“Terms,
Considerations,
& Expectations.”

With great power comes great responsibility. And when using retinol—especially in a more potent concentration like Software Update, our new Performance Retinol Serum—there is a learning curve.

We want to ensure you’re aware of retinol’s terms, considerations, and expectations so your introduction is as seamless as possible.

Intrinsic aging—when the processes that happen automatically in our bodies begin to buffer and moderate—is tied to genetics and starts in our 20s. Among these processes is collagen production, which undergoes a gradual slowdown, diminishing by approximately 1% each subsequent year. But why is collagen even important? This protein makes up about 90% of our skin (as well as hair, muscles, bones, and more)—providing skin the structural support to keep it lifted and plump. While aging is a natural process, it can be sped up even further due to UV exposure, pollution, diet, and lifestyle habits (such as smoking)—AKA extrinsic aging.

Effects from both of these start to become visible in our 30s to 40s, when skin starts to lose its elasticity, creating fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, experts recommend starting to incorporate retinol—a star ingredient in speeding up collagen production and skin cell turnover, helping with the cosmetic appearance of these skin aging signs—as a preventative measure in our mid-20s.

Although retinol has become ubiquitous in facial skincare routines this past decade, frequently exposed areas of the body such as neck, chest, arms, legs and hands are often forgotten in this collagen quest. Not to worry—Soft Services is here to serve.

Our newest retinol product, Software Update, is an all-over body performance serum. It has been specifically formulated to address skin aging concerns at a concentration efficacious for the body and can be topically used anywhere from the neck down.

Considerations for successful implementation:

Software Update was created to be used alongside your moisturizer of choice¹ in your nighttime routine.

1. We recommend Carea Cream as a layering companion since it’s lightweight yet deeply moisturizing. The inclusion of 10% urea will also help with gently sloughing off any dead skin build-up sitting at the surface of your skin.

As with all new skincare, we suggest a patch test before introducing it into your routine.

Use Software Update once a week to start, and gradually work up to 4 nights a week, or as tolerated by your skin. Use a thin layer of the serum on concern areas (such as neck, chest, arms, hips, stomach, butt), and follow up with moisturizer, or use the sandwich method². 

2. The sandwich method: If you have sensitive skin or are a retinol beginner, consider the sandwich application method—apply your body moisturizer first, then a layer of Software Update, and if you have dry skin, add on an extra layer of moisturizer on top. This helps buffer the direct contact of retinol with skin, allowing it to sink in slowly, and also helps counteract the drying side effects of retinol.

After your skin acclimates³ to Software Update, you can reintroduce other Soft Services treatment products into your routine (Buffing Bar, Smoothing Solution, Clearing Mist), though we recommend using them on alternate nights to minimize the chance of irritation. 

3. During the acclimation period, discontinue use of other active treatments. Experiencing flakey skin, dryness, congestion and breakouts is normal during the first 4-6 weeks of use, this is also known as ‘purging.’ After this period, skin normally settles down. However, if you develop irritation in the form of a rash, burn, prolonged redness or if skin feels painful to the touch, please discontinue use and let us know.

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