Softening fine lines, reducing and preventing breakouts, tackling dark spots, smoothing uneven texture – retinol is the skincare ingredient that can truly do it all. It's really no wonder it's so beloved in the industry.
Retinol (aka vitamin A) is applied topically to your skin, increasing skin cell turnover to stimulate collagen and speed up the exfoliation process – which is why it's so much more than just an anti-ageing ingredient!
Retinols are potent, so it's important to build up your skin's tolerance first, why is why you'll find retinol serums in different concentrations. For total beginners, 1% is the perfect place to start – such as Medik8's Crystal Retinal 1 or The INKEY List Super Solutions 1% Retinol Serum. They're both formulated with hydrating ingredients which help protect against dryness and are more gentle on your skin too. Some retinol formulas combine different retinol types to combat different skin concerns. Take The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for example, it tackles ageing and acne-prone skin with two forms of next-gen retinoids.
Because retinol is so powerful, it can make your skin hypersensitive to the sun, which is why it should only be applied at night. And you should always use sunscreen the next day too. Always patch test your retinol before applying it onto your face, and use a small amount when you do apply it to prevent irritation or dryness. You can also 'sandwich' Retinol serums into your skincare routing by applying a thick moisturiser first, followed by the serum and then again by the moisturiser - this will help reduce the risk of irritation. We also recommend never using retinol with other active exfolicating ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs as this will over-exfoliate your skin causing dryness and damage your skin barrier.
