Dive Into the Gentler Approach to Retinoids

Buzzword beauty innovations like retinoids often get a bad rap for needing a mandatory skin “adjustment period,” and it’s not just a myth. If you have sensitive skin or skin that can’t tolerate retinoids, this could be your reality. Retinoids can are known to  cause irritation as your skin gets used to it, including a “sloughing off” period that occurs where your skin cells are renewing so intensely and so quickly that you’ll start to see visible irritation.

But did you know our botanical-based retinoid alternative is just as powerful for tackling fine lines and uneven texture and tones without the adjustment time or irritation or sensitivity to sunlight? Here’s everything you need to know about using this gentler retinoid alternative and including it in your everyday skincare routine.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Retinoids

Whether you’re using an over-the-counter retinoid or something your dermatologist prescribed, there’s typically going to be a skin adjustment period. Why? Because the ingredient immediately gets to work turning over cells on the skin’s surface. This means it’s removing any dead skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural process of healing itself, and increasing the skin’s collagen production. That sounds great initially, but becomes quite harsh on the skin itself. 

People who start using traditional retinoids experience an adjustment period where the skin can look extra dry, visibly flake off, and appear more red than usual. It can also make your skin more sensitive, as you might have a difficult time layering on other products without feeling burning, stinging, or even more dryness, which is the last thing you want when the cold and wind outside are already making your skin feel drier than the desert. 

But dealing with a drying and irritating retinoid isn’t the only way to get real skincare results fast. A gentle approach to skincare allows you to get all of the skin benefits without having to deal with peeling and redness. If you choose a retinoid alternative with plant-based antioxidants, acids, and hydrators, you can start the process of the same cell turnover without the downtime or sensitivity. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stick with clean, natural skincare products, or anyone who is retinoid intolerant or dealing with sensitive skin issues.

Gentle Yet Effective Solutions

Our founder, Dr. Thornfeldt, believes that you should be able to get visible skincare results without putting your skin through the ringer. When he developed the Epionce alternative, Lytic Tx, he discovered that when paired with the Epionce Renewal Facial Cream, the duo produces results that rival top traditional retinoids in clinical studies. Here’s how they work:

Lytic Tx Treatments – Smoothing and Refining

As a barrier-focused brand, our Lytic Tx products do three main things: improve skin texture, clear pores, and of course, support the skin’s barrier health. There are four different Lytic Tx options in the lineup, and the best one for you will depend on your skin’s type and your lifestyle. 

The Lytic Tx products use standout ingredients like willow bark extract, which is a botanical source of salicylic acid. You might recognize this ingredient from products targeted to blemish-prone skin, as it helps keep pores clear and free of clogs by gently exfoliating them. Orange fruit extract is a natural antioxidant, which means it can help shield the skin from free radical damage like pollution and UV rays. However, as a source of vitamin C, it will also help fade dark spots over time and boost the skin’s natural radiance. Avocado oil serves as a rich source of linoleic acid that both calms sensitive skin and hydrates it at the same time. Rose canina fruit oil helps firm up the skin while also reducing any irritation. Azelaic acid is well know for helping reduce visible redness in the skin, along with reducing visible dark spots. 

How to Find the Right Lytic Tx Treatment for Your Skin Type:

Lite Lytic Tx: Your best bet for dry or sensitive skin. The ingredients will vary slightly in each Lytic Tx formula, and the Lite option contains meadowfoam extract to hydrate the skin and give it a more rejuvenated appearance.

Lytic Tx: Considered the “regular” formula, it’s tailor-made for normal to combination skin, which is the most common skin type. 

Lytic Sport Tx: You know that grimy, slightly damp feeling that sits on your skin after a good workout? Or what about a constant, sticky feeling on your skin after spending time in a humid climate? Lytic Sport Tx is for anyone who lives an active lifestyle or lives in humid climates.

Lytic Plus Tx: If you seem to have constant issues with blemishes, you know that a maximum-strength product is necessary. The Lytic Plus Tx formula is for oily/blemish-prone skin, but with all of the non-harsh Epionce ingredients you love.

Of course, the key to getting results from any of our Lytic Tx formulas is by pairing them with other Epionce products that perfectly complement the formulas while extending its benefits. After you apply a Lytic Tx, your next step should be using a Renewal Facial Cream or Lotion.

Renewal Facial Products – Hydration and Barrier Support

Like peanut butter and jelly, any Lytic Tx treatment works best with its hydrating and barrier-supportive counterpart. When paired together, the Lytic Tx and  Renewal Facial Cream combo was clinically proven to reduce the visible appearance of aging and skin unevenness, leading retinoids in visible skin aging improvement. This was crucial to the launch of the product by Dr. Thornfeldt’s standards. Not only does the duo provide intense and visible benefits, but it also helps keep skin irritation-free as it’s introduced to new ingredients. 

Just like with the Lytic Tx treatments, there are different Renewal products to choose from, according to your skin’s type and needs. No matter which one you choose, each one will support the skin’s barrier, help reduce visible signs of skin aging, and provide superior hydration without irritation or dryness. Here are the different types to choose from:

Renewal Facial Cream: This is the moisturizer to reach for if you have dry or mature skin. It’s also great for the colder months of the year when skin is prone to dryness. 

Renewal Facial Lotion: This lightweight formula is perfect for year-round use if you have normal to combination-type skin. 

Renewal Lite Facial Lotion: Even lighter than the Renewal Facial Lotion, this nearly invisible-feeling, ultra-light formula is specifically formulated for oily or problem-prone skin. It’s also perfect for those extra hot and humid months when you feel like there’s a layer of sweat on your face.

How to Incorporate Epionce into Your Routine

To get started, you just need to know your skin’s type and skin goals. From there, you can make Lytix Tx and Renewal part of your daily routine.

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly to get rid of the day’s accumulation of gunk, dirt and makeup.
2. Apply the Lytic Tx product that aligns with your skin’s needs.
3. Wait 5–7 minutes for the product to absorb into the skin before moving on to the next step. This is key! Go start your laundry, make a soothing warm tea, or just (we won’t tell!) scroll through social media. How you spend this tiny chunk of time is up to you, but bonus points if you’re doing something relaxing to add to your calming routine.
4. Apply the Renewal Facial Cream or Lotion that aligns with your skin’s type and goals. 

This combo is the antidote to sensitive skin, and is an easy way to see fast, gentle results in your skin’s appearance.

This skincare routine is the barrier-focused approach to healthy, happy skin, and is the perfect routine to start in the winter since your skin won’t need the adjustment period it typically does with a retinoid. Get clear, brighter-looking skin without any painful dryness and/or irritation. 

Check out the full lineup of Epionce products if you want to expand your barrier-focused skincare journey and visit an Epionce professional near you to get personalized guidance and recommendations for your skincare products.