Writer and expert6 years ago

The Beauty Expert Edit of the Best Retinol Products

What is Retinol?

One skincare ingredient that is always talked about in the beauty world is retinol, a form of Vitamin A. Its popularity stems from the incredible anti ageing benefits that are gained when applied as a topical treatment. Concentration varies per individual product, so we've sourced the best retinol products to help you find the perfect option for your skin type and your skincare regime.

What are the Benefits of Retinol?

An active ingredient for problem skin, retinol reduces the skin's production of sebum. This helps to balance the skin and prevent sudden breakouts.
It is a dermatologist-approved over the counter treatment for acne.
Retinol also helps to maintain the health of blood vessels, elastin and collagen which contribute to the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. This makes retinol highly beneficial for mature skin.
It stimulates the blood flow and cell regeneration, making the complexion appear more youthful and supporting skin healing.
Retinol helps to diffuse pigmentation on the skin by resurfacing and evening out the skin tone. This can actively reduce the effects of sun damage.

When should I use Retinol products?

It is advised that the best time to see the effects of retinol is from the ages of 30 and above. There is no harm in using retinol from a younger age, however the effects may not be as transformational, and there are minor potential side effects to consider such as skin dryness and heightened sensitivity to the sun. For this reason, you need to choose the right dilution of retinol, and the right complementary products to ensure effective skincare layering.

How should I apply Retinol products?

As retinol is an active ingredient, it is important to be careful when using retinol and abide by the following rules..

In most cases, retinol products should be applied at night as your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.
You should apply a facial SPF the next morning. We've written a useful guide to help, 'How to Find the Best Sunscreen for Face'
You should build up your skin's tolerance to retinol, beginning with weekly use.
Avoid harsh ingredients such as AHA and BHA acids, in favour of antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. To learn about which skincare ingredients should never be used together, read our blog post 'The skincare ingredients you should never use together'.