The A Method Pearls of Retinol Review and Retinol Coupling

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As you already know, I am a big fan of Dr. Tina Alster's The A-Method Skincare, and I was over-the-moon when I was offered the opportunity to test both strengths of The A Method Pearls of Retinol.

The A Method Pearls of Retinol come in two strengths, a milder 0.5% concentration of All-Trans Retinol and the stronger 1% concentration. If you are new to Retinol, I recommend the 0.5% concentration, and work your way up to the 1%. The golden micro-encapsulated "pearls"– which are All-Trans Retinol– are suspended in a wonderfully hydrating solution that contains Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing extracts that kept my finicky skin from drying out and visibly peeling. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing serum that immediately leaves skin hydrated. The formula helps skin cell turnover and collagen production without irritating the skin. This formula softens the appearance of fine lines, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin. 

It is important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products, and it is imperative to have your skin looked at by your family physician or dermatologist to make sure that the spots and irregularities that you want to treat are neither pre-cancerous, nor cancerous lesions. I have my skin fully evaluated during my yearly physicals, and I usually bring my doctor the list of ingredients of products that I am considering before I use them. I am not a medical doctor, and I consult with mine regularly to make sure that I am not doing something potentially dangerous to my skin.

According to The A Method,

Micro-encapsulated “pearls” of All-Trans Retinol are suspended in a uniquely hydrating formula that lessens irritation associated with Retinol use. Assist healthy collagen production while visibly reducing the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by the sun and other factors – for brighter, more even toned skin with consistent nightly use. Formulated with ultra-hydrating ingredients that compliment Retinol in balancing texture, moisture and working to improve skin elasticity and vibrance.

Features:

• Micro-dose levels of All-Trans Retinol are non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin

• Light serum texture is ultra-hydrating and fast-absorbing

• Delivers unique powdery-dry finish, helping to control shine and oiliness

• Improves moisture balance, thus improving skin elasticity

• Helps to inhibit key enzymes involved in the synthesis of hyperpigmentation

Key Ingredients:

– Micro-encapsulated All-Trans Retinol

– Portulaca Oleracea Extract

– Pelargonium Graveolens Extract

– Sophia Anguvstifolia Root Extract

– Chrysanthemum Indium Extract

– Sucrose

– Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract

– Arginine

– Panthenol

– Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredients for 0.5% All-Trans Retinol Formula: Water, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose,Zea Mays Starch, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pelargonium, Graveolens Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract, Trehalose, All-Trans Retinol, Sucrose, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Arginine, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.

Ingredients for 1% All Trans Retinol Formula: Water, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose,Zea Mays Starch, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pelargonium, Graveolens Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract, Trehalose, All-Trans Retinol, Sucrose, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Arginine, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.

Ingredients:

Directions: After cleansing, place 1-2 drops of Pearls of Retinol in the palm of your hand – and with your fingertips – gently apply the serum to the entire surface of the face, neck and décolleté , as needed. I would only use this at night.

About Dr. Tina Alster,

The A MethodⓇ Skincare Line was developed by Tina Alster, M.D. – founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC. to provide her patients the ability to maintain and care for their skin at home.

Dr. Alster is a world-recognized leader in dermatologic laser surgery and has published hundreds of articles and 8 textbooks on the subject. She received her B.S. and M.D. degrees with highest honors from Duke University and completed her dermatology residency at Yale University.

Meet the “Retinol Coupling” Skincare Trend

The A Method explains why you should be combining the ultimate power couple of ingredients – All-Trans Retinol and Tranexamic Acid.

Below, The A Method’s licensed esthetician Madelyn Cusimano shares how Retinol Coupling promotes healthy collagen production while visibly reducing the look of dark spots, uneven texture and signs of aging and discoloration caused by the sun and other factors.

How do I try the Retinol Coupling trend? Start with clean dry skin and apply The A Method’s Skin Perfecting Serum first. You do not need to wait long. Skin Perfecting Serum absorbs quickly into the skin, so just wait until it has absorbed into the skin. Then, apply Retinol of Pearls.

What does the Skin Perfecting Serum do? This serum is a 6-acid blend that is going to target fine/lines, pigmentation, skin texture, decongestion of pores, and it's also a skin brightener with the 10% tranexamic acid. It also has a pH of 1.5, so we know the product is definitely absorbing into the skin as well as balancing the skin closer to that perfect 4.5-5.5 pH range. Our skin naturally fluctuates in pH from topical agents, free radical damage, acne, taking medications, etc. When our skin is too alkaline, it's in an agitated state and needs something to help balance its pH out so that it's not in a constant state of irritation and inflammation. Most acne lies in the 7.5-8.5 pH range making it very difficult for the skin to take in any products without becoming more irritated because the skin is in an already irritated state at that pH. Skin Perfecting Serum is going to be a great product to use before Pearls of Retinol because it sets up the perfect environment for maximum product penetration. Allowing the skin to get the most out of the product.

How does the Pearls of Retinol work? The pearls hold micro-encapsulated All-Trans retinol stable until mixing with the hydrating serum base when pumped through the dispenser. This also creates the perfect micro-dosing scenario that is supported by hydrating ingredients to avoid dryness, redness and irritation. You'll see in the retinol world; people's skin becomes very dry when using retinol alone with no follow up products on the skin. With Pearls of Retinol, you’ll experience the anti-aging, skin balancing benefits of All-Tans Retinol with less irritation, and better moisture balance for improved results after consistent nightly use.

The serum base features a unique mixture of ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, 24K Gold and several natural extracts that aid in moisture retention all of which are mixed with water. Water is the driver for retinol to absorb properly into the skin.

What makes this magic happen? The magic happens when the low molecular weight of the Skin Perfecting Serum is able to dive deep within the skin, setting up the perfect environment for the Pearls of Retinol to distribute or as we like to say "micro-dose" the retinol within the deeper layers of the epidermis. At the same time the Pearls of Retinol provides hydration to the skin to avoid that itchy, red skin that happens while using retinol.

How often do you use both? daily? Begin by using this combo 2-3X a week. On the days you aren't using the combo, use only the Pearl of Retinol. This will help to build your skin's tolerance, leading up to using the combo 7X days a week. If you have never used a retinol before, then I would use the combo 1-2X a week and then pick another day of that week to use only the Pearls of Retinol by itself. You can build your skin tolerance from there based on how your skin is responding.

How soon would you see results? If you're using it consistently 6-8 weeks you should start seeing results.

Overall Assessment: The A Method Pearls of Retinol are both very effective, and very high quality. The Retinol Coupling method is definitely a next-level at-home treatment! A+

The A Method® Pearls of Retinol - 0.5% - $104.00 & 1% - $124.00 from The A Method. The A Method® Skin Perfecting Serum - $100 from The A Method. The A Method is also sold in their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). 

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