You often ask us what is the difference between Vitamin Serum R² and Vitamin Serum RA. In the following, we therefore present a guide with all the most important information about Vitamin Serums R² and RA - similarities, differences, method of use, purpose and recommendations, as well as combining with other active ingredients and products.
Serum emulsions for the evening routine
Both serums are actually serum emulsions and the texture is something between a serum (liquid product) and a cream (thick product). Both are complex formulations that, in addition to the retinoid, contain antioxidants and nourishing substances, both are used in the evening with mandatory SPF in the morning and are not combined in the same (evening) routine with other retinoids, high concentrations of active ingredients and acids for skin exfoliation (BHA, AHA, PHA). . Both serums are not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and should not be used on very sensitive, irritated, damaged skin.
Like acids for exfoliation, retinoids stimulate faster cell turnover, so in general they can stimulate the so-called the skin cleaning phase ( purging ), which manifests itself as a temporary worsening of the skin condition in places where irregularities are normally present (where they are already "in the beginning" under the surface of the skin). If it happens, the cleansing phase lasts up to 6 or a maximum of 8 weeks, depending on the skin itself and factors such as the age of the user, the rest of the routine and the like. However, you will also notice faster calming and healing of inflammatory processes.
Introduction to retinoid care
Vitamin serum R² is the first serum with retinoid in the Professional collection. It is based on 0.1% retinyl palmitate (vitamin A derivative) which is an extremely gentle form of retinoid and as such ideal as a kind of introduction to this type of care. We call it retinol for beginners - although retinol is one form of retinoid, users recognize the entire group of active ingredients by it. The rest of the R² serum formulation consists of resveratrol , a powerful antioxidant obtained from wine or black fruit, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Considering the moisturizing formulation, retinoid concentration, antioxidant effect and soothing ingredients, this serum can be used daily on a wet face and with cream after it . It is ideal for all those who want to introduce a retinoid into their routine, reduce redness and minor irregularities, and along the way hydrate the skin, act preventively against the first wrinkles and maintain the skin's youthful appearance.
Retinal is a gentle yet powerful version of retinol
The Vitamin Serum RA contains 0.1% retinaldehyde (retinal), a much stronger "relative" of the more commonly known retinoid, retinol. Retinaldehyde is, for many skin types, the most potent form of retinoid available over-the-counter. Furthermore, the Vitamin Serum RA is the first retinal serum designed and produced in Croatia! Alongside this powerful active ingredient, which serves as an all-rounder in skincare, the serum also includes the antioxidant astaxanthin, derived from algae. Additionally, there is a complex of highly nourishing ingredients that work synergistically to reduce the likelihood of irritation typically associated with introducing potent concentrations of retinoids (such as tightness, dryness, and peeling). This rich complex includes skin-friendly ceramides, bisabolol, allantoin, and aloe vera.
Daily care vs. slow roll-in
Vitamin serum R², as we have already mentioned, offers the possibility of daily use. This is usually not the case with RA Vitamin Serum. It is introduced gradually, carefully and slowly, initially every third or second day in evening care. Depending on the type and needs of the skin, it can be used alone on dry skin or with a cream and/or oil such as Omega Elixir. In the case of more sensitive skin, it can be applied using the buffering method, after a light moisturizing cream. With this type of product, it is extremely important to adjust the rest of the routine. Gentle cleansing, minimized other active substances, omission and alternation of exfoliants (Mikroexfoliant, Peeling tonic) by day and mandatory SPF 30 or 50 are some of the factors for the correct introduction of this serum .
In addition, it is good to introduce the RA Vitamin Serum as the only new product in the routine in order to more easily monitor the effect itself. It is also necessary to monitor skin fluctuations daily. RA vitamin serum is intended for a different spectrum of skin prone to acne, pimples and comedones, with hyperpigmentation and gradual redness, photodamage and signs of aging. If you are still not sure about the selection, contact us for recommendations by sending a message on social networks.
