Skincare demystified: Everything you need to know about retinol
What is retinol? Well, if you think it sounds like something Harry Potter would say in a duel with Voldemort, you wouldn't be wrong but we're here to help. Retinol is a key ingredient to know if you're looking to improve your skin, so, listen up because we're here to be your very own Professor Dumbledore and guide you through every step of your skincare overhaul.
If your current skincare concerns include fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, uneven skin tone and texture, then you may want to consider adding a retinol cream or serum to your routine.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, an ingredient that promotes skin renewal and enhances collagen production (which starts to decline from the age of 25). As well as lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, retinol can also reverse some of the side effects of sun damage.
So, how can you introduce retinol into your skincare routine? We sat down with Daniel Isaacs, Formulation & Development Director at Medik8, to find out.
At what age should you start using retinol?
"Retinol, or vitamin A, is best for 30+ skin with fine lines and wrinkles, however, you can start using retinol younger if you want to. Younger skin types may not see the effects as much as older skin types as they have fewer age concerns, however, prevention is better than cure.
"Retinol can enhance collagen production to prevent the formation of future lines and wrinkles. Combined with a high SPF and vitamin C in the morning, you are setting yourself up for great skin for life."
At what stage in your routine should you apply retinol?
"It depends on the format of the retinol product you are using. Most retinol products come in serum form, however some are in easy-to-use cream formulas. Always apply retinol products at night, as sunlight can diminish their power.
"For serums, apply straight after cleansing to get the most benefit from the vitamin A and layer a moisturiser over the top if you feel you need more hydration. There are no specific ingredients you should avoid when using retinol, but try to only use one product with vitamin A in your skincare routine, to control how much you apply to your skin."
What is a good introductory retinol product?
"Retinol products should be phased in gradually into your routine as initially they can cause some irritation due to an overwhelming amount of vitamin A being added to your skin.
"Therefore, for the first two weeks of using the serum apply it twice a week. For the next two weeks apply it every other night and from then on apply it every evening. If you feel your skin is irritated by this, drop down a step to allow your skin to naturally adjust to the higher levels of vitamin A in its system. When your skin is fully adjusted to this strength of retinol, try out a slightly stronger formula."
What improvements should we see in our skin after introducing retinol?
"Retinol has a multitude of benefits. It is able to enhance the production of collagen and stop it from being broken down. This leads to firmer, plumper skin with diminished fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol can also speed up the skin cell regeneration cycle, which encourages a smoother, more even complexion.
"Finally, retinol can stop the process which makes pigment in the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation for a bright and even skin tone. You should start to notice a difference after 4 weeks, but significant skin changes could take up to 3 months."
Can you use acid exfoliators at the same time as retinol products?
"It's a myth that retinol cannot be used with exfoliating acids, AHAs and BHAs, because they both exfoliate the skin. In fact, retinol and AHAs work on different levels within the skin.
"Retinols stimulate cellular renewal to produce new skin cells, while AHAs slough off the top layer of skin cells to reveal fresh ones beneath. They can actually work in conjunction to promote a healthy, even skin tone and texture."
Is retinol suitable for all skin types?
"All skin types normally benefit from adding a retinol into their nighttime routine. Even blemish-prone skins can benefit from the power of vitamin A. By speeding up the skin cell renewal process, retinol clears out clogged pores which could cause blemishes to promote a clear complexion.
"The only people who shouldn’t use retinol are those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those on medication which may clash with the vitamin A. If this is the case, always check with your doctor before starting on retinol."
Class dismissed.
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