Chances are you’ve heard of retinol, but if you haven’t… its time to get acquainted. Retinol is somewhat of a magic skincare ingredient.
It has been hailed for helping a multitude of skin issues. Celebrities such as Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jenifer Lopez all swear by it for youthful looking skin.
However retinol can be intimidating. To make it easier to understand, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the what, how and why of retinol. Plus, our top retinol product picks.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, and can be considered the champion of skincare. It can be used on almost all skin types. There have been clinical trials showing that retinol improves skin cell turnover and minimizes the breakdown of collagen.
How does retinol work?
Vitamin A cannot be made by the body, therefore needs to be supplied through diet and skincare. The small molecules that make up retinol go deep beneath the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to dermis). Once inside, the retinol helps neutralise inside the skin and boost production of collagen and elastin. This creates a plumping effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Why should you use retinol?
Basically, because it reverses the signs of ageing, without using a supernatural or mythical spell or selling your first born child. But besides the anti-ageing part, retinol has also shown to help with skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dryness, rough skin texture, blemishes. It works well to keep pores unclogged, therefore reducing acne and scarring.
TOP TIPS for using retinol
- Only use retinol at night. It doesn’t react very well with the sun and can cause damage to your skin.
- Use sunscreen everyday. Again, retinol doesn’t react very well with the sun so even if you are using it at night you have to protect your face during the day.
- Start slow… use every other night and build up as your tolerance improves
- Higher concentration retinols are better for skin types that have built up a tolerance. If you are worried about starting, choose one of the lower concentration retinols mentioned.
Our Top Picks:
Aesthetics RX Skin Health Vitality – A Serum Retinol Restorative
Price: $119.00
Size: 30ml
Retinol percentage: 1% (higher concentration)
This lightweight serum is packed full of the highest concentration of retinol available over the counter (which is reflective in its price). It claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst also strengthening the skin’s epidermis. It also contains Ceramide 3, which is a lipid that reinforces the skins barrier function. It is fragrance free, and will provide a more vibrant, youthful complexion.
Boost Lab – Retinol Night Renewal Serum
Price: $29.95
Size: 30ml
Retinol percentage: (Retinoid- 2%) (higher concentration)
The BoostLab night serum is a supercharging serum that will work wonders on your skin while you sleep. It is mixed with a super hydrating formula, using aloe vera to moisturise skin and also calm and soothe skin. It is therefore ideal for people who want to try retinol but have sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay – Retinol B3 serum
Price: $69.99
Size: 30ml
Retinol Percentage: 0.3% (Lower concentration)
The La Roche Posay Retinol serum contains a combination of Pure Retinol (which works by instant release for instant results) and Gradual Retinol which works through progressive release for constant and improving results. After testing, their results showed a 19% reduction of fine lines. It is suitable for sensitive skin, and has a subtle chemical smell.
Spascriptions – Retinol Facial Serum
Price: $17.99
Retinol Percentage: Not Disclosed
Size: 50ml
The SpaScriptions retinol has been developed by a team of chemists to combine collagen and retinol for the perfect anti-ageing duo. It is a moisturising serum that claims to even skin tone, promote skin firming and minimise fine lines with consistent, daily use. It has no smell, and is suitable for all skin types.
Skinstitut Retinol Serum
Price: $49.00 (but you can find it cheaper on other websites)
Retinol Percentage: 0.25% active retinol (Lower concentration)
Size: 30ml
The skinstitut retinol comes in a gel form, made by the Skinstitut skin experts. You can feel safe using this retinol because it comes from experts who have forumalted it to preserve the retinols potency, but also calm and minimise any associated issue with the retinol. It also contains olive extract for anti-ageing properties. And did we mention it smells divine?
Esk evidence skin care – ultimate A
Price: $105.00
Size: 50ml
Retinal Percentage: 0.06% (lower concentration)
Ultimate A by cosmeceutical skincare brand, Evidence Skincare (ESK), comes in cream form and contains Retinal, a vitamin A derivative 20 times more potent than Retinol. Ideal for all skin types, including those traditionally sensitive to vitamin A, it is an effective treatment in the management of premature ageing, acne and pustular rosacea.
Formulated using peer-reviewed evidence, Ultimate A also combines Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide (vitamin B3) to gently exfoliate skin and maintain epidermal barrier function. Non-irritating, the creamy night-time emulsion actively diminishes fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone, pore size, pigmentation and lustre.
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