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.
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.
It's been a month and a couple of weeks since I started G&G's retinal and my melasma has faded dramaticly. The first picture is from September, you can see a dark melasma un my forhead and also the skin is dry and patchy. The second picture is November. (The dewy glow is from just applied C-Glow and A-Pad) Both pictures have no filter or other work done, you can see every wrinkle, pore and hair. This retinal product combined with those two others has done wonders to my skin, I'm really happy. I'm sticking to this routine like forever and have lost interest for any other European, American or Korean brand (exepct from toners and sunscreen)! For information: my skin type is dry, I'm a 42 yo woman and have hormonal melasma and hyperpigmentation. You can still see some freckles and dark spots in the second picture, but for real you should see dhe difference! If you struggle with similar problems, please try my combination of A-Game, C-Glow and A-Pad and stick to it and always use sunscreen even it's cloudy or rainy. IT WORKS!
This retinal emulsion is so light that I can layer with anything in my routine without my face feeling overwhelmed! So happy to have been recommended this by a friend
After a few years of retonol use my skin developed a reaction to retonil. Since learning that retinal is less reactive and can often be used by those who can't use retinol, I decided to try the product. I have been using it for a month and I have no negative reactions and my skin is much smoother looking and me hyperpigmentation on my skin has been reduced.
Questo prodotto mi piace molto, come altri provati della stessa marca. Lo sto usando 4 volte a settimana e assolutamente nessun fastidio, la pelle non tira, non si secca e non si irrita. Sucessivamente applico la “happy barrier” che adoro. Prossimamente proverò la % più alta. Il mio tipo di pelle è secca e over 50.