Which One Is Proper For You? – Lovely With Brains

SkinMedica vs. SkinCeuticals Retinol: Which One is Price Your Cash?

Once you’re dropping critical money on medical-grade skincare, you need to know for positive that you simply’re choosing the right one. SkinMedica and. SkinCeuticals each have Retinol merchandise that promise smoother pores and skin, fewer breakouts, and anti-aging magic. However which one truly delivers the perfect outcomes in your pores and skin kind?

If you happen to’re torn between these two high-end retinol merchandise, you’re in all probability asking:

• Which one works higher for zits?
• Which one is gentler on delicate pores and skin?
• Do the substances truly justify the worth?
• Which one offers sooner outcomes?

This information breaks all of it down, so you possibly can put money into the one that may truly deserve a spot in YOUR skincare routine.

Retinol 101: How It Works & Why Your Pores and skin Wants

Earlier than we go model vs. model, right here’s a fast retinol refresher:

Retinol is a type of Vitamin A that’s even confirmed to stop AND cut back wrinkles. Right here’s the whole lot it does:

• Accelerates cell turnover (the pores and skin’s pure exfoliating course of) to fade away darkish spots and cut back the looks of high quality traces
• Boosts collagen manufacturing, the protein that retains pores and skin agency and clean (the extra collagen your pores and skin has, the youthful you look)
• Fights free radicals and neutralises them earlier than they can provide you wrinkles
• Treats zits by serving to pores and skin exfoliate sooner, so clogs can’t kind

The catch? Highly effective = irritating in skincare. Retinol does all this, however may cause irritations while you first begin utilizing it, particularly in case your pores and skin is delicate.

Each SkinMedica and SkinCeuticals use pure retinol. That makes them extremely efficient. It additionally means they will irritate pores and skin if it isn’t used to retinol.

Associated: The Full Information To Retinol In Skincare

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Frequent Elements: The Shared Superpowers

Each SkinMedica and SkinCeuticals have some energetic substances​ of their formulations. 

RETINOL (VITAMIN A)

​I’ll be transient, as we’ve partly lined this. The star of the present and the gold commonplace of anti-aging, retinol is sort of a private coach in your pores and skin cells. It hurries up cell turnover, smooths out wrinkles, and may help clear up zits by stopping clogged pores. Research reveals it additionally increase collagen manufacturing for firmer pores and skin. Whereas it’s at it,  it additionally inhibits enzymes that break down collagen, so pores and skin stays youthful for longer. And did I point out it additionally brightens the pores and skin tone by fading away darkish spots? 

The catch? Once you first begin utilizing retinol, your pores and skin would possibly throw a bit of tantrum – assume redness, dryness, or peeling. That is usually referred to as the “retinol uglies.” However don’t fear; these unwanted side effects normally relax after just a few weeks as your pores and skin will get used to the brand new routine. 

FUN FACT: Each SkinMedica and Skinceutical retinol therapies can be found in 0.3 (newbies),0.5 (intermediate), and 1% (professional) concentrations.

BISABOLOL

Bisabolol is just like the peacekeeper in your skincare routine. Derived from chamomile, it soothes irritation and calms redness, making your pores and skin really feel extra Zen. Usually, bisabolol is well-tolerated. Nonetheless, when you’re allergic to chamomile or different related crops, you would possibly need to patch-test first, simply to be on the secure sides.

Associated: Delicate Pores and skin: Why You Want Bisabolol Into Your Skincare Routine

Distinctive Elements: The Particular person Heroes

SKINMEDICA’S UNIQUE INGREDIENTS

1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide is just like the multitasker of skincare substances. It brightens pores and skin, reduces redness, improves elasticity, and strengthens the pores and skin barrier. Usually well-tolerated, it might probably trigger gentle redness in uncommon instances (if that’s you, cease utilizing it).
2. Squalane: A implausible hydrator that mimics your pores and skin’s pure oils, offering light-weight moisture with out leaving a greasy really feel. Squalane is non-comedogenic and usually doesn’t trigger irritation. Even oily and acne-prone pores and skin loves it.
3. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 This peptide is thought for its skin-soothing properties that assist cut back irritation. As is the case for many peptides, analysis on its effectiveness comes principally from the producer.

Associated: Do Peptides In Skincare Actually Work?

SKINCEUTICALS’ UNIQUE INGREDIENTS

1. Dimethicone: Consider dimethicone as a silky, invisible defend in your pores and skin. It’s a kind of silicone that smooths pores and skin texture, locks in moisture, and provides merchandise that luxurious, glide-on really feel. Dimethicone will get a foul rep simply because it’s a silicone. It’s mentioned to clog pores and suffocate pores and skin – and that’s not true in any respect! Silicones have a selected molecular construction shaped of vast molecules with massive gaps in between them. So, pores and skin can nonetheless perspire and no pores get clogged. Time to place this fantasy to relaxation!
2. Propanediol: A solvent and humectant, it’s right here principally to reinforce the penetration of retinol. It causes irritations solely in very delicate pores and skin.
3. Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate: An emollient that provides the pores and skin a clean and smooth look. It additionally helps the cream unfold simply and has a lightweight, non-greasy really feel.

Associated: Are Silicones Dangerous For Pores and skin?

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Skinmedica VS Skinceuticals Retinol: Which One Is Higher for Pimples?

WINNER: SKINCEUTICALS

SkinCeuticals’ no-fuss, high-strength system makes it the stronger alternative for acne-prone pores and skin, and right here’s why:

• It really works sooner. SkinCeuticals makes use of pure, fast-release retinol, that means it will get to work ASAP on clearing breakouts. SkinMedica, alternatively, has a slow-release system, which is gentler however takes longer to indicate outcomes.
• Much less greasy: SkinMedica has an oily base that might worsen zits. Skinceuticals is essentially the most light-weight system. And sure, it accommodates dimethicone, however that solely causes issues while you’re pairing with oils or different comedogenic substances. By itself, science says it’s high quality.
• It helps with oil management. SkinCeuticals doesn’t have a bunch of additional hydrators, so it gained’t make oily pores and skin really feel greasy. As a substitute, it retains oil manufacturing in verify, which is big for acne-prone pores and skin.

Skinmedica VS Skinceuticals Retinol: Which One Is Higher for Delicate Pores and skin?

WINNER: SKINMEDICA

In case your pores and skin freaks out on the mere point out of retinol, SkinMedica is the higher alternative.  (Let’s be clear, even SkinMedica could make your pores and skin freak out whether it is THAT delicate. I’m simply saying the danger of irritation is decrease – not nonexistent – with it). Right here’s why

• Gradual-release retinol: As talked about earlier, retinol may cause redness, flaking and irritation. SkinMedica makes use of slow-releasee retinol, a elaborate means of claiming that as an alternative of delivering one massive hit of retinol abruptly (which may overwhelm your pores and skin), it regularly releases it over time. Your pores and skin higher tolerates it this fashion.
• Strengthens pores and skin barrier: One of many greatest causes folks can’t deal with retinol? It weakens the pores and skin barrier at first. That’s the place niacinamide steps in. This type of Vitamin B3 strengthens your pores and skin’s protecting barrier so it’s higher in a position to deal with retinol. Whereas it’s at it, it has additionally anti-inflammatory properties that cut back redness and irritation.
• Extra hydrating: Retinol hurries up your pores and skin’s pure exfoliation course of to make wrinkles smaller, at the price of peeling and dryness.  SkinMedica balances this out with squalane, a light-weight, non-greasy substance that mimics your pores and skin’s pure oils. You get the santi-aging advantages of retinol with out wanting like a shedding snake.

Skinmedica VS Skinceuticals Retinol: Which One Is Higher for Anti-Getting older?

WINNER: IT DEPENDS

Each Skinceuticals and SkinMedica pack fairly the retinol punch and have what it takes to spice up collagen and cut back high quality traces. So we have to take a look at the remainder of the system, texture and all that stuff to seek out out which one is finest  for various pores and skin varieties and wishes: 

Go along with SkinCeuticals if:

• You’ve got resilient pores and skin that may deal with stronger retinol
• You need sooner outcomes

Go along with SkinMedica if:

• You’ve got dry/delicate pores and skin and wish a gentler choice
• You need hydration, not simply anti-aging advantages

Do They Have Aspect Results?

As we’ve seen, retinol is highly effective, nevertheless it’s not with out its unwanted side effects. Right here’s what you would possibly expertise with each the Skinceuticals merchandise and the SkinMedica merchandise:

Aspect Impact	SkinMedica	SkinCeuticals
Redness & peeling	Decrease threat	Increased threat
Purging	Reasonable	Extra frequent
Dryness	Much less drying	Will be very drying
Irritation	Much less seemingly	Extra seemingly

Don’t be fooled. This doesn’t imply Skinceuticals is BAD. It means it delivers retinol into your pores and skin abruptly as an alternative of regularly time beyond regulation, so it’s harsher in your pores and skin. If yours is used to retinol, or very resistant, you’ll have the ability to use Skinceuticals with out points. But when your pores and skin is on the delicate pores and skin or you recognize you need one thing gentler, go along with SkinMedica as an alternative. 

Now, let’s check out these unwanted side effects intimately, so you recognize what to anticipate (as a result of when you’re utilizing them ANY retinol product for the primary time, you possibly can nonetheless expertise gentle unwanted side effects:

Purging (Preliminary Breakouts)

Have you ever seen that generally, while you use merchandise with retinol, your pores and skin will get pimples? They’re not breakouts. It’s purging. The distinction? Breakouts occur when your pores are clogged. Purging occurs while you pace up the pores and skin’s pure exfoliating course of so that each one the pimples that have been ALREADY forming beneath come to the floor sooner. Therefore why retinal causes “breakouts” in oily, acne-prone pores and skin and never dry pores and skin. If you happen to’re not liable to pimples, there’s nothing to carry to the floor. 

Purging can last as long as 6 weeks, relying on how a lot gunk was forming beneath your pores and skin. When this occurs, hold utilizing retinol. I do know, I do know, you need the breakouts to go away. Belief me, put up with pimples for just a few weeks after which your face WILL clear. Interrupt and people pimples will come to the floor once more, in a while.

Associated: Purging VS Breakout: How To Deal with Them

Irritation & Redness

Retinol can weakens the pores and skin barrier, resulting in redness, flaking, and sensitivity. When this occurs, you’ve 3 choices:

1. Swap to a decrease retinol focus: A typical mistake is begin with a excessive dose, like 0.5% or 1%. This WILL upset your pores and skin, when you’ve by no means used retinol earlier than. As a substitute, stat with a decrease dose (even 0.01% works) and construct up dose time beyond regulation.
2. Reduce frequency: If you happen to’re utilizing a low dose already, otherwise you need to improve to a better dose, then use your retinol serum much less usually. Like a few times every week as an alternative of each different day. 
3. Cease utilizing it: In case your pores and skin may be very delicate, it doesn’t tolerate tiny concentrations, don’t use this energetic. It’s not value it for you.

Dryness & Flaking

Retinol hurries up exfoliation to take away lifeless pores and skin cells and cut back the looks of deep wrinkles. However, it might probably result in dry, flaky pores and skin – particularly while you use an excessive amount of too usually. Right here’s what to do about it:

1. Reduce frequency or utilization: Strive utilizing retinol much less usually or utilizing a decrease dose for some time till your pores and skin will get used to it.
2. Moisturise nicely: Use moisturisers with fatty acids (when you DON’T have oily pores and skin) or different elements of the pores and skin’s barrier, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. They assist strengthen your pores and skin’s barrier, so retinol can’t disrupt it as a lot.
3. Don’t over exfoliate: By no means exfoliates (i.e. use lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or scrubs) on evening you’re utilizing retinol.

Worth & Availability: Which One is Price Your Cash?

Product	Worth	Dimension
SkinMedica Retinol 0.25	$64	1 oz
SkinMedica Retinol 0.5	$78	1 oz
SkinMedica Retinol 1.0	$93	1 oz
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3	$80	1 oz
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5	$92	1 oz
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0	$100	1 oz

SkinMedica is offered at: Dermstore

Skinceuticals is offered at: Dermstore and Skinceuticals

Verdict: SkinCeuticals is costlier, however you’re paying for the efficiency. SkinMedica offers you hydration + anti-aging at a barely lower cost.

Last Verdict: Which One Ought to You Purchase?

Get SkinCeuticals if:

• You’ve got acne-prone pores and skin
• You need stronger, sooner outcomes

Get SkinMedica if:

• You’ve got dry/delicate pores and skin
• You’re new to retinol
• You need a hydrating, gentler system

About Gio

Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that will help you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – day-after-day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that will help you determine what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that will help you create the perfect skincare routine in your distinctive wants.