As the cold sets in, our skin is subject to several shifting conditions during the day. You may leave the house in minus degrees and travel to work in the warmth of a bus, train, or car. Only to go out in the cold again and enter a warm office with dry air conditioning, where you might spend time in front of a screen.

These various conditions can have a negative impact on the skin, leaving it dry, dull, and with increased sensitivity. This is where including skin caring Vitamin A, such as Retinol 8 and NEAR 1 (more below), in your skincare routine can be a determining factor in protecting and strengthening the skin to stand up against the visible effects of environmental stressors. Something that is important all year round, including the colder part of the year.

RETINOL 8 – BUILT UPON SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS

Verso’s Retinol 8, the unique Vitamin A complex used in many Verso products, is eight times as efficient as traditional Retinol, yet half as irritative – thus, gentler on the skin. This is a true Verso hero ingredient that has been essential to the Verso Skincare family since the start. Due to its efficacy, Retinol 8 is very effective, even in low concentrations. Unlike most traditional retinol, Retinol 8’s usage is limited to nighttime treatment and can also safely be used during the day in combination with a sun protectant. Due to its gentle abilities, it is compatible with other ingredients and products. It is remarkable for its ability to help the skin look revitalized, renewed, and fresh.

Furthermore, Retinol 8 is a powerful antioxidant that helps the skin stay protected from the visible results caused by daily exposure to pollutants, blue light, and harsh climate – to name a few of the pros. You will find Retinol 8 in many of our products, making it possible to find an alternative suitable for your individual skin.

NEAR 1 – A PATENTED MOLECULE

Verso´s science-first philosophy is infinite, and over eight years, we put in considerable time and effort to subsequently develop NEAR 1, a worthy cousin of Retinol 8, to further improve the efficacy and usage of Vitamin A. This ground-breaking new Vitamin A is our patented molecule combining two hero ingredients, Vitamin A and Niacinamide (Vitamin B). The technology uses Niacinamide to help further stabilize and enhance the benefits of Vitamin A. This results in Vitamin A being more stable, effective, and gentle - the first of its kind and a fantastic skin-enhancing ingredient.

NEAR 1 provides Vitamin A´s visibly rejuvenating and radiance-boosting benefits while bringing its ability to effectively slough off old skin cells faster from the outermost layer of the skin. This can improve the look of a fresh, even skin tone with a healthy radiance. Further, it can enhance Vitamin A´s power to a visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles while balancing excess oil, thus resulting in the appearance of less oily skin. Studies show and confirm that NEAR 1 has outstanding brightening properties and is highly efficient at creating a glowing complexion.

BENEFITS OF USING VITAMIN A

The unique forms of Vitamin A; Retinol 8 and NEAR 1, possess the ability to work towards several different results at the same time. A selection of benefits:

• Visibly rejuvenating to strengthen, visibly firm, and enhance the skin’s natural glow.
• Clarifying unbalanced skin to promote a fresh and healthy-looking appearance.
• Brightening for a radiant, glowing complexion that promotes an even skin tone.
• Soothing to lessen the appearance of temporary redness and leave the skin soft and smooth.
• Protecting from visible effects of outdoor elements to help maintain beautiful skin with its antioxidant properties.

WHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

Vitamin A, such as Retinol 8 and NEAR 1, is that magical ingredient that is often referred to as the “golden standard” of skincare. No matter what skin type or skin issue, chances are, your skin will benefit from using this multifunctional star ingredient.

Despite the incredible skin benefits that it offers, some tend to shy away from using it once winter starts to set in. The main downsides (and misconceptions) of using Vitamin A/Retinol that are often spoken about are that it is harsh and can easily cause irritation and redness, especially when you first incorporate it into your skincare regimen. On top of that, retinol often has a reputation as being drying and leading to flaking.

When coupled with freezing temperatures, your Vitamin A products may suddenly get put aside from your skincare routine. But it doesn’t need to be, nor should it. Take our advice; Vitamin A can be used during the colder months. Just use it with care - as with any other functional ingredient. Since Vitamin A can provide so many benefits for the skin, it would be a shame not to harness them all year around, including this time of year. 

THE RIGHT WAY TO USE VITAMIN A DURING WINTER

There’s no reason to drop retinol from your skincare routine just because it´s winter. Learning how to mitigate its possible side effects and using it the right way are the keys to success. Let us guide you!

During the winter, the air tends to be drier, making it unbalanced and prone to sensitivity.  If you are new to Vitamin A and want to start using it for the first time during the winter, we recommend listening to your skin and observing how it responds to the new ingredient. Some may initially experience dryness, increased sensitivity, or flaking. Thus, it is important to start slow and to combine the use with other products, focusing on moisturization and hydration to balance the skin. This will help strengthen your skin while counteracting any side effects of using Vitamin A.

If any unwanted side effects should occur, it is often because the usage needs to be built up gradually. We suggest you take a break from the product and wait until your skin is calm and balanced again. After that, you can resume by applying every third evening and see how your skin responds. Also, if any symptoms should occur, they will generally subside after the first couple of weeks of introducing Vitamin A as the skin adapts to the ingredient. Furthermore, the longer you use the ingredient, the better and healthier your skin will look.

To combat dryness, it is also advisable to slow the use of exfoliation when starting with Vitamin A, especially in combination with colder months during winter. Choose to pair your Vitamin A product with a hydrating and nourishing mask to promote replenishment and natural skin protection, resulting in healthy-looking skin with an increased glow. Verso Nourishing Mask is an excellent choice.

IDEAL HYDRATION & MOISTURIZATION OVERNIGHT

Verso Nourishing Mask is developed for visibly dry skin to support the skin's natural protection and increase the appearance of supple, glowing skin. It is formulated with highly efficient ingredients such as a Ceramide complex, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, and Saccharide Isomerate that instantly leaves the skin radiant with reduced signs of visible dryness. The unique formula provides a skin-protecting effect, helps restore your skin’s resilience, and hydrates it effectively with long-lasting results.

With its skin-strengthening properties, the Verso Nourishing Mask is suitable when introducing Vitamin A, such as Retinol 8 or NEAR 1, or other functional ingredients to your routine. It is also beneficial for accustomed users of Vitamin A who might experience extra dryness due to weather changes, for example, during the winter season. Leave it on overnight for an extra intense treatment.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Last words of wisdom – preferably supplement your choice of Vitamin A with hydrating, antioxidant-rich products as well as a sun protectant during the daytime. This is recommended all year around, for the ultimate outcome of your skincare routine and to maintain visible results while achieving healthy-looking skin.