Avene Innovation Eluage Retinaldehyde Cream
Newsletter readers got a chance to win a YBF Boost by writing in about their favorite moisturizer. Here’s one of our winners’ review:
Posted by Aubrey
My favorite moisturizer is Avene Innovation Eluage Retinaldehyde Cream. Shortly before my 30th birthday I noticed the first traces of fine lines and age spots, and I have been on an aggressive rampage against them ever since. I started off a little too aggressive. I did some research and learned that the active with the longest scientifically substantiated history of anti-aging benefits is retin-A. So, I got myself a tube of tretinoin 0.025% and began every-other-night usage.
While I can’t say I had a terrible reaction, it wasn’t wonderful. It did slightly reduce the lines, but it also dramatically increased the dryness of my skin. I have always had oily skin, and for the first time ever I was noticing flakiness! I had to change all my other beauty products to try to counteract it. The tretinoin also caused my fair skin to flush redder than normal, which was not a good look. In addition to this, I started reading about the Hayflick Limit and began wondering about the potential long-term damage I was doing to my skin by increasing the rate at which it sloughs off skin cells. For all I know, these cells may eventually never renew.
Thank goodness I discovered Retinaldehyde, which is gentler than retin-A, but more effective than retinol. This is because Retinaldehyde is a transition stage between the two other forms of vitamin A. Our bodies convert Beta-Carotene into Retinol, Retinol into Retinaldehyde, and then Retinaldehyde into Retinoic Acid (Retin A). Putting pure Retin-A on the skin overstimulates the cells because they cannot turn it off. They become irritated and eventually less receptive to the treatment. On the other hand, putting Retinaldehyde on the skin allows it to convert only the amount it needs into active Retin-A.
This, combined with some wonderful moisturizing agents in the Eluage cream (such as H.A.F – Exclusive Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid) cause it to get its job done while pampering the skin. The cream feels luxurious going on. And in the morning my skin is soft and glowy, instead of red and flaky. I feel like it is my little secret.
Related Posts:
Avene Retrinol- a retinol for sensitive skins
Five Best moisturizers- June 2008
Is exfoliation overkill possible?
Retinyl Propionate- a treatment for acne, not anti-aging
Ingredients:
Water (aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Squalane, Triethylhexanoin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Acrylates/C10 30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, BHT, Butylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Red 33 (CI 17200), Retinal, Sodium Hyluronate, Triethanolamine
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Great essay, Aubrey! You explained the issues with using retin-A very clearly and you’ve obviously done your research.
And guess what? Using the YBF Boost along with this stuff is pretty great!