Starting an AHA or retinol product the gentle way

Start one new AHA or retinol product at a time, two or three nights a week, and build up only if your skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen every day, and stop these products two to three days before a facial or peel. List what you are using on your intake form so Leica can adjust your treatment.

Which Rejuvi products contain AHA or retinol

Check the ingredient list, not just the name. Rejuvi 'a' Renewal Complex, despite the 'a', contains antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid, DMAE and algae extract, not retinol.

These products do contain glycolic acid (an AHA) or retinol and related retinyl ingredients:

• Rejuvi 'g' AHA Serum: glycolic acid and sodium lactate in a gel serum, suited to oily and acne-prone skin.
• Rejuvi 'g' AHA Cream Normal and Rejuvi 'g' AHA Cream Sensitive: resurfacing creams with glycolic acid and vitamins E and C.
• Rejuvi 'a' Retinyl Serum: retinol, retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate.
• Rejuvi 'a' Night Gel: a light night moisturizer with retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate.

How to start

• Add one new product at a time, so you know what your skin is responding to.
• Use it two or three nights a week at first. Rejuvi suggests starting the retinyl serum every other night and building up.
• Apply to clean, dry skin and avoid the eye area, and the lips with the retinyl serum.
• Some dryness or flaking at first is normal. If skin gets sensitive or stings, stop until it recovers, then restart more slowly.

Where it goes in your routine

Apply thinnest to thickest: cleanser, toner, serum, then moisturizer. The AHA and retinyl serums go on clean skin and should absorb fully before your moisturizer. The AHA creams and the 'a' Night Gel take the place of your moisturizer, and if the Night Gel leaves skin feeling dry, Rejuvi suggests covering it with Rejuvi 'v' Nourishing Cream.

If you use both, Rejuvi suggests an AHA treatment in the morning and the retinyl serum at night.

Sunscreen and your facials

AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, and Rejuvi advises sun protection while using the retinyl serum. Wear sunscreen every morning as your last step.

Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids two to three days before a facial or peel. Afterward, skip harsh actives for 48 hours, and after a peel use only a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and SPF for three days. If you are pregnant or using a prescription skin medication, check with your doctor before starting either.