Retinol is great ingredient to incorporate into your night-time skincare routine. A form of Vitamin A, Retinol helps to treat a number of skin issues, from pigmentation and brown spots to acne and fine lines.
WHAT IS RETINOL AND WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
Primarily composed of Vitamin A, retinol is a form of Retinoid accessible without a prescription and present in our skincare products. Retinol functions by promoting cell turnover, encouraging the skin to generate collagen at a balanced pace, resulting in refreshed, full, and youthful skin.
This process aids in averting and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, retinol proves beneficial in addressing acne and blemishes, as they assist in clearing pores and rejuvenating cells to unveil a healthier complexion.
Yes, these two key ingredients work harmoniously to provide you with the ultimate glow. Hyaluronic Acid is known for it's hydrating properties and when layered before Retinol helps lock in moisture - ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Pairing Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol can also help prevent irritation sometimes seen with frequent Retinol use that leads to redness or tight, itchy skin. Top Tip: If you're using a water-based Hyaluronic Acid serum, wait for it to fully absorb so you are not applying Retinol to damp skin - Retinol should always be applied to clean, dry skin.
How Frequently Should You Use Retinol?
Because Retinol is a potent ingredient, it can cause drying and irritation so it's best to build your tolerance - starting with a lower concentrate (such as 0.25% or 0.3%) and working your way up.
Once your skin has become used to Retinol, you can use it every other night. If you have very sensitive skin, it's best to keep it to once a week. Top Tip: Always use at least an SPF30+ Sunscreen the next day as Retinol can make the new skin surface more sensitive to the sun damage.
How Long Does it Take For Retinol to Take Effect?
Seeing the advantages of incorporating Retinol into your skincare routine typically takes four to six weeks. While you might notice a initial radiance within a few days, the substantial anti-ageing and skin-clearing benefits demand additional patience and may require up to four months for noticeable complexion enhancement.
Consistently using Retinol is crucial, gradually increasing the concentration based on your sensitivity levels, to achieve more significant improvements over time.
