Absolute A

The basic routine we recommend is as follows: Cleanse, Prepare, TREAT, Moisturize. Absolute A falls under the TREAT category. To minimize skin irritation, you can use the “retinal sandwich” method: After cleansing with the Ten out of Ten Cleanser, apply the Barrier Boost Cream, followed by the Absolute A/A+ Serum, and finish with a thin layer of Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Repair Cream.

No, it is not recommended to use products containing retinoids during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Using products containing retinoids during this time can be problematic, as excessive amounts of vitamin A can be harmful to the unborn child or the breastfed baby.

If you already have experience with retinoids (e.g., retinol/retinal) and use them regularly without experiencing any irritation, Absolute A+ is the right serum for you. Important to note: 0.1% retinal is roughly equivalent to 1% retinol in terms of effectiveness, so it’s best to start by using it sparingly!

In developing our formula, we placed special emphasis on minimizing the potential for irritation caused by retinal by adding soothing and nourishing ingredients such as 10% pre- and postbiotics, ceramides, 5 different peptides, and ectoine. These ingredients have been carefully selected to strengthen the skin barrier and improve the retinal’s tolerability.

If, however, unwanted reactions such as dryness or skin irritation occur, you can reduce how often you use the product. For example, you might consider using the product only every other or every third evening. This allows your skin to gradually get used to the product and minimizes the risk of irritation.

We recommend using the Absolute A Series products alternately with chemical peels, rather than on the same evening. Ideally, use the chemical peel the evening before applying the retinal and take a break from active ingredients on the following days.

The most important factor for the product's effectiveness is regular use. You can gradually and carefully increase the frequency—depending on how your skin adjusts—from once a week to daily use.

Yes, vitamin C and vitamin A can be used together in skincare. For example, you can apply a vitamin C product under sunscreen in the morning and vitamin A in the evening. Here, too, you should pay attention to how your skin feels and the concentration of each product you’re using, since vitamin C—for example, in the form of ascorbic acid—can also be irritating. Don’t forget: Sunscreen (ideally SPF 50) during the day is a must when using vitamin C and vitamin A.

It’s true that it’s generally recommended to carefully incorporate retinoids, such as retinal, into your skincare routine, especially if you’re using them for the first time. During the summer months, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun while it’s getting used to retinoids. For this reason, many skincare experts recommend starting treatment in the fall or winter, when the sun’s rays are less intense. However, you can still start using it in the summer if you make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (SPF 50) during the day and avoid direct sunlight. In any case, our Absolut A/A+ Retinal Serum should only be used in the evening and, at the beginning, preferably only once a week.