What is Retinol? It is Vitamin A derivative that is an anti-ageing miracle. Retinol combats wrinkles, lines, folds and a loss of firmness by stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Retinol has also been proven to improve skin clarity and texture, promote anti-pigmentation plus demonstrate anti-acne and pore-minimizing effects, all leading to a more youthful skin appearance and a healthy boost. Retinol is also added to some acne products, because they work to unclog blocked pores and prevent further build-up, retinol prepares the skin for further acne-fighting ingredients, helping eliminate the root of a breakout. Using retinol helps increase cell turnover. Basically, it tells your skin cells to renew themselves regularly again. Amazing stuff.
Retinol can cause some irritation on sensitive skin and dryness so you will need a good moisturiser/ oil/ serum that will add maximum moisture back into your skin. Retinol should be used at night time as it can work best whilst you sleep as it recommended to be used only at night as it can make your skin very sensitive in the day time. Be sure to wear an SPF in the day time to ensure your skin has maximum protection.
How to apply Retinol?
Retinol application should be phased in gradually. Start with products that have a lower % of retinol such as the Retinol Cream, this is great to address the first signs of ageing. An amazing starter product is the Medik8 1TR cream. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, and then every night once your skin is used to the product. if your skin reacts and find retinol too much, stop using it immediately.
The 1 TR cream as mentioned is a good start product however, if you are older and your skin is ageing more you may need a bit of extra help or you wish to up the amount of Retinol for your skin as you have been using it for a while you can introduce higher % of Retinol into your skin.
What other products to use?
Medik8 Retinol 3 /6 /10 TR Serum– are optimized serums containing 0.3/6/10% encapsulated all-trans retinol in its purest. Start with the weaker serum (3) and build it up gradually as mentioned to the other serums in the range such as the 6TR and the 10TR over time for maximum anti – ageing benefits. By applying your Retinol in a serum form, it can be followed with a moisturiser so your skin does not become dry.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum– This anti-ageing serum quickly and visibly minimises the appearance of lines and deep wrinkles, whilst helping to firm and even skin tone, to reveal dramatically younger-looking skin. Apply a thin layer under your moisturiser.
Ren Skincare Bio Retinoid Anti Wrinkle Concentrate Oil– Combats the appearance of wrinkles, imperfections and age spots leaving the complexion visibly younger, smoother and brighter without the irritating effects of synthetic Retinol. At night, warm 5 drops in the palm of your hand and apply by gently patting over the face, neck and decollete. An oil is a good way to ensure the skin remains hydrated.
Dermalogica AGE Smart Overnight Retinol Repair– Concentrated customisable treatment.
Powerful treatment cream accelerates skin renewal and reduces the appearance of skin aging overnight. For best results, mix one part Overnight Retinol Repair with up to three parts Buffer Cream and apply to cleansed skin at night, when cell renewal is at its prime. Once your skin is acclimated, you may use Overnight Retinol Repair alone, prior to or mixed with your prescribed Dermalogica moisturizer.
Ren Skincare Bio Retinoid Anti Ageing Cream – A breakthrough anti ageing cream that delivers retinol results without irritation while enhancing skin vitality and radiance.
Deeply nourishing and hydrating it will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles leaving skin looking smoother, firmer, more even toned and radiant.
Medik8 Retinol 10 TR Balm– A powerful and rich yet super-fast absorbing vitamin A balm that rejuvenates skin at its most optimal time, at night. A great product for those who do not like a serum texture on your skin but still require a higher % of retinol in their products.
We also have Retinol products which are designed for the eye area but have the same amazing effects –
Medik8 Retinol Eye TR Serum – Under-Eye Night Serum. formulated retinol serum for use in the delicate under-eye area. Containing highly stable, encapsulated all-trans retinol at 0.1% concentration, Retinol Eye TR melts into the skin and leaves a non-greasy powder dry finish. It does not irritate like regular retinol products because of the unique time-release (TR) formula.
Dermalogica AGE Smart Age Reversal Eye Complex – Designed for mature or prematurely-aging skin around the eye area.
0.1% Microencapsulated Retinol for fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles. Targets concerns of the eye area, primarily wrinkles and crow’s feet plus puffiness, dark circles due to hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity due to dehydration.
