By now you’ve probably heard all about the magic of retinol and its ability to bring youth back to your skin, fight acne and create a healthy glow. Dermatologists and expert skin gurus around the world agree it’s one of the highest performing active ingredients out there for real skin
transformation, but it’s because of this power that it needs to be used carefully and correctly.
Retinol is an ingredient from the family of retinoids (which include retinoic acid, retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate), and which are all forms of Vitamin A.Â
It’s a key nutrient in the body for stimulating cell turnover and collagen production, which is why it can play such a big part in improving our skin. When used correctly in topical skincare, retinol can improve skin tone and texture, brighten pigmentation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and diminish acne.Â
It can also work like an antioxidant to target free radical damage (which is a cause of skin ageing). Pretty much every skin type can benefit from retinol.
There are no specific rules, but most skins will see improvement from retinol around the age of early to mid 20s and onwards, particularly as a preventative measure for anti-ageing.
Retinol also helps to improve acne, so can benefit those in their teens or early 20s suffering from congested or problematic skin (but if you’re under 18 it’s best to check with your doctor first).
Integrate Retinol SlowlyÂ
Your skin can take a while to adjust to retinol! Always start out with using your retinol product once or twice per week, building up to every night. Begin with a gentle serum, as each one varies in strength and some aren’t made for beginners.Â
Stronger versions of retinol can cause irritation if you start on them too fast. Those new to retinol will love the non-irritating O Cosmedics Retinoic Oil, or if you’ve been using it for some time you can try the Dp Dermaceuticals Retinal Active or the O Cosmedics Potent Retinol Serum (which should be mixed in with your hydrator).Â
Advanced retinol users can opt for the strongest of the lot (without a prescription) which is the O Cosmedics Retinol Concentrate (1% retinol), which again needs to be mixed in with your hydrator.
Only use your retinol in the evening, and don’t forget SPF during the day
Retinol can make our skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, so it’s important you’re applying a good SPF30 each day (even in winter!) to protect your skin. If you’re wanting to avoid greasy sunscreens, opt for a mineral, zinc based formula such as O Cosmedics Mineral Pro or a sunscreen or tinted moisturiser from the Suntegrity range for natural, broad spectrum protection that’s also nurturing for your skin.
Keep an eye on your skin for bad reactions
Unlike most skincare products, a bit of a reaction can be a good thing. Some dryness, pinkness and sensitivity all mean the retinol is doing its job and your skin is adjusting. This should clear up within a few days or weeks at most. This is why you need to add it gradually! However, if you’re noticing very intense flaking, redness or burning sensations, you should either stop using it and consult a skincare specialist, pull back your usage (use less product and less frequently), or consider switching to a more gentle version.
Don’t Stop at Your Face
When applying skincare, especially if we’re in a rush, many of us can forget to extend our products down to the neck and décolleté area. Our neck is one of the first places to show signs of ageing, due to its thin skin and plenty of movement. Retinol is a hero product for preserving our collagen and firming sagging or crepe-like texture skin on the neck and chest area (with studies to prove it!), as well as reducing pigmentation and other sun damage in the skin.
