Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is an ingredient added to skin creams, lotions and serums. It is one of the most researched anti-aging ingredients used in topical skincare.
- Smoother skin texture
- Increases the thickness and elasticity of your skin
- Slows the production of melanin
- Reduces inflammation
- More radiant skin tone
- Increased exfoliation to reduce clogged pores, congestion and breakouts
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin renewal which leads to a healthier skin barrier and reduces sensitivity.
Retinol starts to work in your skin cells immediately but it will take several weeks before you see an improvement in the look and feel of your skin. As your skin adjusts to the retinol it may look worse but this will improve in time.
Retinol is a powerful effective ingredient but it’s not for everyone. If you have sensitive skin or prone to allergies you might want to try skincare products with alternative anti-aging ingredients like our peptide hydrating cream or skin-clearing ingredients like our glow serum.
Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and you must use sunscreen like our hydrate and protect cream and avoid the sun as much as you can while you use retinol products.
As retinol can irritate your skin, it’s best to start slowly with application. You would start to use a product once every few days, and then gradually ramp up to once or even twice per day but only when skin tolerates the product showing no side effects. Side effects can include redness, itching, peeling/ flaking or burning, but these symptoms are usually temporary and go away as your skin gets used to the treatment.
It is best to start with a lower strength retinol cream like our Stimulate and Renew until your skin acclimatises to the product. You can then progress to a high strength retinol product - Skin Sculpt Intensive 1% Retinol Serum is maximum strength non-prescription topical retinol.
If you do experience side effects reduce the amount of cream you use and reduce the number of times per week you use it. If required stop using until side effect subside.
