A Skin Guide You’ll Actually Understand
If you’ve ever scrolled through skincare feeds, you’ve probably seen the buzzwords: retinol, retinal, peptides, retinoids. Everyone is talking about them. But what do they actually do? And more importantly, when should you start using them?
Skincare can feel confusing. At KAILO Medispa, our goal is to educate and empower. Our skin therapist, Tiana, breaks it down so you never have to feel unsure about what your skin truly needs.
What Are Retinoids?
“Retinoid” is the umbrella term for all Vitamin A derivatives in skincare. Retinoids are renowned for supporting collagen production, skin cell turnover, and overall skin vitality, key factors for healthy, resilient skin.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Retinol – The most common over-the-counter form. Gradually converted into the active form your skin can use. Ideal for starting your Vitamin A journey.
- Retinal (Retinaldehyde) – More potent than retinol, works faster with less conversion. Can be suitable for some sensitive skin types.
- Prescription retinoids – The strongest category, prescribed for targeted concerns like acne or advanced signs of aging.
Why it matters: Retinoids don’t just reduce fine lines. They support the skin’s natural structure, improving firmness, hydration, and long-term resilience.
What About Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin.
They work as messengers, signalling your skin to repair, strengthen, and maintain elasticity.
- Gentle yet effective: Peptides can complement retinoids without irritation.
- Versatile: Suitable for most skin types and can be layered into existing routines.
Why it matters: By encouraging collagen and elastin production, peptides help your skin stay firmer, smoother, and more resilient, even as you age.
When Should You Start?
A common question we hear: “Am I too young or too old for retinoids or peptides?”
- Born in the 90s or earlier? Now is a great time to start. Early adoption helps maintain collagen, skin elasticity, and long-term resilience.
- Never too late: Skin can benefit from these ingredients at any age. You can always improve texture, firmness, and radiance. It will be supporting both how your skin looks and how it functions.
Benefit: Investing in a consistent routine now doesn’t just prevent future lines. It keeps your skin strong, healthy, and better able to recover from environmental stressors.
How to Use Retinoids & Peptides Wisely
Start slowly: Introduce retinol or retinal a few times a week, gradually increasing frequency as your skin adapts.
Sun protection is essential: Vitamin A derivatives can increase sun sensitivity. Daily SPF is non-negotiable.
Combine thoughtfully: Peptides can often be used alongside retinoids for extra support. A professional can tailor the combination to maximize results and minimize irritation.
Professional Recommendations for Your Routine
At KAILO Medispa, we use carefully selected products from trusted brands to support collagen, skin elasticity, and overall skin health. Some of our recommended products include:
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 / 0.5 / 1.0 – Gradual, effective retinol options to strengthen skin structure and reduce fine lines.
- SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50 – Protects skin from UVA/UVB rays known to cause damage and premature ageing.
- SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Peptide Serum regulate, rebuild and strengthen the skin, bringing the skin back into balance – Needle-free peptide serum targeting expression lines and promoting a radiant “glass skin” finish.
- DMK Revitosin – regulate, rebuild and strengthen the skin, bringing the skin back into balance.
Tip: Your therapist can help determine the best combination and frequency based on your skin type, concerns, and goals, ensuring safe and effective results.
A Holistic Approach: Inside & Out
Topical actives are powerful, but skincare isn’t just surface-level. Supporting skin from within complements external treatments.
- Collagen supplementation from KAILO Nutrition works in harmony with retinoids and peptides to support skin firmness, hydration, and overall vitality.
- The combination of internal and external support is the ultimate way to maintain a youthful, healthy, resilient complexion over time.
Benefit: Your skin isn’t just “looking better”. It’s functioning better, recovering faster, and more resilient to daily stressors.
Final Thoughts
Skincare should never feel confusing or intimidating. Understanding what each ingredient does, how it works, and when to start allows you to take empowered steps toward long-term skin health.
Book a consultation with our therapists at KAILO Medispa to discover your personalised routine. Together, we’ll design a plan tailored to your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle, so you can invest in the skin you’ll love today and for years to come.
