A-Game 5
A silky, light emulsion containing a medium-strength amount of stabilized Retinal to help against all signs of aging, while being gentle on the skin.
30 ml
Skin type: all skin types
Skin concern: lines & wrinkles, loss of firmness, uneven skin, pigmentation, dullness, lack of radiance
Cruelty-free | Vegan | Breastfeeding-safe | Fragrance & Essential oil free | Gluten-free
A-Game 5
description
Retinal is the "big brother" molecule of the better known anti-aging superstar, Retinol. While Retinol needs two metabolic conversion steps to reach the active form, Retinoic Acid (aka Tretinoin), Retinal is the direct precursor only one conversion step away from the active form the skin cells understand. It is estimated that Retinal can convert more than 10x faster to Retinoic Acid than Retinol, making Retinal an outstandingly effective member of the retinoid family (Vitamin A family).
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Once converted, Retinal helps the skin cells to produce more collagen and other structural elements, making the skin more youthful, firm and elastic. It also speeds up the renewal process of the upper skin layers making it smoother and more even. A-Game is a smart-aging must-have, but it is also useful as an adjacent product for fading pigmentation, as well as helping acne-prone skin.
In terms of strength and knowledge, we would compare our 0.05% Retinal serum to a mid-strength Retinol product (typically in the 0.2-0.5% range), but with less irritation potential and possibly quicker results.
who is it for?
how to use
Apply a pea sized amount to the face in the PM. In your evening routine, apply liquid and gel-type products first (for example a toner, our exfoliants or our other serums such as HA 5 or B-Bomb), then A-Game. Follow with a moisturizer. Wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater in the morning.
If your skin is sensitive, start using A-Game every other day and if well-tolerated, move up to every evening in two weeks. You can try using A-Game around the eye area, but please only use a small amount, adjusting frequency based on your skin's individual level of tolerance.
Do not use if pregnant. Topical use of retinoids during breastfeeding is considered low risk, however, please consult your physician first.
Good to know: A-Game has a bright yellow color due to the high concentration of Retinal in it. Based on our experience, it dissipates on the skin and does not leave a yellow tint on surfaces. If you still experience residual color, you can minimize it by leaving time for the product to fully absorb & using a moisturizer on top. Any marks can be removed by washing your clothes & fabrics with your regular detergent.
Shelf life: 18 months from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening)
ingredients & research
key ingredients:
Retinal (0.05%) – An anti-aging superstar ingredient that is the direct precursor of Retinoic Acid (the active form that the skin cells understand) and shows an outstanding activity/tolerance ratio among topical retinoids.
Allantoin & Panthenol – A classic ingredient duo known for their skin soothing and skin protecting abilities.
Biosaccharide Gum-1 – A carbohydrate molecule that has nice skin soothing and moisturizing abilities, and makes A-Game even more gentle and silky.
full inci list:
Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Retinal, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
research:
Creidi, P., and Ph Humbert. "Clinical use of topical retinaldehyde on photoaged skin." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 49-52.
Siegenthaler, G., J. H. Saurat, and M. Ponec. "Retinol and retinal metabolism." Biochemical Journal 268.2 (1990): 371-378.
Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Tolerance profile of retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid under maximized and long-term clinical conditions." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 57-60.
Creidi, Pierre, et al. "Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 39.6 (1998): 960-965.
Mukherjee, Siddharth, et al. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety." Clinical interventions in aging 1.4 (2006): 327.
Dréno, B., et al. "Topical retinaldehyde with glycolic acid: study of tolerance and acceptability in association with anti-acne treatments in 1,709 patients." Dermatology 210.Suppl. 1 (2005): 22-29.
Pechere, M., et al. "The antibacterial activity of topical retinoids: the case of retinaldehyde." Dermatology 205.2 (2002): 153-158.
I LOVE IT! REALLY EASY TO APPLY! THE WRINKLES ARE REALLY SMOOTHED OUT
I saw an interview with Judit on @The Honest Channel on YT and as a result bought this product. I love it. Sinks in beautifully and continues to do the job that my previous Retinal did for 1/3 of the price. I will purchase again.
i started using the A-Game 5 a month ago to upgrade from my over the counter retinol serum and I have seen amazing results! The first few times using it I had a bit of dryness around the mouth but my barrier was also wasn't in the best shape so that was to be expected. For reference I have very sensitive, combination-dry leaning skin that is also prone to acne. I alternate use and keep it to only twice a week currently and in combination with a 2.8% benzoyl peroxide serum from my esthetician it has completely changed the texture of my skin! I dealt with congestion and closed comedones my whole life that gets really bad around my hormone cycle and to be able to touch my skin and feel minimal little bumps underneath has given me so so much confidence, and no irritation or stinging at all. 10/10 and will definitely come back for more when I am done with this little bottle 😇 pics are before and after! in the before you can see my skin is red irritated and super bumpy and dry, the after pic I have concealer under my eyes but no base makeup at ALL
I started easing in this product in my routine and so far it's going well. I have had problems using OTC retinol and am always a bit afraid of the reaction, but this one has been a bit milder on my skin. So i keep my fingers crossed :)
This was an excellent experience and I will be reordering very soon, in the process of moving, but as soon as I get settled I will be ordering your products again, the best that I've tried in a long time! I give it 5 stars.