Slow and Steady: How to Start
At Body Basic, we believe that healthy skin starts with a smart strategy. Retinoids are incredibly effective, but starting too strong can backfire — leading to redness, flaking, and irritation.
We recommend easing into your retinoid journey with the Kalahari Phyto-ceutical skincare range, which features:
- Retinyl Palmitate: A gentle, slow-release form of Vitamin A, perfect for beginners.
- Natural plant-based Retin-alts (see below).
After 6–8 weeks of use, your skin will have built enough tolerance to take the next step — Vitamin A Booster Treatment, containing 1% Retinyl Palmitate. This is an ideal transition product before introducing more potent forms of retinoids. After that you can up your Vitamin A game by incorporating the CF Ceutical Pro-aesthetic range of products.
Prescription Retinoids: Proceed with Caution
Jumping straight into a prescription-strength retinoid like Tretinoin (Retin-A) or Tazarotene without prepping your skin can cause:
- Overstimulation
- Peeling and flacking
- Inflammation
- Redness and irritation
Even some over-the-counter formulas with high doses of Retinol or Retinaldehyde can overwhelm unprepared skin.
So remember: treat your retinoid journey like training for a marathon — don’t sprint before you’ve stretched.
Retin-Alts: Plant-Based Vitamin A that Mimics Retinol.
Did you know that Retin-alts are natural ingredients that mimic the action of Retinol, but with little to no irritation. These Pro-Vitamin A ingredients include:
- Bakuchiol
- Rosehip Oil
- Astaxanthin
- Sea Buckthorn Oil
- Carrot Oil
- Resveratrol
You’ll find many of these in both the K Phyto-ceutical and CF Ceutical skincare lines.
Level Up: CF Ceutical Range
Once your skin is ready, take your skincare to the next level with our CF Ceutical pro-aesthetic range, featuring advanced retinoids and high-performance formulations.
Key Products:
- Glyco Cleanse: Bakuchiol & Rosehip Oil (gentle, non-converting Retin-alts)
- Exo-eye Serum: Bakuchiol & Sea Buckthorn Extract (brightening + anti-ageing)
- Regen+ Serum: Bakuchiol (daily antioxidant support)
- Tetra Serum:
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) – a next-gen retinoid that works without conversion, delivering visible results with minimal irritation.
- Also contains Rosehip & Sea Buckthorn oils for added soothing benefits.
- CeraPep Balm: Hydrating formula with HPR for barrier support and anti-ageing action.
What Can Retinoids Do For You?
Retinoids are multitasking powerhouses. Here’s what they can help with:
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
- Boosting collagen production
- Fading hyperpigmentation
- Treating acne by unclogging pores
- Soothing inflammation (in the case of conditions like psoriasis)
Bonus: They’re powerful antioxidants — protecting skin from free radical damage that accelerates ageing.
How Do Retinoids Work on the Skin?
Once applied, Vitamin A derivatives are transformed into retinoic acid, which then:
- Binds to receptors on skin cells
- Increases cell turnover
- Regulates sebum production
- Promotes healthier, more even-toned skin
Effectiveness depends on two main factors:
- Concentration – higher percentages deliver stronger results, but also come with more risk of irritation.
- Stability – more stable formulas are longer-lasting and less likely to degrade.
- Article Sponsored by Frank Global
