Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum Review *AD
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Priced at
£51
I have a growing obsession with Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream which I trialled last year, so I was absolutely thrilled to hear about the brand new Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum. I have been testing it out for a few weeks, and using this gentle yet super potent form of Retinol, the gold standard in Anti-Ageing, is taking my skincare and results to the next level. Here’s what you need to know.
- 1. What is Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum?
- 2. Key Ingredients
- 3. The Importance of Retinol in Skincare
- 4. HPR: The Next Generation Retinol
- 5. My Review of Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules
- 6. The Benefits of Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum
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7.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 7.1. Can the serum be used by first-time retinol users?
- 7.2. Is it safe to use the serum during the day?
- 7.3. How does the serum benefit the skin compared to traditional retinoids?
- 7.4. Can I use this serum with other skincare products in my routine?
- 7.5. How long does it take to see results from the serum?
- 7.6. Are there any side effects of using this serum?
- 7.7. Is the serum suitable for all skin types?
- 7.8. How often should I use the serum for optimal results?
What is Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum?
If you are looking for visible Anti-Ageing results, it is vital to consider including a form of Retinol into your skincare routine. It sounds easy, but often the problem with Retinol is that it is very strong and the associated side-effects, like dryness, skin-peeling and sensitivity, can actually make it very tricky to use.
Elizabeth Arden’s formula ensure that you can use high strength retinol without these issues.
- Next level retinol action without the typical retinol reaction
- Uses a powerful blend of pure Retinol plus HPR (Hydroxy Pinacolone Retinoate)
- HPR is 10 times more potent than Pure Retinol alone
- Potent yet gentle formulation can be used morning and night
- Penetrates more deeply into the skin
- Designed to deliver skin improvements from the first use
- Leaves skin immediately more radiant and revitalised
- Visibly reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles in one week
- Improves skin firmness, tone and texture
- Each capsule contains a precise dose making it very easy to use
- Gentle enough for day and nighttime usage and first time retinol users
Key Ingredients
RETINOL + HPR – visibly smooths lines & wrinkles, improves skin cell renewal without irritation
POWER PEPTIDES – help to visibly smooth stubborn lines and wrinkles and support natural collagen production
PHYTOCERAMIDES – plant-based ceramide, which maintain and repair the skin’s barrier function and increase moisturisation
BISABOLOL & OAT – to soothe skin and minimise irritation
VITAMIN E – for antioxidant protection to defend against environmental stressors
The Importance of Retinol in Skincare
Retinol comes under the umbrella of Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) and is considered to be the gold standard in Anti-Ageing by dermatologists and beauty experts alike.
Retinol performs many different roles for the skin which include:
- Increasing skin cell turnover which results in natural exfoliation
- Increasing the production of collagen which boosts firmness and elasticity and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Lessening dark spots by reducing the over-production of melanin
As you can see, it is a multi-tasking powerhouse but there can be significant downsides that make including retinol in your skincare routine quite difficult.
These downsides include excessive dryness, peeling, flaking, redness, inflammation and skin sensitivity. It can be very easy to over-use traditional retinol, so much so that many people struggle to persist with regular use. There is no makeup in the world that sits nicely on peeling skin, so we often end up giving up!
The Retinol blend that Elizabeth Arden use in their Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules is unique in that it is high strength and super potent with fast results, but it is formulated in a high tech way that won’t result in any downtime. It is a major breakthrough.
HPR: The Next Generation Retinol
This serum is very different to many existing Retinol products because it uses next generation technology to deliver a unique combination of pure Retinol with HPR Retinoid.
HPR ((Hydroxy Pinacolone Retinoate) has the power of a high strength, super effective retinol, however, it is formulated to be slowly released so that it is delivered gently to the skin.
Also, as the serum comes in pre-measured capsules, you can’t go wrong with dosage which is something that often sabotages people’s retinol journeys.
My Review of Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules
I have been a long-time fan of Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Capsules collection. I previously tested the original retinol capsules with excellent results so I was very excited to try this next generation formula.
I have been absolutely addicted to results I have seen with the Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream, and if you are looking for a high powered Anti-Ageing moisturiser, consider these new capsules with the cream, as I have been doing. You can read more in my review.
I was thrilled to learn that the Retinol + HPR formula is now available in an even more potent serum format, and I couldn’t wait to start testing it. The Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum is incredible. It is formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin, and has twice the potent blend of the cream. Exciting!
So far, I have been testing Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum for about three weeks, and I didn’t think I could be more impressed with this than the moisturiser version, but it is literally taking my skin improvements to the next level.
I started out using it at nighttime under the Retinol + HPR Ceramide Cream and the next morning, I felt my skin looked smoother and more radiant. That was after just ONE capsule!! It’s quite unbelievable!
As I have continued to use this – I moved on to using the capsules twice a day quite quickly – the skin benefits have been cumulative. I have had absolutely no dryness or sensitivity and my skin is super glowy and radiant. I have also noticed an increase in how firm my skin feels, and I also think the tone and evenness of my skin is greatly improved.
One thing I have really noticed is that my pores are a lot less noticeable – even without makeup, and then with makeup they are practically invisible. As someone who is obsessed with enlarged pores, this is so good to see.
Another improvement is that, although I generally have pretty clear skin, I do suffer with a bit of congestion, which leads to a bumpy texture, on the sides of my chin. This area now feels noticeably smoother.
I have been absolutely thrilled with the results. What’s really great is that it is so easy to use. The dosage, which often causes problems when it comes to retinol use, is all sorted and I simply use a full capsule over my face and neck and allow it to sink it.
The texture delivers a very softly matte yet radiant finish to the skin, which works brilliantly with the matching moisturiser which is softly glowy. If you worry about looking too shiny, you will find that the serum and moisturiser together deliver the perfect skin finish. They both layer beautifully under SPF (which you mustn’t forget) and makeup sits perfectly on top.
After a few weeks of use, I am feeling supremely skin confident.
The Benefits of Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum
Within the Elizabeth Arden formula, the HPR is also combined with Pure Retinol for even more advanced Anti-Ageing results. The powerful actives are buffered by the inclusion of phytoceramides and bisabolol with oat, which strengthen the skin barrier and provide soothing benefits.
Alongside powerful peptides, this blend delivers the efficacy of retinol without the typical adverse reactions. This means I can use it every day, both day and night, and can fast track the results!
It is even gentle enough for first time Retinol users, although you may want to ease in, just to be extra safe. See below for more information on how to introduce this into your routine if you haven’t used Retinol before.
Each empty capsule is biodegradable, so there are no associated environmental risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the serum be used by first-time retinol users?
Yes, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules are very well suited to those that haven’t used retinol before thanks to its very clever gentle delivery system. It might be a good idea to introduce it more slowly if you are not used to Retinol. Here is Elizabeth Arden’s recommended use for doing this. (image right).
Is it safe to use the serum during the day?
Yes, this serum has been formulated for use both day and night. It contains antioxidants which means it provides you with protection against environmental aggressors throughout the day. You must ensure you use SPF daily as all types of Retinols make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
How does the serum benefit the skin compared to traditional retinoids?
This serum uses a unique blend of Retinol + HPR which has extremely clever technology that allow slow and gentle delivery of actives deep into the skin. This means you can use the product consistently without any of the downsides (peeling, inflammation) often associated with Retinol use.
Can I use this serum with other skincare products in my routine?
Yes, this serum is designed to be used day and night under your moisturiser.
How long does it take to see results from the serum?
You don’t have to wait long to see results as the formula contains a super potent pure retinol and HPR blend plus Peptides that increase collagen production along with ingredients that optimise the skin barrier. Most people will see skin improvements within one week of use.
Are there any side effects of using this serum?
Unlike regular retinol serums, this one has been formulated to deliver ingredients gently so that it is extremely well tolerated by the skin. You are very unlikely to see any dryness or irritation that many retinol products can induce.
Is the serum suitable for all skin types?
Yes, this serum is gentle enough for all skin types, including first time retinol users.
How often should I use the serum for optimal results?
This serum can be used twice per day for maximum benefit. If you have sensitive skin, or have not used retinol before, introduce it more slowly at the beginning before moving to twice daily use. See above for more information on this.
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