At some point, all of us will be faced with an issue that can be resolved through a proper skincare routine. But why fuss around with different exfoliators, toners and treatments when you can tackle many of your skin concerns in one fell swoop?
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Retinol is the hottest ingredient in skincare at the moment and there’s a good reason why...It works for almost everything.
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is known to help increase cell turnover and increasing collagen production in the process. This process enables retinol to be effective against a number of concerns such as reducing acne, wrinkles, sun damage, shrinking pores, exfoliation, and even razor burn. Medical aesthetician Amanda Mizen even spoke to Chatelaine labelling the ingredient as:
The ultimate selection for ‘getting it all done skincare.
How to use retinol?
Retinol is available both over the counter and by prescription in a number of products such as moisturisers, serums and even eye creams. It is also safe for almost any skin type, but those who have more sensitive skin may want to be extra careful.
Due to its potency, it’s recommended to start off slow with retinol, as a serum or cream use it a few times a week on clean, dry skin and top it off with a rich moisturiser.
However, retinol is also known to cause some dryness and flaking for some people. If you’re experiencing this kind of reaction it is best to layer your retinol over your moisturizer to reduce any irritation. This ingredient should also only be used at night as it can degrade in the sun and sensitise the skin. It’s always a good idea to follow up with an SPF during the day to prevent any sensitisation and to help preserve retinol’s skin-restoring effects.
Remember that routine is also key here. No ingredient shows results immediately and to make sure you get the full benefit of retinol it’s wise to use it two-three times a week for 12 weeks although some say it can take up to three months.
The best retinol products
Prescriptions from your doctor or dermatologist can provide you with higher concentration retinol products but if you’re looking for something over the counter, then these are your best options:
