.png)
When I ask followers on my Instagram to ask me questions about skin care, it is more often than not retinol that they enquire about. This ingredient has gained much credibility in dermatology, with Vitamin A being approved by the FDA as an anti-wrinkle agent. Some benefits that have been discovered include its ability to:
- increase skin cell reproduction
- strengthen the protective function of the epidermis
- prevent TEWL (water loss from the skin)
- protect from the degradation of collagen
Although the retinoid you purchase in your favourite skin care brand, is much weaker than prescription retinoids, there are still some points to bear in mind to maximise benefits and minimise side effects.
1. Start low and slow
If you are brand new to retinoids, then I suggest starting at a low concentration and building up slowly if you feel you need to (you can stay on a low strength forever if you wish). A typical regimen could be using the retinoid-containing product twice weekly for a month, increasing to alternate nights and eventually every night.
2. Apply at night
Since retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, it is best applied at night. Use after cleansing and before night moisturiser, if using.
.png)
3. Wear SPF
See above point. Make sure to wear SPF everyday, especially if using retinoids in your skincare routine. There is no point in using an 'anti-ageing' product and then not protecting your skin from the number one cause of premature ageing.
4. Use hydrating skincare
Some of the side effects of retinoids include dry, irritated, reddening, peeling skin. Not everyone will experience them but many will to some extent. Often people find their skin gets worse before it improves. And that is the good news, the side effects are mostly temporary! In the meantime, ensure your other products in your routine are not drying and exacerbating these issues. Use hydrating cleansers and nourishing moisturisers to minimise these effects. Go back to tip number one, low strength and slow build-up.
5. Have patience
Retinoids at low strengths in skincare can take a long time to show benefits (6 months). It is a marathon rather than a sprint here but definitely worth it for the benefits it brings.
One extra but very important point is that Retinoids should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Retinoid sandwich method
The retinoid sandwich approach may be a good way to start retinoid use. The idea is that you apply moisturiser first and allow to dry, then apply retinoid. Give your retinoid a bit of time to soak into the skin and finish with a final layer of the moisturiser.
Which products contain retinol?
Skingredients Skin Protein Serum
Contains retinyl palmitate, the least powerful of the retinoids. Therefore, a great starter product for someone wishing to begin their retinoid journey. It is mild enough that it can be used everyday from the get-go. It also contains a host of other skin-boosting ingredients including Beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A, Vitamins C and E, tea extracts and pro-collagen peptides
Contains retinol acetate 1% and Granactive Retinoid 0.5%, in a slow release formula, therefore use twice weekly to begin with. Only a little amount is needed to help improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increased skin firmness, more even skin tone and texture and an increase in skins plumpness.
The Ordinary Retinol Range
Contains various formulations with different strengths of retinol, so you can progress at your own speed. They are great value for money too!
Michelle (Skin Health Pharmacist)
Find me on Instagram
This post contains some affiliate links – if you decide to click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you), I may receive commission
Comments
Post a Comment