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SWANSEA, TASMANIA: The biting morning mist hits my face hard. Sleepiness, be gone! Standing on the balcony of my cobblestoned cabin at Piermont Retreat, I peer out at the gauzy clouds in the distance meeting Great Oyster Bay at the horizon – a view reminiscent of Helena Christensen’s beachfront holiday cottage in Denmark, and a feeling as though I’m a million miles from home. The sound of the upwelling tide laps against the shore in front of me. A night creature scurries back to his home, my presence so clearly interrupting his foraging. This is first light on the Apple Isle.
It’s also time for my first facial of the day, courtesy of MECCA Cosmetica.
The luxury beauty brand has invited me to experience its newly launched MECCA Cosmetica Restoring Retinol Serum – a potion that supports cell turnover in a way that is gentle on the skin, but big on benefits. Set to the scent of Diptique’s Baies-scented candle – the berry notes will literally whisk your mind off to a wild garden – I settle into the rhythm of my facialist’s hands, mindful to take notes for you on the brand’s newest skin helper.
With .25 percent retinol, the Restoring Retinol Serum is a form of Vitamin A and – when used regularly in your daily nighttime routine – works to improve skin elasticity, the appearance of fine lines, plumpness, skin texture, breakouts, and reduce irritation.
Its launch is a welcome compliment to MECCA Cosmetica’s suite of high-performance serums which support your skin from AM to PM: Skin Brightening Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum, and my new favourite Replenishing Niacinamide Serum. (Always follow with a moisturiser and a broad spectrum SPF.)
It’s a wonderful way to begin the morning – and yes, I went back to the same beachfront cabin for a PM facial (which included the retinol). I have a weak skin barrier at the moment and, for me, the formula (to my surprise) didn’t trigger any sensitivities, and I loved that I knew it was at work while I slept soundly that evening.
Whether you’re already using a retinol product, or are a first-timer thinking about adding it to your own PM routine, there’s an overwhelming amount of information on the internet on it: when to use it, how often to use it, who should use it, the list goes on. We asked MECCA’s Skin Education Manager Giorgi Strachan the important questions for you.
You can shop the newly launched product below. A shot of Tassie’s crisp air and a Diptique’s Baies scent optional.
MECCA Cosmetica Restoring Retinol, $70, SHOP NOW
GRAZIA: For the uninitiated, what are the benefits of using retinol?
GIORGI STRACHAN: Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and is the ultimate skin regulator. Retinol has myriad benefits for skin and is well documented in its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, balance oil flow and even the appearance of skin tone. All of these benefits result in skin that looks balanced, hydrated, clear and rejuvenated.
GRAZIA: Mecca Cosmetica’s Restoring Retinol Serum is gentle but will still deliver results. Can you explain a little bit about how the .25% is just the right amount to support cell turnover, without being damaging to those with sensitive skin types/those at the beginning of their retinol skin journey? And how did Mecca Cosmetica arrive at this number?
GS: Mecca Cosmetica’s Restoring Retinol Serum has been formulated to deliver results with skin sensitivity and tolerability in mind.
“.25 percent of Retinol was the perfect amount to achieve the desired outcome (think clear, balanced and rejuvenated skin) while catering for those who are beginning their retinol journey or those who may have a more sensitive skin.”
To further ensure the formulations efficacy, the retinol within has been microencapsulated to ensure it is as stable as possible with each application, further mitigating the volatility of the ingredient – one of the factors that can trigger a heightened skin response. To further ensure the delivery of results with limited irritation, this serum has been bolstered with Sodium PCA and Amino Acids to soothe and hydrate the skin’s appearance.
GRAZIA: How many times a week should someone use retinol on their skin?
GS: For those new to retinol, we recommend integrating it into your routine twice a week, with the view of increasing your frequency over a period of four weeks. The key to getting the most out of your retinol is to be consistent it its use, so once your skin has taken to retinol, we advise using it daily within your evening routine. For those who tend to have a more sensitive skin type, we recommend applying other products first to help provide a buffer for your skin. Some great options are Hyaluronic Acid or even a lightweight moisturiser to start off. Eventually this formulation should sit under your evening moisturiser or oil.
GRAZIA: When we speak about AM and PM routines, where should retinol fit in?
GS: Our skin is exposed to different environments from AM to PM, so it’s important that we curate a routine to support it accordingly. During the day, our skin is exposed to intense UV rays, environmental aggressors and daily debris that can often lead to lacklustre looking skin. Curating an AM routine that is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and a broad spectrum very high protection SPF is key to supporting the skin during this period. Formulations that best support the skin during the day include Mecca Cosmetica’s Skin Brightening Vitamin C, Replenishing Niacinamide Serum and *To Save Face SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Superscreen (broad spectrum and very high protection!)
When we reflect on the skin function during the evening, it’s all about rejuvenation and replenishment. Much like our body, nourishing our skin with the right ingredients will support its ability to restore and achieve balance. Retinol sits firmly within a PM routine, given its primary function as a restorative and rejuvenating ingredient. Once the skin has been cleansed, applying ample hydration by way of Mecca Cosmetica’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum coupled with Mecca Cosmetica’s Restoring Retinol Serum and Hydrating Moisturiser will ensure the skin is best placed to regulate and leave you with fresh, bright and resilient looking skin when you wake.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
