RETINOL FOR SKIN

Retinol is a type of vitamin A added to skincare products to target various skincare concerns, including ageing skin, blemishes and persistent breakouts, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture. It’s found in skincare products like creams, gels and serums, varying in concentration and potency.

Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives work at a cellular level, promoting skin cell turnover and promoting collagen production to address various skin concerns. By penetrating deeper layers of the skin, retinol can target anti-ageing skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, as well as uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

Retinol benefits the skin by supporting the skin cell renewal process and promoting collagen production to reveal fresher, supple, more youthful-looking skin. Retinol can be used to address ageing skin, breakouts and hyperpigmentation.

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol speeds up and supports the skin cell renewal process, revealing fresher skin.
• Improves skin elasticity and suppleness: Comparative clinical studies indicate that retinol serum promotes the skin's collagen production (based on comparative clinical studies, Z. Draelos, R. Peterson, 2020).
• Reduces breakouts: Retinol products help reduce excess sebum production and help clear away dead skin cells that clog pores.
• Reduces hyperpigmentation: By speeding up the skin cell cycle to clear away surface level spots and redness retinol helps with the breakdown of pigment cells that cause hyperpigmentation.

Retinol is often used in skincare as an anti-ageing ingredient, but also addresses blemishes, excess sebum production and hyperpigmentation. Retinol comes in serum, cream or gel form. Creams and gels are usually formulated with other complementary ingredients, while retinol serums are a more concentrated formula that can better penetrate the skin to provide quicker results.

If you're just starting retinol, gradually introduce the product, ideally starting with a lower concentration. Use retinol 1-2 times a week before increasing the frequency to once a day. Apply during your evening skincare routine and always follow with a hydrating moisturiser to balance out retinol’s drying effects. 

You can use retinol with other active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for different benefits. 

Retinol and vitamin C

Retinol and vitamin C work in unison to both reduce visible signs of ageing skin and prevent premature ageing. Vitamin C protects from harmful free radicals that damage the skin while also supporting retinol's ability to promote skin cell renewal.

Retinol and hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps to restore moisture for more supple, plumper skin.  When used in unison with retinol, the two ingredients help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while supporting a strong skin moisture barrier and a more even skin texture.

Retinol and niacinamide

Retinol and niacinamide work to target anti-ageing skin concerns like wrinkles, skin texture and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide helps to tighten pores, visibly fade dark spots and soothe the skin, while retinol supports the skin cell turnover for clearer, tighter skin. 

If you're using retinol for the first time, you might notice redness, dry skin and some irritation, but you should be able to alleviate these effects with hydrating skincare products. Retinol also increases the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure, which is why nighttime application is recommended, in addition to a daily sunscreen. Side effects should go away within a couple months, but if irritation persists, decrease the frequency of use. Healthcare professionals also advise against using retinol during pregnancy. 

Yes, retinol is a vitamin A derivative, like retinoids or retinoic acid.

Retinol and retinoids are both derivatives of vitamin A. The term “retinoid” is usually used to refer to more potent prescription medications, while retinol is a milder, over-the-counter formula.