Skin Archives - Day Spa | Greeley, CO | Sweet Be Wellness Clinic

What does retinol do for the face?

Kelley Preston — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:40:54 +0000

The History of Retinol for the Face

Retinol was first identified in 1909. Later, the connection between retinol and skin health began to emerge. In 1971, the FDA approved tretinoin (Retin-A), a topical form of retinoic acid, for acne treatment. Dermatologists noticed that tretinoin not only cleared acne but also reduced wrinkles and improved skin texture. This discovery spurred further research into retinoids, leading to the development of various formulations and strengths.

Retinoids vs. Retinols

Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A. They include prescription-strength options like tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin). These prescription retinoids are already in the active form.
Retinol is a specific type of retinoid, that needs to be converted into retinoic acid by the skin to be effective.
Prescription retinoids are generally stronger and more effective but may also cause more side effects. Over-the-counter retinols come in lower concentrations and are generally gentler on the skin.

How Retinoids Affect the Skin Barrier

Increased cell turnover: Retinoids accelerate skin cell turnover, which can disrupt the skin’s natural protective layer, particularly during the initial adjustment period.
Lipid and protein disruption: Retinoids can affect the lipids and proteins that maintain the skin barrier’s integrity, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and dryness.
Inflammation: Retinoid use can trigger the release of inflammatory proteins, further contributing to barrier disruption and irritation.
Sun sensitivity: Retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn and further skin damage.

Why you should use Retinol

Anti-Aging: Both retinols and retinoids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and increasing cell turnover.
Acne Treatment: They can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent new acne breakouts.
Hyperpigmentation: Retinoids can also help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

Retinols are generally more gentle on the skin barrier and can produce less of the negative side effects. Retinol should be used nightly to reap the most benefits. Daily sun protection is a must to prevent unwanted pigmentation from retinol use. Choose a product that also hydrates and protects the skin from negative side effects. Our favorite retinol products are the Ageless+ Retinols from Image Skin Care. Shop Image products here: https://www.vagaro.com/sweetbewellnessandskin/products or schedule a FREE consultation with us to find out which retinol product is right for you. http://www.sweetbewellness.com/services

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How Often Should I Use a Chemical Peel?

Kelley Preston — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:10:09 +0000

The frequency of chemical peels depends on the strength of the peel and your skin type:

1. Light/Superficial Peels (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid)

Frequency: Every 2–5 weeks
Ideal for: Mild exfoliation, improving brightness, and addressing light acne and minor texture issues.
Recovery: Little to no downtime, often just mild redness.
Light Peels include: Image Skin Care Lightening Lift, Wrinkle Lift, Acne Lift, Beta Lift, and Perfection Lift.

2. Medium-Depth Peels (e.g., TCA peels)

Frequency: Every 3–6 months
Ideal for: Moderate skin concerns like deeper wrinkles, pigmentation issues, or scars.
Recovery: Can require a few days to a week for peeling and redness to subside.
Medium Peels Include: Image Skin Care Beta Lift and Perfection Lift with multiple applications. TCA coming soon!

3. Deep Peels (e.g., phenol peels)

Frequency: Once every few years
Ideal for: Severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, or significant scarring.
Recovery: Longer downtime with more intense peeling, swelling, and redness.
Deep Peels: Sweet Be Wellness do not offer this type of peel at this time.

For most people, a light peel every few weeks or a medium peel every few months provides effective maintenance without overstressing the skin. Schedule a Sweet Be Custom facial for 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes, and ask you esthetician about which chemical peel is right for your skin. https://www.vagaro.com/sweetbewellnessandskin/book-now

You can combine light chemical peels with our other exfoliating treatments like dermaplane and microdermabrasion in any of our Sweet Be Custom facials. These combo treatments are for more “experienced” facial clients. https://sweetbewellness.com/facials/

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Are Chemical Peels Good for Skin?

Kelley Preston — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:28:14 +0000

Chemical peels are beneficial because they exfoliate and remove the top layers of the skin, encouraging new, healthier skin to regenerate. The top layers of the skin are dead skin cells which, consequently, clog pores, inhibit product penetration, and cause skin to look dull and uneven. Removing these superficial layers is safe and leaves the skin looking and feeling more youthful and radiant. The kind of peel used is determined by the concerns of the client and the condition of the skin.

Benefits of chemical peels include:

1. Exfoliation and Skin Renewal:
o Chemical peels remove dead skin cells, stimulating the growth of new skin, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion.
2. Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
o Regular chemical peels, especially deeper peels, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and skin cell turnover.
3. Improved Skin Texture and Tone:
o Chemical peels can help even out skin tone and texture, reducing roughness and improving the skin’s overall appearance.
4. Treatment of Acne and Acne Scars:
o Certain types of peels can help manage acne and reduce the appearance of acne scars by unclogging pores and stimulating collagen.
5. Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage:
o Chemical peels are effective at reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage by shedding the pigmented skin cells and revealing clearer skin.
6. Reduction in the Appearance of Pores:
o Chemical peels can help refine the appearance of large pores, making them less visible by cleaning out dirt and oil that stretch them out.

Chemical peels are overall beneficial for the skin, and also safe for most skin types. Regardless of the skin’s condition, chemical peel protocol should be determined by a licensed esthetician for the best results. A consultation is always a good idea before starting.

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