John Hamilton, Co-Founder, Natural Elements

25 years experience in dermatology

(skin disorder & anti-ageing cell research)

Retinol: Is it really safe for your skin?

This is the official FDA Retinol science advice:

DO NOT GO OUTSIDE

“Retinol is a potent form of synthetic vitamin A. FDA studies indicate that retinoid ingredients may speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions on sun-exposed skin.” 


The recommendation for using products with it has been, "Do not go outside"

On this page:

Retinol: Is it really safe for your skin?

The Hype Around Retinol

Retinol is popular ingredient in numerous skincare products, is often praised by beauty journalists and therapists. However, the real anti-ageing cell research world seems to have a different opinion...


Many believe that its popularity is driven more by marketing myths than actual benefits.


What does retinol do for your skin?

Independent studies suggest that retinol can accelerate skin thickness development when exposed to sunlight. 


This rapid cell turnover can lead to potential issues like skin cancer, pigmentation spots, and premature ageing. Many users find that their skin problems exacerbate after prolonged use.


The problem with retinol based products

When you apply a retinol product, it prompts the surface skin cells to die rapidly. This process, is intended to reveal fresher skin underneath, but it can disturb the skin's natural protective layer. 


The problem is you are:

  •    burning the top layer of your skin off abnormally
  •    interfering with the molecular biology of those cells
  •    disturbing the natural protective surface layer within them


The new skin you are exposing has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film especially to UV light and pollutants.


This means you are exposed to skin cancer risk, pigmentation spots, and premature ageing.


Long-term use of retinol anti-ageing face cream or retinol anti-ageing eye cream can result in 

  • dryness
  • roughness
  • irritation
  • discoloration

  • blotching
  • pigmentation
  • discoloration
  • thickening

There's more...

A customer recently inquired about a health concern:

“I've been experiencing severe headaches and neck soreness. Upon investigating, I realized thatthe creams I've been using contain retinoids, which could be triggering my headaches. Notably, I started using one particular cream a month ago, which coincides with the onset of my headaches.”

Natural Anti Ageing Oils 

Natural oils help 

Natural oils containing the most powerful, unadulterated antioxidants will act as a carrier for the natural vitamins being applied to your skin, delivering them to the dermis to boost repair and provide Free Radical protection. It is super Anti-Ageing at a cellular level; repairing its core.


Cell degeneration studies show that 90% of the slowing of cell ageing comes from antioxidants. They slow wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, etc

We found that the natural vital oils we use brought back suppleness to the skin and repaired collagen, which is paramount in stopping lines and wrinkles. 


The vital oils go deeper into your skin than a normal cream, therefore providing protection and regenerating collagen, allowing your skin to spring back to its youthful shape and smoothness. 


Unlike topical retinoid cream or retinoic acid serum, these oils work in harmony with the skin's natural processes.

The Natural Retinol Alternative

Natural Elements offers a holistic facial oil as natural retinol alternative. This blend of vital oils, combined with a triple-action brightening complex, protects the skin from the primary causes of ageing. 


The formulation, enriched with peach and jojoba extracts, offers superior protection against free radical damage. 


The infusion of orange, grapefruit, and patchouli ensures dead cells are removed harmoniously, promoting cell regeneration and revealing a radiant complexion.

Get 100% Natural Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing kit Samples:

In the pack: 

  · Clarifying Face Wash

  · Blending Moisturiser

  · Holistic Facial oil

B32/S(NES009/NES012/NES132)

Sale Off
Natural Retinol Alternative 5ml Pot Sample Kit

Our Clarifying Face Wash is an invigorating blend of Aloe Vera and Cellulose Gel actively repairing and soothing to the skin, whilst combating irritation and sensitivity. The Cellulose Gel delivers rich antioxidants to help protect your skin against environmental damage and provide anti-ageing protection.


Blending Moisturiser sinks into the skin instantly without leaving a greasy film. It’s packed with antioxidants, a blend of botanicals and a moisturising base. It makes a great skin primer for application of make-up and locks in beneficial facial oils.


Holistic Facial Oil is a replenishing skincare solution that works to increase collagen levels, bring order to cells and tissue, dispelling bacteria, and infection and stimulating cell repair.


Unlike cream, this oil penetrates to the lower layers of the skin and  subsequently prevents premature ageing. 


Minerals like omegas, proteins and beta-carotene, slow the ageing of cells. Vitamin A (a natural Retinol) rejuvenates and nourishes the complexion. Vitamin E aids cell regeneration.






  • Soothing to the skin, combats irritation and sensitivity

  • Gently removes dirt, oil, environmental pollutants

  • Gently removes harmful bacteria

  • Gently removes heavy make-up

  • Retains beneficial lipids, proteins

  • Intensely hydrating. Improves elasticity and tone.

  • Anti-ageing

  • Great skin primer for make-up 

  • Locks in beneficial facial oils

  • 100% Natural retinol alternative

  • Fast, low cost shipping

¥900

Most buy the repair kit samples first, so we thought you would like to hear what they think:

Get 100% Natural Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing kit Samples:

¥900

Get 100% Natural Retinol Alternative Facial Oil:

Formulated to tackle Premature Ageing, it’s a detoxifying, refreshing, and hydrating natural blend of unadulterated vital oils. 


Enriched with a triple-action brightening complex, the oils within this product work together to protect your skin against the main causes of fine lines and wrinkles, UVA damage and a loss of suppleness.

NES132

Sale Off
Holistic Facial Oil 50ml | Retinol Alternative

Holistic Facial Oil is a replenishing skincare solution that works to increase collagen levels, bring order to cells and tissue, dispelling bacteria, and infection and stimulating cell repair.


Unlike cream, this oil penetrates to the lower layers of the skin and subsequently prevents premature ageing. 


Minerals like omegas, proteins and beta-carotene, slow the ageing of cells. Vitamin A (a natural Retinol) rejuvenates and nourishes the complexion. Vitamin E aids cell regeneration.

 


  • Gently removes harmful bacteria

  • Retains beneficial lipids, proteins

  • Intensely hydrating. Improves elasticity and tone.

  • Anti-ageing

  • 100% Natural retinol alternative

  • Fast, low cost shipping

¥4,600

Get 100% Natural Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing kit:

In the pack: Clarifying Face Wash, Blending Moisturiser, Holistic Facial oil. Plus Konjac exfoliation sponge

NES418 (NES009/NES012/NES132/NSP1)

Sale Off
Holistic Plus Skincare Kit | 4 Piece | Retinol Alternative

Our Clarifying Face Wash is an invigorating blend of Aloe Vera and Cellulose Gel actively repairing and soothing to the skin, whilst combating irritation and sensitivity. The Cellulose Gel delivers rich antioxidants to help protect your skin against environmental damage and provide anti-ageing protection.


Blending Moisturiser sinks into the skin instantly without leaving a greasy film. It’s packed with antioxidants, a blend of botanicals and a moisturising base. It makes a great skin primer for application of make-up and locks in beneficial facial oils.


Holistic Facial Oil is a replenishing skincare solution that works to increase collagen levels, bring order to cells and tissue, dispelling bacteria, and infection and stimulating cell repair.


Unlike cream, this oil penetrates to the lower layers of the skin and subsequently prevents premature ageing. 


Minerals like omegas, proteins and beta-carotene, slow the ageing of cells. Vitamin A (a natural Retinol) rejuvenates and nourishes the complexion. Vitamin E aids cell regeneration.

 

The Konjac Sponge: We've included this innovative method of exfoliation and a natural alternative to facial scrubs.


  • Soothing to the skin, combats irritation and sensitivity

  • Gently removes dirt, oil, environmental pollutants

  • Gently removes harmful bacteria

  • Gently removes heavy make-up

  • Retains beneficial lipids, proteins

  • Intensely hydrating. Improves elasticity and tone.

  • Anti-ageing

  • Great skin primer for make-up 

  • Locks in beneficial facial oils

  • 100% Natural retinol alternative

  • Fast, low cost shipping

¥11,200

We thought you would like to hear what our clients think:

Get 100% Natural Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing kit:

¥11,200
 

Alternatively, if your skin is worrying you and want to talk about it first, please get in touch. 


You are welcome to fill in the form below

and we will be in touch.