Glow Recipe just launched a Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum, but it doesn’t just have retinoids, it also has ectoine, 8% glycerin, and a ton of vitamin K. Let’s discuss how these ingredients work and why your skin loves them. 

 

 

Blackberries

First thing’s first — the blackberries. Not only are blackberries a tart, tangy sweet treat, they’re also amazing when applied topically to the skin. Did you know“that blackberries rank among the highest in anthocyanin and likewise antioxidant content? 

Come again?  Let’s explain. 

What are anthocyanins?

Firstly, anthocyanins are incredibly potent antioxidants. Antioxidants protect you from DNA and skin daming particles. Secondly, anthocyanins are a group of water-soluble pigments found in plants that give fruits, flowers, and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colors, and there are different types of anthocyanins too! 

One type of  anthocyanin is  “cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), which blackberries have an abundance of. C3G is known to greatly inhibit UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. More simply, C3G fiercely protects skin from the sun’s radiation. And because of this, anthocyanins are great treatments for inflamed skin as well. 

Blackberries cont’d

Blackberries also contain salicylates and vitamin K. Salicylates are a group of chemicals found in plants, and they are directly related to salicylic acid, a renowned treatment for oily skin and acne.

Blackberries are also rich in vitamin K, an oil-soluble substance that assists with wound healing, blood circulation, and therefore, darkness and discoloration. And of course, there’s vitamin E, the go-to nourishing factor for most skincare products. And yes, you can get all of these benefits from applying blackberry extract topically!

 

Using Glow Recipe Retinol Blemish Serum for 8 weeks

 

Ectoine

By forming a layer around skin cells, ectoine creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture loss and protects the skin from external irritants. “In patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy, ectoine was as effective as dexpanthenol in reducing retinoid dermatitis or improving symptoms.”

Dexpanthenol is a tried-and true ingredient used in moisturizers for dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin, and irritated skin So, if you’re using a retinoid and experience irritation, ectoine might be a great ingredient to add to your regimen. 

The triple-retinoid Blend (Retinol, Retinal, Retinyl Ester): 

Glow recipe has combined retinol, retinal, and a retinyl ester in a .16% mixture. All of these ingredients come from the vitamin A or retinoid family. Retinoids bond to RnR and RxR receptors in the skin, and helps it  to shed its top layer more quickly plus expose a new layer of skin.

This process helps with fine lines, hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and it gives the skin a glow. Sometimes, skincare lines will combine all three to cater to the skin differences of their customers, stability, and to target specific skin concerns. 

But, if all three ingredients are from the vitamin A family, what are the differences?

Retinyl ester 

The retinyl ester is probably the least potent vitamin A within this formula. It’s an ester. So, it releases more slowly because its encapsulated by a fatty substance or a “lipid shell.”

Retinol

Once applied to the skin, retinol requires two steps to be converted into retinoic acid, the most potent form of vitamin A. However, because it has to be converted, it’s not nearly as potent as retinoic acid.

Retinal or Retin-A

However, retinal only requires once step, and it is the most potent vitamin A within this formula. At the same time, this could cause some retinization. Retinization is when dryness, redness, peeling, and irritation occurs because of a vitamin A product. That’s why we love how this product includes ectoine and glycerin. 

Glycerin

Glycerin is powerful humectant, which means it pulls moisture into the skin and keeps it hydrated overtime. 

How do I use Glow Recipe’s Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum?

You can use this everynight with a moisturizer, and in the morning you’ll want to use an SPF, of course. You can use this every night. If you’re using vitamin A for the first time, you may want to start by using this once a week, and then, work your way up.

@cassandrabankson There is a reason retinoids are called the “gold standard” of skincare ingredients 💛💜 #GlowPartner #GlowRecipe @Glow Recipe @sephora #superbrandday #tiktokshopblackfriday #tiktokshopcybermonday #esthetician #skincare #acneprone ♬ original sound - Cassandra Bankson