin
• A 0.05 percent retinal serum can be compared to a mid strength retinol formula, typically in the 0.2 to 0.5 percent range, but with less potential for irritation and with results that may appear more quickly.
• who is it for?
• Pretty much anyone who is looking to try out Retinal in their skincare routine. In terms of texture, this product is great for all skin types, including combination, oily skin.
  

• Skin type: all skin types. 

  • Skin problem:  signs of aging, lines & wrinkles, loss of firmness, pigmentation, dullness, uneven skin, lack of radiance
  • Texture: bright yellow, silky and light emulsion 

How to use

• Use in the evening only.
• After cleansing, apply any liquid or gel type products first, such as toner or other serums.
• Smooth a pea sized amount of A-Game 5 over the face.
• Follow with a moisturiser.
• Always wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day while using vitamin A products.
• If your skin is new to retinal, start by using it a few evenings a week and slowly increase frequency as your skin becomes more comfortable with it.
• Apply a pea sized amount to the face in the PM. In your evening routine, apply liquid and gel-type products first (for example a toner, Geek and Gorgeous exfoliants or other serums such as HA 5 or B-Bomb), then A-Game. Follow with a moisturizer. Wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater in the morning.
• If your skin is sensitive, start using A-Game every other day and if well-tolerated, move up to every evening in two weeks. You can try using A-Game around the eye area, but please only use a small amount, adjusting frequency based on your skin's individual level of tolerance. 
• Do not use if pregnant. Topical use of retinoids during breastfeeding is considered low risk, however, please consult your physician first.
• Good to know: A-Game has a bright yellow color due to the high concentration of Retinal in it. Based on our experience, it dissipates on the skin and does not leave a yellow tint on surfaces. If you still experience residual color, you can minimise it by leaving time for the product to fully absorb & using a moisturiser on top. Any marks can be removed by washing your clothes & fabrics with your regular detergent.
• Shelf life: 18 months from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening)

Ingredients & research

key ingredients:

Retinal (0.05%) – An anti-aging superstar ingredient that is the direct precursor of Retinoic Acid (the active form that the skin cells understand) and shows an outstanding activity/tolerance ratio among topical retinoids. 

Allantoin & Panthenol – A classic ingredient duo known for their skin soothing and skin protecting abilities.

Biosaccharide Gum-1 – A carbohydrate molecule that has nice skin soothing and moisturizing abilities, and makes A-Game even more gentle and silky. 

full inci list:

Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Retinal, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

research:

Creidi, P., and Ph Humbert. "Clinical use of topical retinaldehyde on photoaged skin." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 49-52.

Siegenthaler, G., J. H. Saurat, and M. Ponec. "Retinol and retinal metabolism." Biochemical Journal 268.2 (1990): 371-378.

Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Tolerance profile of retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid under maximized and long-term clinical conditions." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 57-60.

Creidi, Pierre, et al. "Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 39.6 (1998): 960-965.

Mukherjee, Siddharth, et al. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety." Clinical interventions in aging 1.4 (2006): 327.

Dréno, B., et al. "Topical retinaldehyde with glycolic acid: study of tolerance and acceptability in association with anti-acne treatments in 1,709 patients." Dermatology 210.Suppl. 1 (2005): 22-29.

Pechere, M., et al. "The antibacterial activity of topical retinoids: the case of retinaldehyde." Dermatology 205.2 (2002): 153-158.