Skincare innovations have a tendency to hit stores quicker than a new Instagram update, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're always to be believed. We may be able to run off a list of ingredients we *should* be looking for in our skincare as we age, but when it comes to fully understanding the purpose of an individual ingredient many of us struggle. Hylaronic Acid, Vitamin A, Peptides, Retinols... The latter so called 'wonder ingredient' is being touted as one of the most important things in beauty, promising to help create a youthful and radiant glow while minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. "Retinol signals to your body to produce collagen and new cells for firmer and smoother skin, while also reducing hyperpigmentation and clogged pores," says New York based dermatologist Anne Chapas. But how does this ingredient actually work and what should we be looking out for in our skincare products?
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Retinoids first came to market in the early 1970s as an acne-fighting drug, but since then they’ve also been used to treat psoriasis, wrinkles, blotchiness and ageing skin. Simply put, Retinol is another name for vitamin A. It's an extremely effective cell-communicating ingredient that has the ability to tell almost any skin cell to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell - as well as encouraging the production of new skin cells. It essentially tells lazy cells to get back to work and do what they were doing before they were damaged (most likely by free radicals or the sun.) This is hugely beneficial for those of us experiencing the first or latter signs of ageing, as Retinol can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, increase collagen production (essential for that youthful 'bouncy' texture that we lose over time,) improve the texture of skin and help to overcome discolourations caused by sun damage.
They work by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. Retinol does its work by stimulating cellular turnover from the deeper layers up, not in the uppermost layers where AHAs step in to help skin shed unhealthy, dead, built-up skin cells. (Although Retinol may cause flaking and peeling for some, this shouldn't be mistaken for exfoliation; flaking is a form of irritation and never a good thing.) Although the common misconception is that Retinols thin the skin, they actually help to hamper the breakdown of collagen and thicken the deeper layer of skin where wrinkles start. Retinol also functions an antioxidant that can interrupt the free-radical damage process that causes wrinkling and other signs of aging - meaning it's not only great to overcome damage, but to prevent it occurring in the first place.
Retinols can be prescribed by a dermatologist, but increasingly they're available on our high streets as a way of boosting our complexions and achieving a result typically associated with professional treatments. Most formulas contain a maximum of 1% concentration of the active ingredient, which over the course of three months should help to provide a smoother, brighter and more youthful complexion. The important thing to remember is that you don't have to spend a fortune; start off with an affordable product and build up to stronger concentrations over a longer period of time. My current favourite from NeoStrata Exuviance is the Super Retinol Concentrate (£46.99), which delivers a hefty 1% percent dose via microencapsulated Retinol that diffuses gradually into the skin throughout the day. The super lightweight serum is quickly absorbed and leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth, without any tightness; over the last few months it's definitely helped to smooth my forehead and under-eye area, leaving me feeling a little brighter on a daily basis. (I personally prefer to apply this in the evening, but you can also apply it under moisturiser and SPF in the day.)
If you're looking for something a little more affordable then Avène's Physiolift range (from £25.00) includes rich day and night creams that contain patented Retinaldehyde (a less irritating form of Vitamin A for sensitive skin types) to stimulates cell turnover and collagen synthesis; paired with the anti-inflammatory impact of their famend thermal spring water, this is a great way of boosting your skin without irritating. It's been designed specifically for those with sensitive skin that also want to tackle the signs of ageing, meaning it's a universal range that you really can't go wrong with. I like the fact the Retinols are delivered via a day, night, eye and intensive treatment cream, so you can pick the routine that works for you. Alternatively, Indeed Labs (known for their groundbreaking and innovative formulas) Retinol Reface contains three forms of Retinol to help deliver softer, smoother looking skin, while targeting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At £19.99 it's a great place to start if you're new to Retinols and don't want to spend too much.
Have I convinced you? If you're looking to start using Retinols then here are THREE THINGS you need to consider first:
1. Only buy a Retinol treatment if it is packaged in an opaque tube (preferably airtight or with a secure lid); all forms of Vitamin A break down and deteriorate when repeatedly exposed to air and light, so you'll only be wasting your money on tubs or pots of cream that won't do anything.
2. Start slowly. Instead of wacking it on in thick layers, apply your Retinol product three times a week or mix it with a moisturizer or facial oil. This lets your skin gradually acclimate and theoretically should prevent irritation.
3. If you apply Retinol during the day, it's essential to follow up with an SPF. Unprotected exposure to sunlight compromises Retinol’s stability, meaning it won't be as effective or provide the results you're looking for. Furthermore, there's little point counteracting the impact of sun damage if you're just going to step out unprotected and make it worse again!
I'm usually skeptical about ingredients and innovations, but I'm definitely a believer in the benefits Retinol can bring to everyone's skincare regime. I've seen the positive impact for myself and will definitely be ensuring my skin gets a daily dose of Retinols for the foreseeable future. Will you?
Retinoids first came to market in the early 1970s as an acne-fighting drug, but since then they’ve also been used to treat psoriasis, wrinkles, blotchiness and ageing skin. Simply put, Retinol is another name for vitamin A. It's an extremely effective cell-communicating ingredient that has the ability to tell almost any skin cell to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell - as well as encouraging the production of new skin cells. It essentially tells lazy cells to get back to work and do what they were doing before they were damaged (most likely by free radicals or the sun.) This is hugely beneficial for those of us experiencing the first or latter signs of ageing, as Retinol can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, increase collagen production (essential for that youthful 'bouncy' texture that we lose over time,) improve the texture of skin and help to overcome discolourations caused by sun damage.
They work by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. Retinol does its work by stimulating cellular turnover from the deeper layers up, not in the uppermost layers where AHAs step in to help skin shed unhealthy, dead, built-up skin cells. (Although Retinol may cause flaking and peeling for some, this shouldn't be mistaken for exfoliation; flaking is a form of irritation and never a good thing.) Although the common misconception is that Retinols thin the skin, they actually help to hamper the breakdown of collagen and thicken the deeper layer of skin where wrinkles start. Retinol also functions an antioxidant that can interrupt the free-radical damage process that causes wrinkling and other signs of aging - meaning it's not only great to overcome damage, but to prevent it occurring in the first place.
Retinols can be prescribed by a dermatologist, but increasingly they're available on our high streets as a way of boosting our complexions and achieving a result typically associated with professional treatments. Most formulas contain a maximum of 1% concentration of the active ingredient, which over the course of three months should help to provide a smoother, brighter and more youthful complexion. The important thing to remember is that you don't have to spend a fortune; start off with an affordable product and build up to stronger concentrations over a longer period of time. My current favourite from NeoStrata Exuviance is the Super Retinol Concentrate (£46.99), which delivers a hefty 1% percent dose via microencapsulated Retinol that diffuses gradually into the skin throughout the day. The super lightweight serum is quickly absorbed and leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth, without any tightness; over the last few months it's definitely helped to smooth my forehead and under-eye area, leaving me feeling a little brighter on a daily basis. (I personally prefer to apply this in the evening, but you can also apply it under moisturiser and SPF in the day.)
If you're looking for something a little more affordable then Avène's Physiolift range (from £25.00) includes rich day and night creams that contain patented Retinaldehyde (a less irritating form of Vitamin A for sensitive skin types) to stimulates cell turnover and collagen synthesis; paired with the anti-inflammatory impact of their famend thermal spring water, this is a great way of boosting your skin without irritating. It's been designed specifically for those with sensitive skin that also want to tackle the signs of ageing, meaning it's a universal range that you really can't go wrong with. I like the fact the Retinols are delivered via a day, night, eye and intensive treatment cream, so you can pick the routine that works for you. Alternatively, Indeed Labs (known for their groundbreaking and innovative formulas) Retinol Reface contains three forms of Retinol to help deliver softer, smoother looking skin, while targeting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At £19.99 it's a great place to start if you're new to Retinols and don't want to spend too much.
Have I convinced you? If you're looking to start using Retinols then here are THREE THINGS you need to consider first:
1. Only buy a Retinol treatment if it is packaged in an opaque tube (preferably airtight or with a secure lid); all forms of Vitamin A break down and deteriorate when repeatedly exposed to air and light, so you'll only be wasting your money on tubs or pots of cream that won't do anything.
2. Start slowly. Instead of wacking it on in thick layers, apply your Retinol product three times a week or mix it with a moisturizer or facial oil. This lets your skin gradually acclimate and theoretically should prevent irritation.
3. If you apply Retinol during the day, it's essential to follow up with an SPF. Unprotected exposure to sunlight compromises Retinol’s stability, meaning it won't be as effective or provide the results you're looking for. Furthermore, there's little point counteracting the impact of sun damage if you're just going to step out unprotected and make it worse again!
I'm usually skeptical about ingredients and innovations, but I'm definitely a believer in the benefits Retinol can bring to everyone's skincare regime. I've seen the positive impact for myself and will definitely be ensuring my skin gets a daily dose of Retinols for the foreseeable future. Will you?
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