Which LBRx active skincare products are best started gradually?
The LBRx cleansers (Heartfelt, Lionheart & Braveheart), moisturisers (Superhero, Power Broker), Eye Do, Glam Squad and Superstar do not require a gradual start.
Due to their activity, certain LBRx products should ideally be started gradually. These are Dream Team, Eye Dream, Quiet Achiever, Game Changer, Next Level and Bright Star, which we refer to as our LBRx ‘Activator’ products.
Why is it recommended to start LBRx Activators gradually?
Within the LBRx range we have designed 14 targeted products, each with a unique blend of specially selected actives. Six of the LBRx products are what we refer to as our LBRx Activator products – Dream Team, Eye Dream, Quiet Achiever, Game Changer, Next Level and Bright Star. Each Activator contains a unique balance of active ingredients at the concentrations required to deliver the right amount of skin stimulation for increased skin cell turnover and/or exfoliation. The actives within LBRx that provide this skin stimulation are Retinol, AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids), and Vitamin C. As you will know, these are commonly used actives and as a group they play a vital role in most active skincare ranges.
The effects of these actives are vital for achieving the needed skin benefits. Normally the skin responds very well to these proven and widely used actives. For best results and to minimise the chance of any excess response to the skin stimulation, it is best to start these Activator products one at a time and to start each different Activator gradually over time (weeks).
As a result of the normal increase in skin cell turnover and exfoliation that occurs, some mild and temporary signs of the skin’s response can sometimes occur. These ‘skin response’ signs can include some mild redness, skin dryness or fine flaking, mild itch, a brief stinging sensation on application, or temporary breakouts. If any occur, they are usually not of any concern, and occur during the initial weeks of starting a product or when increasing the frequency of its application. The amount of skin response to these actives is difficult to predict exactly because it varies between individuals depending on their skin type and the frequency of application to any area. Usual skin response signs should fade within at least a few weeks as the skin gets used to these actives.
Unfortunately, some people are enthusiastic to see benefits and, believing that the more products they use the better, they start using their products at the full dose too quickly or they commence using multiple Activator products at the same time. As with all active skin care products, it is important to use LBRx products as directed. More is not better.
How to start LBRx Activator products gradually
When starting any skincare brand containing stimulatory actives for the first time, it is ideal to introduce these products with care and start gradually. This minimises the chance of any excess skin response or temporary breakouts when starting a product (see ‘Can I use LBRx if I have acne or breakout prone skin?’).
Below are our tips for how we suggest you introduce any of our six Activators into your skincare regime. While there is some detail here, we want to provide extra explanation on how to best use the LBRx home care range.
Before you start out with LBRx Activator products, if you have any existing skin dryness you should address this with quality hydration and moisturising products – we recommend the combination of Glam Squad (for deep hydration) and Superhero or Power Broker (both are hydrating moisturisers). Apply LBRx Activator products to clean dry skin. When introducing Activator products it is better to only use a gentle cleanser, such as Heartfelt – certainly not one that is exfoliating.
Recommended starting regimes for Activators:
Start by initially applying a product once every 3 days and gradually work your way up to once every 2 days, and then once daily use as tolerated and needed.
- For Dream Team & Eye Dream-
These products contain Retinol – it is good to initially start with use every third night for 2 weeks, then move to every second night for 2 weeks as tolerated, and work towards using it every night as tolerated and needed. Apply Retinol at night as sun exposure impairs the effect of the active.
- For Quiet Achiever, Game Changer, Next Level & Bright Star-
These products contain AHAs (Quiet Achiever, Game Changer, Bright Star) and/or Vitamin C (Bright Star, Next Level, Game Changer). It is good to start initially using these once every 3 days for 1 week, then move to every 2 days for 1 week as tolerated, and work towards daily use as tolerated and needed.
How to increase the frequency of application up to your ideal regime:
When introducing an Activator product, it is up to you and your skin as to how quickly you are comfortable to increase the frequency of application. In our directions for each product we state the usual ongoing application frequency; but this varies between individuals depending on their skin type, so you must work up towards this gradually and determine what final ongoing application frequency works best for you. Only increase the frequency of application in stepwise fashion as comfortably tolerated by your skin. By tolerated we mean that any skin response signs you might experience are mild and not of any concern. This gradual process allows your skin the time to get used to the active as you gradually work up to the best skin care regime for you. Remember: more is not better, and there is no ‘one frequency suits all’ approach to active skincare products.
The principle is simple – if you experience any signs of ‘skin response’ that are a little too much for you, then that’s an indication that your skin has already had enough stimulation and can have a ‘rest’. You are best to wait for any excess signs to settle before the next application. This way you will find your own ideal frequency of application –this might be daily applications in one person but say twice a week in another – it all depends on what works for you. Find the regime for each product that makes your skin look and feel the best. Work up to this over a period of weeks – there is no need to hurry.
In the unlikely event that some signs of excess skin response where to persistent despite the above measures, or if you have any concerns, then cease the product until the skin settles fully and refer to our advice (see ‘Excessive skin response or sensitivity – what do I do?’).
Finally, when introducing any LBRx Activator products into any time slot when you are already using another LBRx Activator (eg. adding in an AHA at night when you are already using Retinol), you can initially leave off the regular one you use (say Retinol) to avoid any additive stimulatory effects. Once you know you are fine with introducing the AHA then you can use both products together. If not, you could just alternate them – using each product at a different time (eg. AHA one night, Retinol the next). Find out what works best for you and your skin. Being in touch with your skin is a very important part of maintaining optimal skin health.
How to start LBRx products that are NOT in the group of Activators
Actives in the LBRx cleansers (Heartfelt, Lionheart and Braveheart), moisturisers (Power Broker and Superhero), Eye Do, Glam Squad and Superstar do not stimulate the skin in the way that the Activators do -so they will not cause the previously described ‘skin response’. Therefore we do not recommend a gradual start like with the Activators. Nevertheless, it is always good to start any products one at a time, one or two days apart. As always, be careful not to overuse cleansers as they could cause dryness and a feeling of tightness which is not beneficial.
General suggestions when starting any LBRx skin care product
- As a rule, it is most prudent to always do a patch test prior to using any new product on your face or neck. Apply a small amount to your wrist, forearm, or behind the ear. Then check after 24-48 hours and if there is no sensitivity you can continue to apply it to your face. This is particularly relevant if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
- Always use sun protection and wear sunscreen during the day.
- If introducing more than one product, it’s best to introduce only one new product at a time on any one day, so if any response occurs you will likely know which one caused it.
- Find the frequency, amount and area of application for each product that best addresses your aims and suits your skin type.
- A final word – take it gradually. Be patient, as results are not immediate – but remarkable results come from regular use of the proper products over time.