The AGELESS+ Retinol Revolution Everyone Is Raving About
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GLOSS
Here’s everything you need to know about IMAGE Skincare Retinol+
Whether you're a long-time retinol user or a beginner looking for a gentle introduction, the New Ageless+ range delivers all the powerful anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits of traditional retinol, without the typical dryness, redness, or irritation.
To learn more about the science and inspiration behind the new line, The Gloss spoke with IMAGE Skincare founder and CEO, Janna Ronert.
Who can benefit from incorporating retinol in their routine, and from what age?
“Retinol is the gold standard – it has been scientifically studied for decades with a strong body of clinical evidence in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving texture and tone, fading dark spots, clearing acne and stimulating collagen production. I recommend incorporating it as early as your mid-twenties, when collagen production starts to slow. If you’re unsure when to start, consult your aesthetician or skincare professional to find the right strength and delivery for your needs.”
Many people are still a bit nervous of retinol – there’s an idea that retinol can thin or irritate the skin, and make it more sun sensitive. What do we need to know?
“These are common misconceptions, but retinol has advanced dramatically in recent years. The new IMAGE retinol is encapsulated with liposomes to maintain a time-released delivery system to minimise any irritation. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide help soothe the skin while treating the skin. Image formulates with Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative.
Our six new AGELESS+ retinol products incorporate our proprietary, patent-pending XOSM™ Technology, a smart encapsulated technology designed to enhance the performance of active ingredients – like retinol – while minimising irritation. Image conducted an amazing study which demonstrated that our retinols actually reduce redness.
That said, since retinol does induce cellular turnover and collagen production, it does make the skin vulnerable to UV damage, which is why it’s important to always wear an SPF if you’re using retinol.”
What are the most common mistakes people make when using retinol?
“Choosing too high a percentage too soon. Start low, then step up to a higher dosage. The skin needs to build tolerance to retinol, but you can increase the potency in a few months, if needed. We recommend this ‘step-up’ approach to ensure the skin’s barrier stays healthy and strong, and you can continue to see great results without irritation.”
Can you give us an overview of how retinol percentages work?
“Image offers low, medium and high strength formulas in both serum and cremes. The percentage refers to the concentration of retinol in the formula. Image offers a low .1%, medium .3% and maximum strength .75% in the Pure Liquid Retinol. 0.1% is great for beginners – gentle but effective. 0.5% is a mid-strength without being too aggressive. 1% is a high-performance strength for more advanced users. Remember that formulation matters just as much as percentage, as it influences how your skin tolerates and benefits from retinol. In AGELESS+ retinol, XOSM Technology enhances the performance of retinol. And the formulas contain encapsulated antioxidants – ectoin, vitamin C and astaxanthin-rich micro-algae – to help reduce redness and irritation.”
Find the perfect fit
The AGELESS+ collection features a range of retinol strengths and textures, for a customisable routine:
AGELESS+ Pure Liquid Retinol in three strengths:
AGELESS+ Retinol Pure Liquid Retinol 0.1%
AGELESS+ Retinol Pure Liquid Retinol 0.3%
AGELESS+ Retinol Pure Liquid Retinol 0.75%
AGELESS+ Retinol Repair Crème in three strengths:
AGELESS+ Retinol Repair Crème 0.3% Retinol Complex
AGELESS+ Retinol Overnight Masque 0.5% Retinol Complex
AGELESS+ Treatment Crème 1.2% Retinol Complex
If you combine, say, the Pure Liquid Retinol with the crème, how does that effect the percentage of retinol on your skin?
“We don’t recommend layering multiple high-strength retinol products. But the products in AGELESS+ retinol are designed to complement each other. I use .1% Pure Liquid retinol for my skin, which is very dry and rosacea-prone. It incorporates a seven-oil Phyto blend, including olive squalane, sea buckthorn, moringa, grape seed, avocado, argan and sunflower oils. This blend delivers vitamin, minerals and antioxidants for a super soft, supple complexions while delivering retinol deep into the skin.”
Ageless+ is a comprehensive range of retinol strengths and textures – if we’re coming to retinol for the first time, what should we start with?
“This new collection is an innovation that is first to market as a “step-up” approach to retinol, since one size does not fit all. I always recommend beginning with the lightest percentage possible – the AGELESS+ retinol pure liquid retinol 0.1% – which will help build up your skin’s tolerance. Use it two to three nights a week at first and once your skin adjusts you can use it daily. As a next step, you can explore the AGELESS+ retinol cremes in low, medium and high strength.”
What’s your own daily routine?
“My routine is very simple for evening repair with the new Ageless+ Retinol: Step 1: Cleanse The Max Cleanser. Step 2: Exfoliate Illuma Exfoliating Powder. Step 3: Retinol Pure Liquid Retinol .1% every night, no exceptions!”
How do we make sure our skin is fully protected when using retinol-based products?
“SPF is your best friend, summer, spring, winter and autumn. Image Skincare launched the Daily Prevention collection last year which offers clinically proven broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB sunscreens to address all skin needs. This collection also has the exosome technology with clinical studies.
My daily go-to is the Daily Prevention Smart Blend SPF 50+. It colours-corrects redness, adds super hydration and has the exosome technology with vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants – plus an all-mineral, no chemical sun protection. It should always be the last step of your morning skincare routine. Don’t forget your neck, hands and décolleté!”
All Ageless+ Products now available in Travel Sizes.
