PRODUCT REVIEW: AMPERNA PRO+ BIO RESURFACING RETINOL RX – THE BEST RETINOL CREAM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
AMPERNA | PRO+ BIO RESURFACING RETINOL RX
I have a love-hate relationship with Retinol — much as do with Glycolic Acid. If I’m not careful, each can throw my skin out of whack. And that’s where balancing probiotics like the complex found in Amperna’s treatments for sensitive skin can make the most difference.
The Amperna Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx is literally one of the best Retinol creams for face that I’ve come across. If your skin is sensitive and you want to incorporate a Retinol treatment into your routine, this is the ideal product for you.
Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx is formulated with a 2% granactive retinoid in the form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR). If you haven’t yet heard of HPR, it’s the newest of the anti-aging powerhouse molecules in the extensive family of retinoids. It’s what’s termed a Retinoic Acid Ester, directly related to retinoic acid — the active ingredient that can bind directly with receptors in our skin cells without having to undergo a conversion by the skin. That’s a lot to say that it’s seriously potent stuff that gets to work to firm skin and help smooth the appearance of wrinkles.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is considered among the best anti-aging ingredients for the skin by the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team:
Name for the entire vitamin A molecule. Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that has value for skin on several fronts: It’s a skin-restoring, wrinkle-smoothing, firming ingredient and an antioxidant, allowing it to improve a variety of skin concerns, most related to visible signs of aging.
Packaging is a key issue, so any container that lets in air (like jar packaging) or sunlight (clear containers) just won’t cut it. Lots of retinol products come in unacceptable packaging; these should be avoided because the retinol will most likely be (or quickly become) ineffective. Look for opaque, airless, or air-restrictive packaging.
Many consumers are concerned about the percentage of retinol in anti-aging products such as serums or moisturizers. Although the percentage can make a difference (especially if it’s too low), it’s not helpful in understanding how a retinol product will benefit your skin. Far more important is the delivery system, packaging, and the other ingredients present with the retinol.
Using a product with a range of anti-aging ingredients plus retinol is far more valuable for skin than using a product with only a supposedly high percentage of retinol. Skin needs far more than any one ingredient can provide, however great that one ingredient may be. See our article on this topic for detailed information.
The thick Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx serum has a wonderfully silky texture and a faintly medicinal scent that I love.
Surprisingly high up on the INCI is Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, or Azelaic Acid Salt. Azelaic Acid is an unsung skincare superhero that can help gently exfoliate the skin and ameliorate signs of irritation.
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate is a water-soluble derivative of brightening Azelaic Acid, with hydrating benefits and, more importantly, the ability to reduce redness.
There are several irritation soothers in the Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx formula including Bisabolol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract and Allantoin. But the most important and potent of Amperna’s soothing complex is, of course, probiotic Lactococcus Ferment Lysate.
Says Kiri, “We’ve taken our range one step further with our new products. We’ve included our Bio Fermented Oligopeptide. Yeast Ferment Extract and Soy Amino Acids help to stimulate skin renewal, they actively help refine and restore skin texture and radiance safely. They still contain our probiotic complex.”
There’s also an effective amount of brightening, pore-flushing antioxidant Niacinamide at about a 5% concentration — a solid percentage for the multi-beneficial active to work its magic. In addition, there’s bit of Licorice Root Extract which, when combined with the Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid, forms a solid brightening complex.
Amperna’s Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx is an excellent Retinol treatment — and more! One of the most well-rounded and best anti-aging serums for sensitive skin — and for all skin types in the market for a reliable anti-aging treatment.
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Amperna Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx for $60 ($80AUD) here. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off all Amperna probiotic skincare with code SKINCARMA20.
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The Ingredient List of the the Amperna Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx:
Aqua, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (Azelaic Acid Salt), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Yeast Ferment Extract (Bioferment Oligopeptide), Soy Amino Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR - Retinoic Acid Ester), Sodium-L-Lactate, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Bisabolol, Dipotassium Glycyrithizate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract, Isostearyl Alcohol, Boswellia Serrata Gum, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Saccharide Isomerate, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc Oxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.
