![before and after acne transformation](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/b_a_{height}x{width}.png?v=1706290012)
Acne free after a decade struggling with breakouts
If you have sensitive, acne prone or just dull skin - please try January Labs out you won't regret it!![A Nutritionist's journey to healing her skin!](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_20231204_103739_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1704986545)
A Nutritionist's journey to healing her skin!
Since then, I’ve added more of their products into my routine. It’s so refreshing to find skincare that is clean, actually effective, and I trust to recommend to friends, family, and clients. This is my absolute favourite skincare line, and trust me, I've tried lots!!![The Love/Hate Relationship With Retinol](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/January_Labs_Sleep-26_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1646773698)
The Love/Hate Relationship With Retinol
For all of its wonders, retinol sure can be irritating, especially when opting for prescription strength retinoids. While 'Retinol' has a reputation for being a 'fountain of youth', it's also known to be aggravating, especially for sensitive or sensitized skin. Even with all of the data, research and articles, Vitamin A products are still widely misunderstood. Let’s break it down.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin and is essential for improving cellular turnover which slows down as we age. It stimulates collagen production and in effect, exfoliates the outer layer of skin to help improve tone, texture, pigmentation and reduce breakouts. Retinol use is not just for older people, it's beneficial to use even in your twenties!
One of the confusing aspects of Vitamin A products is knowing the difference between prescription retinoids and an over the counter option. Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are the most powerful Vitamin A options and require a trip to the dermatologist. They are more powerful and faster-acting than OTC retinol products but are not formulated with any buffering or nurturing ingredients. So while they are stronger, the downside is that there will be a period where the skin may burn and be red, dry, tight, flaky and usually broken out. Unfortunately, this period can be so challenging, it often leads to discontinuing its use, even after paying for an office visit and prescription.
With retinol products, our body converts the Vitamin A into retinoic acid, so it does work more slowly than prescription retinoids. We view this as a positive because even though it may take longer, you’ll be more apt to stick with it because the downsides are minimized.
It’s All In The Formulation
This is where the retinol formulation really comes into play. Since we know that prescription strength (and even strong OTC) options can be irritating, formulating with nurturing and soothing ingredients is a key to succeeding with retinol. When we set out to formulate our Triple Active Reclaiming Serum, the main goal was to ensure its effectiveness for all skin types–especially sensitive skin. It had to deliver all of the proven benefits of retinol (collagen and elastin building, wrinkle smoothing, spot fading, acne fighting) without all the irritation that prompts people to quit using it before they can see the benefits. We added a clinical level of Niacinamide (strengthens skin, reduces redness, inflammation and collagen breakdown) and Vitamin C (to maximize and stabilize the benefits of retinol) along with Gorgonian Extract (a natural and renewable marine organism that’s clinically proven in the care of sensitive and sensitized skin to help repair compromised skin, address signs of aging, reduce inflammation and protect skin from irritation) along with a touch of lactic acid for an instant glow and aloe, sodium PCA and other nurturing ingredients for barrier protection.
After over a year in development and trials, we opted for a very specific type of retinol called RetiSTAR®. It is a sophisticated stabilized retinol that is highly effective for the care of aging skin and prevention of photo-aging. Most signs of skin aging – wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, loss in elasticity – are avoidable. They are almost entirely the result of the way we live and the environment we live in. Retinol use improves barrier function and helps retain skin moisture and has a normalizing effect on skin pigmentation. Retinol not only improves the appearance of existing wrinkles, it also helps to prevent wrinkles.
Getting Started
When? Use in the evenings starting with two or three times a week and increasing frequency as your skin adjusts.
How? Apply one or two pumps on dry, cleansed skin. Follow with Moisture Renew Cream to lock in moisture. Be sure to use SPF during the day.
Most dermatologists agree that Vitamin A products should not be used while pregnant or nursing. There are some that believe that the concentrations in OTC products are not a problem, but we recommend consulting with your doctor.
Triple Active Reclaiming Serum
Deluxe Retinol Regimen (+ watch January's How-To's!)
![Lactic Acid: A Key to Clear, Glowing Skin](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/Before_After_Breakout_Kit_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1626724474)
Lactic Acid: A Key to Clear, Glowing Skin
Learn why this acid is the favorite for sensitive, mature or acne-prone skin.![Q & A with TyLynn Nguyen](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/image1-3_{height}x{width}.jpeg?v=1511821814)
Q & A with TyLynn Nguyen
Meet TyLynn Nguyen. An influential force in fashion and beauty who is gracefully balancing motherhood, family, her lingerie line and taking life in stride.Caroline Hiron's, 'The Queen of Skincare' Launches Summer Kit
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January Labs founder, January Olds, has often referred to Caroline as her 'skincare Oprah' because of the support she's given January Labs over the years. Caroline's endorsement has the independent skincare company gain both awareness and a cult following. For brands like January Labs, being selected to participate in one of Caroline's curated boxes is an acknowledgement that the formulations and products are on point.
Choosing skincare and finding the right regimen for skin concerns can often be intimidating and expensive. When Caroline selects products for her kits, you know they've been through an in-depth review and evaluation process. For Caroline's faithful following, they know they can count on her to tell it like it is – both good and bad (she doesn't tolerate the marketing mumbo jumbo that can make skincare so confusing).
Caroline's best selling book, Skincare: The Ultimate No Nonsense Guide has won the Non-Fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year 2021 (British Book Awards) and was a long standing #1 on the Sunday Times bestseller list. In it, she lays out how to properly take care of your skin as well as what not to do. She also features brands and products that she has put her stamp of approval on.
Several January Labs products have made their way to Caroline's radar; with Daily Brightening Tonic topping Caroline's 'Most Clicked' list, Restorative Tonic Mist landing on the pages of her book, Skincare and Moisture Balancing Lotion as the lovely plant based moisturizer.
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Q&A with Melissa Wood Health
Health and beauty are the moving forces behind January Labs so it is no surprise that when I learned about Melissa Wood I was thrilled to have a chance to speak with her. In an age where balance can feel seemingly impossible, there is a noticeable shift and an impressive can-do attitude when looking at (and getting to know) Melissa Wood. As a model turned certified health and wellness coach and new mother, the wide range of insight that poured out from this powerhouse of a woman felt natural, inspiring and incredibly sincere.
And while it’s clear Melissa’s mark into what feels like a lifestyle based on overall wellness, her mission has undoubtedly affected anyone who has come across her and her platform. Just hearing from her, one get’s the notion, nothing is impossible if you are connected to your truest self, which is your best self.
Below, learn even more as she shares with us some of her beauty must-haves, personal and professional inspirations in her life and how overall, she established space for women seeking to live their best and most whole lives and more importantly, how she equips such a mindset.
January Olds: How would you describe your style?
Melissa Wood: I would describe my style as sophisticated but comfy. In everything I wear, I always try to find comfort while looking put together.
JO: Do you have any daily rituals that you can't live without?
MW: Absolutely.
- Reminding myself of what I'm grateful for in the morning
- Reading my lesson in A Course In Miracles daily
- Meditation
- Mornings with my kids
JO: What are your must-have beauty products?
MW:I am a beauty product junkie. I moved to New York as a makeup artist and if you saw my bathroom, you would see there is no shortage of beauty products. I've been using your Daily Brightening Tonic for two months now and I couldn't imagine my life without this now. I turned my team on to this and they both love it. I use RMS Beauty products. I love the creamy, natural look that RMS Beauty gives. I also live for a really good mascara-- I love Dior Show.
JO: What is your go-to workout?
MW: My go-to workout style is a yoga/ pilates style sequencing that I share on my Fitner App channel.
JO: You are literally the picture of health....what lead you to this line of work?
MW: That is so sweet- thank you so much. That means a lot to me. What lead me to this line of work was feeling the complete opposite of this almost all of my life. From struggling with acne, anxiety and an eating disorder, I finally decided to take a deeper look inside to see what was really going on with me.
JO: What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
MW: Reading all the messages and feedback everyone gives me is by far the most exciting part. I literally cry reading some of the messages I receive about helping people change their life. I am constantly moved by the kindness people share both on my Instagram and especially with the re-launch of my website.
JO: Who has been most inspirational to you in your work and life?
MW: My husband has really inspired me to get clear with myself and to spend less time talking about what I want to do, and more time doing it. I also don't go a week without either watching one of Marianne Williamson's lectures or reading from her books. She is a constant life inspiration for me.
JO: What advice would you give to other women you wish someone would have told you?
MW: Spend less time going with the flow of the crowd, focus less on doing things just because your friends are. Try to avoid things that don't bring you pure joy and happiness. Simply put, be your own person.
Q&A with Michele Ouellet
When we encounter women who’ve succeeded in establishing a career they are proud to call their own, we want to know more. When we meet women who’ve created a life around two different paths—and successfully, we are in awe and need to know more.
Michele Ouellet is a model turned winemaker and when she is not found gracing the pages of J.Crew and Madewell, she is running a wine business—also known as Lorenza Wine Company with her business partner (and mom) up in Northern California. This Napa Valley native shares with us what it looks like to merge two artful passions into one very fascinating (and busy) life.
January Olds: How would you describe your personal style?
Michele Ouellet: Always changing. Rock n roll, 70s tomboy, sporty, classic, girly. I'm Gemini so you never know what you gonna get!
JO: What is a daily ritual that you can't live without?
MO: Moisturizing!!!
JO: What are your must-have beauty products you keep on hand?
MO: January Labs Moisture Balancing Lotion is my newest and most favorite discovery lately! I love Clarins beauty balm for under eyes and glossier boy brow for a really low maintenance everyday look.
JO: Describe something you find beautiful.
MO: I'm so in love with nature. I love greenery of all kind. Succulents, palms, moss, ferns, weeping willows. Rainbows make me outrageously excited.
JO: What is the last city you visited that fascinated you?
MO: Siena! It's a gorgeous ancient Italian city with amazing churches. One even has the real head of St. Catherine enshrined. Each neighborhood there is signified by a different animal like dragons, panthers, unicorns etc! They have the famous Palio horse race there where the different neighborhoods race against each other.
JO: Do you live by any rules?
MO: I'm all about the power of positivity so as a rule I try to see the best of all situations.
JO: Do you have a personal mantra? If so, what is it?
MO: Stay fresh, be kind, keep learning, follow your heart and speak your truth!
JO: Most people would be surprised to know that ......
MO: I get my best ideas on the plane.
JO: What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
MO: Launching Lorenza Rosé and watching it grow into a thriving business with a life of its own!
JO: As a woman who has achieved so much, how important has the support of other women been to your career?
MO: My mom has played a huge part in supporting me in all my ventures. And when we started Lorenza together that has gone to the next level! I work with so many incredible women in both of my careers
JO: Who has been most inspirational to you in your work and life?
MO: I have amazing strong women in my family who I am very close to. They inspire me to operate on a high level and to go for anything I want to achieve.
JO: What advice would you give to other women you wish someone would have told you?
MO: I think I actually took too much advice from people when I was younger. My advice to other women is to listen to yourself! Trust your gut, no one knows better.
JO: What is the biggest similarity between fashion and wine to you?
MO: Both fashion and wine have the ability to elevate an experience. They can both be basic and generic or transcend to a work of art that inspires and excites. Of course I'm more interested in the latter!
JO: When did you first realize the art of wine impacted you?
MO: Growing up in Napa, wine has always been a presence in my life. Something I took for granted at one point. Now it's something to learn about, explore and enjoy for the rest of my life! Working on Lorenza Rosé for the past 9 years has been a huge learning experience and I've grown up along with the brand. So grateful for the opportunity to work with such a beautiful medium.
![Q & A with Carley Roney](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/141022.all.9447-2_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1526507283)
Q & A with Carley Roney
A chat with author, visionary and co-founder of The Knot![Q & A with Jane Larkworthy](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_A4F1AEEF1C61-1_{height}x{width}.jpeg?v=1587506104)
Q & A with Jane Larkworthy
Provocative, gutsy and real. Meet one of the Beauty Industry's Grande Dames, Jane Larkworthy.![Q&A with Mariel Hemingway](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/MH_-2_5e07ec28-741e-4ec9-bde7-8632f39239d3_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1516084626)
Q&A with Mariel Hemingway
Actress, author, activist, and entrepreneur — we had the privilege to visit with the lovely Mariel Hemingway.![Q & A with Dangene](http://www.januarylabs.com/cdn/shop/articles/Dangene_232-2_{height}x{width}.jpg?v=1521059681)