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I have a growing obsession with Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream which I trialled last year, so I was absolutely thrilled to hear about the brand new Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum. I have been testing it out for a few weeks, and using this gentle yet super potent form of Retinol, the gold standard in Anti-Ageing, is taking my skincare and results to the next level. Here’s what you need to know.
The Importance of Retinol in Skincare
Retinol comes under the umbrella of Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) and is considered to be the gold standard in Anti-Ageing by dermatologists and beauty experts alike.
Retinol performs many different roles for the skin which include:
- Increasing skin cell turnover which results in natural exfoliation
- Increasing the production of collagen which boosts firmness and elasticity and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Lessening dark spots by reducing the over-production of melanin
As you can see, it is a multi-tasking powerhouse but there can be significant downsides that make including retinol in your skincare routine quite difficult.
These downsides include excessive dryness, peeling, flaking, redness, inflammation and skin sensitivity. It can be very easy to over-use traditional retinol, so much so that many people struggle to persist with regular use. There is no makeup in the world that sits nicely on peeling skin, so we often end up giving up!
The Retinol blend that Elizabeth Arden use in their Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules is unique in that it is high strength and super potent with fast results, but it is formulated in a high tech way that won’t result in any downtime. It is a major breakthrough.
HPR: The Next Generation Retinol
This serum is very different to many existing Retinol products because it uses next generation technology to deliver a unique combination of pure Retinol with HPR Retinoid.
HPR ((Hydroxy Pinacolone Retinoate) has the power of a high strength, super effective retinol, however, it is formulated to be slowly released so that it is delivered gently to the skin.
Also, as the serum comes in pre-measured capsules, you can’t go wrong with dosage which is something that often sabotages people’s retinol journeys.
The Benefits of Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum
Within the Elizabeth Arden formula, the HPR is also combined with Pure Retinol for even more advanced Anti-Ageing results. The powerful actives are buffered by the inclusion of phytoceramides and bisabolol with oat, which strengthen the skin barrier and provide soothing benefits.
Alongside powerful peptides, this blend delivers the efficacy of retinol without the typical adverse reactions. This means I can use it every day, both day and night, and can fast track the results!
It is even gentle enough for first time Retinol users, although you may want to ease in, just to be extra safe. See below for more information on how to introduce this into your routine if you haven’t used Retinol before.
Each empty capsule is biodegradable, so there are no associated environmental risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the serum be used by first-time retinol users?
Yes, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules are very well suited to those that haven’t used retinol before thanks to its very clever gentle delivery system. It might be a good idea to introduce it more slowly if you are not used to Retinol. Here is Elizabeth Arden’s recommended use for doing this. (image right).
Is it safe to use the serum during the day?
Yes, this serum has been formulated for use both day and night. It contains antioxidants which means it provides you with protection against environmental aggressors throughout the day. You must ensure you use SPF daily as all types of Retinols make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
How does the serum benefit the skin compared to traditional retinoids?
This serum uses a unique blend of Retinol + HPR which has extremely clever technology that allow slow and gentle delivery of actives deep into the skin. This means you can use the product consistently without any of the downsides (peeling, inflammation) often associated with Retinol use.
Can I use this serum with other skincare products in my routine?
Yes, this serum is designed to be used day and night under your moisturiser.
How long does it take to see results from the serum?
You don’t have to wait long to see results as the formula contains a super potent pure retinol and HPR blend plus Peptides that increase collagen production along with ingredients that optimise the skin barrier. Most people will see skin improvements within one week of use.
Are there any side effects of using this serum?
Unlike regular retinol serums, this one has been formulated to deliver ingredients gently so that it is extremely well tolerated by the skin. You are very unlikely to see any dryness or irritation that many retinol products can induce.
Is the serum suitable for all skin types?
Yes, this serum is gentle enough for all skin types, including first time retinol users.
How often should I use the serum for optimal results?
This serum can be used twice per day for maximum benefit. If you have sensitive skin, or have not used retinol before, introduce it more slowly at the beginning before moving to twice daily use. See above for more information on this.
