If you’ve been wondering why everyone is fawning over the wonders of retinol, or if you are wondering if you should join them, here’s everything you need to know about RETINOL.
From acne-fighting to skin-brightening to anti-aging, retinol has long been considered the gold standard for many good reasons.
WHAT EXACTLY IS RETINOL?
Retinol is a form of VitaminA , an ingredient that promotes skin renewal, enhances collagen production, lessens the appearance of finelines and wrinkles and also reverses some of the side effects of sun damage .
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU START USING RETINOL?
Retinol is best for 30+ skin with fine lines and wrinkles. Younger skin types may not see the effects as much as older skin types as they have less age concerns, however prevention is better than cure. Retinol can enhance collagen production to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles. Combined with a high SPF and VitaminC in the morning, you are setting yourself up for great skin for life.
AT WHAT STAGE IN YOUR ROUTINE SHOULD YOU APPLY A RETINOL?
It depends on the format of the retinol product you are using. Most retinol products come in serum form, however some are in easy to use cream formulas. Always apply retinol products at night, as sunlight can diminish their power. For serums, apply straight after cleansing to get the most benefit from the vitamin A and layer a moisturiser over the top if you feel you need more hydration .
IS RETINOL SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES?
While retinol can be beneficial for most skin types, it’s not one-size-fits-all. They notoriously difficult to manage for people with easily irritated or sensitive skin . If this is the case, always check with doctor before starting on retinols.