What is retinol? Your guide to the must have anti-ageing ingredient.
With over 9 years of experience, our Dermal Therapist Brenna knows and loves everything about your skin. Specialising in Dermapen, IPL and Skin Tightening Treatments, she shares with us tips on retinol, the fast track ingredient to really, really great skin.
1. What is retinol?
Retinol is a type of retinoid that is made from Vitamin A. What retinol does is it stimulates collagen in the skin, helping to keep skin firm and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
From breakouts to sun damage, retinol can help address a variety of skin concerns, as its ability to penetrate the epidermis means it is working at a cellular level to prevent collagen breakdown, promote cell turnover which promotes brighter, smoother skin!
2. How do I incorporate retinol into my skincare routine?
We generally say to apply your products in order of the lightest to heaviest and always have preventative skincare during the day (Vitamin C, SPF etc) and correction in the evenings. Retinol is best applied as part of your evening routine, after double cleansing and before or mixed into a restorative night hydrator that includes ingredients like glycerine or peptides.
You can use retinol daily (depending on your tolerance level), however it is best to start slowly, say every 3 days and build up from there to see how your skin reacts.
3. Who is Retinol suitable for?
Retinol is suitable for most people even those with sensitive skin. Retinol is not safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It should also be avoided after skin peels, IPL, laser or skin needling.
4. Are there any side effects from Retinol and what should I do?
Once you start using Retinol you might notice some signs of irritation as cell turnover increases. It is a good idea to start on a lower percentage of retinol and slowly introduce into skin. You will find that any initial dryness, redness or itchiness should disappear within a few weeks. We recommend seeing a Skin Therapist for advice on the best type of retinol for your skin type.
5. How long can it take so see results?
Provided you have a good skin care routine to start with, generally it will take a few weeks to see any results. Like going to the gym, you need to stick to good skin habits and for that extra boost regular skin treatments with a professional therapist. This is the quickest way to reach your skin goals!
6. Retinol Favourite
If you are starting out, we love the Ginger&ME Vitamin Infusion Booster or O Cosmedics Retinoic Oil. Or if you are looking to up your Retinol perhaps try the Dp Dermaceuticals Retinal Active or the O Cosmedics Potent Retinol Serum (0.5% retinol). Advanced skin gurus can opt for the O Cosmedics Retinol Concentrate (1% – the highest available strength before a doctor’s prescription)
7. What treatment at the spa includes retinol?
Once your skin is used to retinol we recommend working up to the O Cosmedics Catalyst Retinol Peel. This is perfect for anti-aging and all skin types looking for health, repair and correction. Concentrated levels of pure retinol, niacinamide (B3) and natural fruit acids combine to even out skin tone.
Ready to make a daily commitment to feeding your skin with the very best in skincare science? Visit us at Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa to discuss a treatment plan to achieve your skin goals faster.
