Retinol - Anti-Ageing?

There is currently a lot of fuss about the skincare ingredient Retinol - but what exactly is it and should you believe the anti-ageing hype?

Retinol is being marketed as one of the best-known skin care ingredients on the market. People claim it is the best anti-aging skincare ingredient currently available, that it can treat severe acne and that it has a pumping effect on the skin. Believe it or not- all of that is true!

How it works
Retinol is a type of retinoid, which comes from vitamin A. Rather than removing dead skin cells, the small molecules of retinol go deep beneath the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to your dermis and boosts the production of elastin and collagen. At surface level, Retinol can further improve texture and tone by balancing your skin hydration levels.

Who can use it?
Retinol is used primarily to battle fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores, but it can also be used to help acne or age spots. You should be careful though, as retinol can make skin quite sensitive, especially with the sun. Start off by using a low % of retinol in a serum twice a week, then slowly increase until you can use it every night. Be sure to wear SPF and keep out of direct sunlight though, or you may reverse the benefits of retinol, and leave your skin red, peeling or spotty.

Will it irritate my skin?
Retinol should not irritate your skin, but if you use too a % too soon, and too often, your skin may react. Sensitive skin may be more likely to react even on a lower %, so be sure to patch test before using on your face. No matter your skin type, you should avoid using acid peels, salicylic acid, or other harsh products that may react with Retinol on the nights you use Retinol as you may irritate or burn the skin.

When should I start using Retinol?
Skin elastin production starts to slow down when we’re 25 (why so soon?), and dynamic wrinkles (lines that appear when your muscles are moving) may start to show. Retinol is best used after this age, so it can support the stimulation of elastin and collagen, though you can use in your early 20s or even your teens, if you wish to use to help combat hormonal acne.

Please speak to your GP if you are concerned your skin may react to Retinol, or you have a reaction. We recommend patch testing a low % to start with - such a 0.1% only twice a week, then building up to avoid irritation.