What Is Retinol & How Does It Work?

Simply put, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and a powerful ingredient. Formulas containing it help fight against signs
of aging skin. It’s the #1 dermatologist-recommended non-prescription skin-aging solution for its ability to improve the
appearance of collagen-depleted skin, complement skin’s natural renewal process and fight the signs of aging. Accelerated
Retinol SA is a unique combination of retinol, glucose complex and hyaluronic acid and works in our formulas to renew the
look your skin and deliver fast, effective, visible results.

Retinol is your secret weapon in complementing skin’s natural renewal process, allowing radiant-looking new skin while sloughing
off dead skin. As you age, skin renewal begins to slow. This skincare staple works by boosting the skin’s surface renewal
process and helps to strengthen skin’s foundation to minimize the look of age spots, improve skin texture and help resist
the look of lines and wrinkles.

Retinol can be found in multiple steps of a routine in the form of a night cream, oil, serum or other forms. Find these
retinol products here.

We believe in our ability to impact the skin as it ages and for that reason, are constantly pushing ourselves to understand
skin even more dynamically. 25 years ago, Johnson & Johnson Scientists were the first to perfect the process of stabilizing
and then introduce pure stabilized Retinol to the US. To-date Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health has more than 20 patented technology
on stabilization enhancements and new ways to improve efficacy, tolerance and aesthetics (this includes more than 100 clinical
studies on 5,000 patients).

Accelerated Retinol SA, which stands for sustained action, includes our uniquely stabilized retinol along with complementary
anti-aging ingredients Hyaluronic Acid and a Glucose Complex, or Myrtus Communis leaf extract. Through years of research,
our scientists developed a patented technology emollient blend to help optimize and slow the retinol delivery within skin’s surface.
We’ve scientifically tested our formulas to ensure the retinol gets delivered where it needs to go to be effective.

Our studies indicate that after one-week, people begin to see improvements from our formula, in the visible signs of aging
– smoothness, texture, hydration and fine lines. And because we have built a gentle formula suitable for daily use, with
continued use, the benefits become even greater.

While aging is a natural part of life, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its healthiest for longer by adding effective
products to your anti-aging skincare routine at the right time — which may be sooner than you think! We recommend helping
to prevent future signs of damage rather than trying to undo it.

As you age, your body’s natural production of collagen slows down. Although you may not see the effects until later, this
process can begin in your mid-20s and leaves skin with a thinner texture, wrinkles and less elasticity over time. Counteract
this decline in the signs of aging by introducing a retinol into your routine in your late 20s.

An anti-aging routine lays the foundation for healthy looking skin before the damage has set in.

Here’s when to incorporate tried-and-true anti-aging powerhouses into your daily routine.

• Sunscreen
  • The first step to keeping skin looking healthy and radiant for a very long time? Sunscreen. Sun damage breaks down naturally
    occurring collagen, promotes hyperpigmentation and causes fine lines and wrinkles. The correct time to start using a broad-spectrum
    sunscreen is right now, no matter your age. Your future self will thank you.
• Retinol
  • Retinol is one of the anti-aging ingredients most recommended by dermatologists. It complements skin’s surface renewal process
    to minimize the look of age spots, improve skin texture and help resist the look of lines and wrinkles.
    
    Introduce a retinol-based formula into your routine in your late 20s, such as our Accelerated Retinol SA Formula, which
    delivers visible improvements in just one week, while our Regenerating Cream assists with hydrating and smoothing skin. For targeting the look of dark spots and deep wrinkles, our Retinol Face Serum contains 0.5% pure retinol to deliver the active ingredient without increased irritation.
• AHAs
  • As cellular renewal slows down with time, dead cells can build up on the skin’s surface, making skin look dull, rough and
    uneven. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. With an AHA’s help, dead skin can
    shed off more easily. In their place, fresher, newer skin rises to the surface. Depending on the product and concentration,
    you can use an AHA daily, or 1-2 times per week.
    
    Make AHAs a part of your anti-aging skincare routine in your early 20s, starting with glycolic acid. Its small molecular
    size allows it to penetrate deep within your skin’s surface to tackle both blemishes and signs of premature skin aging simultaneously.
    If you’re in your 40s or 50s, your skin may be drier and more sensitive. Try a lower concentration formula or switch to mandelic
    acid, whose larger molecules are gentler on skin that’s easily irritated.
• Antioxidants
  • Your skin is constantly subjected to environmental stressors, like pollution and sun damage, that speed up the aging process.
    Opt for products that contain antioxidants, which fight against skin damaging free radicals. Vitamin C makes a good choice,
    as it also packs a powerful punch for evening tone.
• Moisturizers
  • Absolutely everyone needs moisturizer — For oily skin, look for a lightweight formula like
    hyaluronic acid. For drier skin, switch to a richer cream moisturizer that contains emollients such as ceramides or shea
    butter. These nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft, supple and healthy looking. Find your best moisturizer here.

Learn the do’s and don’ts of retinol and using it with other ingredients.

• Apply products with retinol first
• Use hyaluronic acid & retinol together for intense hydration
• Slowly add retinol to your routine to help reduce irritation
• Slowly combine retinol with acne treatments (AHAs, BHAs) to see how your skin adjusts
• Space out your application of benzoyl peroxide, skin care acids, and retinol by alternating use in the morning and evening
• Protect skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ during the day

• Will using retinol during the day increase my risk of sunburn?

  Studies have shown that topical retinol skin care creams do not increase your risk of sunburn. With or without retinol, always
  remember to wear sunscreen daily.

• What should I look for when shopping for retinol products?

  Look for a retinol that has been stabilized so it won’t break down.

• Can retinol irritate my skin?

  When you start with retinol, minor skin irritation may occur—that’s normal. Begin with a small amount every other day for
  about two weeks. Then, gradually increase usage. Once your skin adjusts to this effective ingredient, you’ll be able to incorporate
  it into a daily skin care regimen with little chance of flaking or redness.

• Does retinol stop working after a while?

  Remember that not all retinol and not all retinols products are created equal. Our scientists have studied the effects of
  our retinol and have shown that results continued to improve even up to 1 year after.

• Can I use retinol if I don’t have wrinkles?

  Yes, retinol can be used to help fight signs of skin aging before they become apparent.

• When should I start using retinol?

  Early use of retinol products can actually help to fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles before they become apparent,
  so you can help your skin stay looking younger and healthier. It’s a good idea to introduce retinol slowly into your regimen.
  Slowly build up your tolerance level—begin by applying a product containing retinol every other day.

Accelerated Retinol SA helps this formula reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sun damage.
Users, who had been using retinol for a year, found that Accelerated Retinol SA in the Rapid Wrinkle Repair^® Night and Regenerating
Cream products was nearly twice as effective.

In fact, a 1-year Retinol study¹ that proved this, after 52 weeks, a stabilized retinol formula showed:

• Improved the look of crow’s feet fine lines by 44%
• Helped reduced the look of dark spots by 84%
• Significant improvement