MACRENE actives & Retinol
In conducting a clinical trial for Prevention magazine, Dr. Macrene discovered that over 40% of adult women did not tolerate retinol. Retinol caused irritation forcing them to stop its use. As a result, Dr. Macrene determined that in order for her products to serve the entire population safely and effectively, she would select superior ingredients to keep the skin healthy and rejuvenated. The end result: MACRENE actives formulas each contain 55 active ingredients that are proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. to lift and tighten crepiness, to assist with DNA restoration, to fortify the skin barrier, and to even skin tone. Additionally, they pamper your skin with moisture and plumpness.
While you may, if you choose, apply a retinol product, do so after your High Performance Face Cream or Face Cream Extra Rich, and the Serum. You are not required to use retinol for additional anti-aging benefits as MACRENE actives has got you covered.
When to Apply Retinol
If you’d like to include a retinol product in your routine, Dr. Macrene recommends applying it at bedtime after your MACRENE actives products have been fully absorbed into the skin. “You must apply retinol products at night due to the photosensitivity aspect, balance it out by applying an adequate emollient like the High Performance Face Cream so that your skin barrier is not compromised," says Dr. Macrene. You should also make sure to use additional sunscreen during the day as retinol makes the skin vulnerable to UV rays.
Retinol Alternatives for Sensitive Skin
“Bakuchiol contains terpenoids that have no structural similarity to retinol but have been reported to have similar effects on gene expression. Also, it appears to be clinically comparable to retinol in its reduction of wrinkles and photoaging," says Dr. Macrene. Bakuchiol also has powerful antibacterial properties which help to eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
"I formulated all MACRENE actives products with a large, highly effective and scientifically proven assortment of active ingredients including peptides, microencapsulated hyaluronic acid, antioxidants such as resveratrol and superoxide dismutase, DNA repair and amino acids that address all facets of skincare, skin quality, and skin aging, that frankly retinol seems like old hat compared to the abundance of outstanding actives we have at our disposal today," says Dr. Macrene.