3 Step Formula for Keeping Skin Beautiful: 1. Protect 2.Repair 3.Enhance

The 3 step routine given below is the essential foundation to keeping your skin young

1. The first step in any skin care routine is ‘Protection’.

We need to protect the collagen and elastin in our skin from breaking down. Collagen is a protein that serves as a major building block for your skin, providing structure, elasticity, and firmness.

Main Reasons for Breakdown of Collagen are

• UV rays of the Sun
• Environmental Pollution
• Smoking
• Diet and Stress

UV rays of the sun is the No. 1 cause of breakdown of collagen in the skin. Collagen keeps our skin young looking. Spending money on advanced serums and creams wont help if the basic step of 'Protecting' the collagen isnt done.

Use a good quality sunscreen with protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays of the skin. UV-A rays can even penetrate glass windows and are also present on cloudy days. UV-A rays are also referred to as the Aging rays as their effects on the skin are mostly irreversible. Make sure your sunscreen is rated PA+++ for UV-A rays.

UV-B rays also referred to as Burning rays as they tend to peel off the skin. Their effects are somewhat reversible and are not permanent unless the exposure is extremely severe. Make sure you use a good quality sunscreen rated SPF50 at-least for optimal protection. Its important to re-apply sunscreen after 3 hours.

There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens and physical (mineral) sunscreens. Each type works differently to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

1. Chemical Sunscreens:

   • Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds such as avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
   • These compounds absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
   • Chemical sunscreens typically provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
   • They tend to be more lightweight and easier to apply compared to physical sunscreens.

2. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens:

   • Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
   • These minerals form a physical barrier on the skin's surface that reflects and scatters UV radiation away from the skin.
   • Physical sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
   • They are often recommended for individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
   • Physical sunscreens can leave a white cast on the skin, which some people may find undesirable.

Both types of sunscreen are effective at protecting your skin from sun damage when used properly. It's important to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Additionally, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily, and to use other sun protection measures such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

2. The second step is to Repair by Reducing ROS in the skin

ROS stands for Reactive Oxygen Species.

Sun rays, environmental pollution and normal aging produce ROS in our skin. In India, most days are very sunny with a lot of UV rays and the AQI in most cities remains around 400 which significantly damages our skin

Fibroblast cells in the skin produce collagen as well as elastin to keep skin young. If collagen and elastin is produced in good quantities then our skin will look young. ROS damages the fibroblasts and reduce their ability to produce collagen and elastin. Overtime fibroblasts stop producing collagen and elastin. Our skin thus starts getting wrinkles, looks dull and start getting dark spots.

We need good quality anti-oxidants in our serum to reduce the amount of ROS in skin. The Qivi Retinol Serum,we use the most effective botanical anti-oxidants. Besides using Green Tea and Resveratrol, we also use NMN (an active form of Vitamin B3) which has shown great promise in reducing ROS in various clinical trials. 

3. The third step is Enhance

Retinols have over 30 years of clinical data supporting their skin repair benefits and is the fastest way to repair aged skin.

Retinol is special type of Vitamin A which helps the fibroblasts in increasing collagen and elastin and repair the skin cells fibroblasts. Retinol reduce fine lines, reduce pore size, increase skin thickness, reduce acne etc. However, retinols above a certain amount can cause redness and irritation to people with sensitive skin. Qivi Retinol Serum besides using normal retinol also uses a plant-based retinol called Bakuchiol which does not irritate the skin and can safely be used in higher quantities.

Its best to use a retinol-based serum at night time for optimal results

Qivi Retinol Serum is formulated to take care of Step 2 and Step 3 in a single serum and make your skin routine simpler and more effective.