As the sale of men’s skincare products continues to rise across the country, founder and owner of skincare brand, AGENCY by Domminique, Natasha Domminique Creasey is warning men to be careful when using these products.
Ms Creasey explains that products with retinol, “an extremely potent anti-ageing product, are popping up everywhere”, with the worry being that some men may be using these products incorrectly.
“I am seeing and hearing horror stories about men splashing it on like aftershave when it should only be used a bit at a time,” says Ms Creasey.
Why is too much retinol dangerous?
Ms Creasey explains that because “retinol encourages basal skin cells deep below the surface to divide and multiply, pushing epidermal cells up to the top, too much retinol creates an abundance of new skin cells that don’t function well”.
This, she says, is due to the fact that these skin cells “have been rapidly produced and they lack the necessary characteristics to protect the skin properly”.
“The key role of our top layer of skin is to protect us and minimise the impact of environmental factors like harmful UV rays,” says Ms Creasey.
“When we use too much retinol, our skin is more vulnerable to the sun and we know UV rays cause skin cancer.
“In addition, overuse of retinol causes skin irritations, peeling and flaking.”
How to use retinol correctly
Ms Creasey says that while retinol “certainly is the anti-aging product, as skincare beginners dive into the world of skincare, it is critical that they’re cautious of this product”.
“You need to take care when using it,” she says.
“Before you start using a retinol product it is important to understand the implications of using too much and how to generate the best results.”
Ms Creasey’s tips on how to use retinol are as follows:
- “Ease into it. Use a pea-sized amount of your retinol product for your entire face. Only using retinol sparingly is key.
- “Remember sunscreen. Retinol products can make the skin extra sensitive to the sun, which can result in extreme sunburn. Applying a sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher each morning should be a staple in your routine if you’re indulging in retinol products in the evening.
- “Don’t combine the use of retinol with other harsh products. While using retinol, avoid using other products that fight acne, such as acids, exfoliates and peels. If you are not mindful of the chemical cocktail you’re applying onto your face, you can risk irritating or burning your skin.
- “Be consistent. While some retinol serums are known for visible results within weeks, others can take up to 12 weeks for the retinol to produce noticeable changes in the skin. Ensuring you’re consistent with implementing retinol into your skincare regime means that you will produce noticeable changes in the skin.
- “Only use respected products. Retinol is a powerful product. Only use products that are Australian-made or that are produced by well-known or respected brands.”
About retinol
According to Ms Creasey, retinol is a type of retinoid, which is made from vitamin A.
The small molecules that makeup retinol go deep below the outer layer of the skin to help neutralise free radicals to increase the production of elastin and collagen.
Experts agree that unlike other anti-ageing and acne products that remove dead skin cells, retinol creates a plumping effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots and enlarged pores, as well as exfoliating the surface to improve texture, brightness and tone.
AGENCY by Domminique
For more about AGENCY by Domminique and Ms Creasey’s signature AGENCY by Domminique Retinol.50 Night Serum, which is said to work while men sleep to reduce expression lines and encourage healthy skin cell production, visit: agencybydomminique.com/.
