Retinol vs. retinal: Can you tell us about the difference and what you recommend? They’re both forms of vitamin A. Retinol is the form that’s in a carrot, so it goes directly into your body, but for the skin it needs to go through a conversion process twice to get to the vitamin A it can use – first to retinal then to retinoic acid. You can get retinoic acid on prescription from your doctor it’s used for acne, ageing and pigmentation and is the holy grail of skincare ingredients. It boosts collagen levels, helps with elastin, aids skin cell turnover, helps with skin thickness, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, all sorts. So, we’re always trying to get to that end product – retinoic acid. But if you put it straight onto your skin 60 per cent of people have to stop using it because of the irritation. Back in the 80s a lot of skincare brands cottoned on to retinol. The problem is that the conversion from retinol to retinal is super clunky, so manufacturers included stacks of it in the hopes a bit would escape, but that causes irritation. Recently, it was discovered that retinal could be produced, which is super gentle and works in a controlled release. It’s proven to be well tolerated by those with sensitive skin so, we’ve been on the retinal bandwagon for some time. All brides want to know how to get their skin looking perfect for the big day. What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t know where to start? I’d say start three months before – if something’s going to cause you issues, you’ll want to know well in advance of your wedding. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and that your food is generally healthy, eat plenty of fruit and veg and minimise your junk food, and do some exercise as that’ll all help your immune system. Seventy-five per cent of women who have acne will get a premenstrual flare up so if you’re lucky enough to have a regular cycle, be careful when you plan your wedding to avoid it. I’m going to put a word in for microneedle patches with salicylic acid and tea tree oil for pimples If a zit does come up the day before, you can stick one on, leave it four hours and it’ll shrink the pimple right down. The smoother your skin the less caked on makeup you’ll need, which ages you, sinking into lines. You don’t want anything too matte, choose the lightest coverage you can get away with and to do that you need your pores to be small. That’s why I recommend starting at least three months before, using an AHA serum, or if you skin is sensitive, a PHA serum. Use your vitamin A and your niacinamide, as that combination of ingredients is really going to help smooth your skin leaving the newest skin cells at the top, making your pores look small. Lighter makeup will make you look so much better for the big day. Sensitive skin is a concern for many. What advice can you give to brides worried about trying new products in the lead up to their wedding day? Time is your friend, get in earlier. Of course, with skin care, but even with foundation it’s worth trying a few to find one that doesn’t irritate you or clump on your skin and still looks great after you’ve worn it for five or six hours. Buy it for your makeup artist. Your foundation is so important for that day, so find your Nirvana. You might have to kiss a few frogs, but if you find a skincare company that’s transparent and offers a money back guarantee, there’s a good chance they have the integrity you need for the most important day of your life. unsplash.com@kaboompics Find out more about ESK Skincare at eskcare.com BEAUTY INTERVIEW 77
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