RETINOL
How often I should be using Retinol?
Given the power of Retinol, it is recommend to introduce it gradually into your regime, particularly for first-time users. That may be using only a couple of nights in your first week, to every other night in your second week, and then increasing to nightly use as tolerated. It’s also normal to experience some initial redness, tingling or dryness while using Retinol so if this happens you can reduce your frequency of use. Everyone’s skin is different. It’s also important that while using Retinol you’re using a broad spectrum SPF during the day as Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV.
What can Pure Retinol can do for my skin?
Pure Retinol works by stimulating skin cell turnover which helps to visibly renew skin and fight stubborn signs of ageing like deep wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin texture. You can expect to see initial results quite quickly with Retinol but it’s recommended to keep using consistently over a longer term to see the full anti ageing benefits with the visible reduction of deeper wrinkles.
What skincare ingredients work with Retinol?
This one is complex, as different ingredients don’t always work well together and can sometimes actually counteract each others’ effectiveness.
Retinol is recommended to keep to night usage only, in isolation, and you can incorporate other actives such as Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C into your morning routine. For anti-ageing and reducing wrinkles specifically, Retinol and Hyaluronic acid are a great combination as you get the dual benefits of renewing/re-surfacing in the night with Retinol, and plumping/re-hydrating with Hyaluronic acid in the day. Both are proven to visibly and effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles
In terms of your Retinol night routine, it’s recommended to first cleanse and dry your skin, then use your Retinol serum/product, followed by a night moisturiser.
How much Retinol should I be using?
In terms of concentration in a cosmetic product, 0.2% Pure Retinol is optimal and has proven to be effective on the skin. Regarding how much to use, simply apply 3-4 drops to clean, dry skin before your usual night cream. Definitely ease into using the ingredient as well, as Retinol is powerful and often skin needs time to get used to it.
Always use a broad spectrum SPF during the day.
Where does Retinol Serum fit into my routine?
Skincare can get confusing once you start adding different product formats and ingredients into your regime. Knowing where your Retinol serum sits is something that many people struggle with. In terms of timing, Retinol should exclusively remain as part of your PM night routine. As for layering your skincare, Retinol serum should be applied to dry skin after your cleanser and before your moisturiser. Remember, using Retinol as part of your nightly regime affects your AM routine too! Remember to always use an SPF during the day to protect against UV rays.
Am I too young to start using Retinol?
Though it’s not the typical answer that you might think, there is no ‘benchmark’ age as for when you can and should start using retinol products. Many people start implementing Retinol gradually into their regime at various times throughout their life. For those 35+, Retinol is a useful ingredient when it comes to visibly reducing the signs of ageing and promoting skin renewal. For anyone 20+, a quality Retinol serum can help even skin texture, brighten skin and reduce the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Is Retinol safe to use during pregnancy?
While retinol-based formulations present a low-risk, they are not recommended for use throughout the duration of your pregnancy and while breast-feeding. If you currently have a product containing retinol or a similar vitamin-A like compound, it is advised to discontinue use and consult your healthcare professional.
Are Retinol products are safe to use while breastfeeding?
Similar to retinol use during pregnancy, it is best to avoid Retinol and other synthetic Vitamin-A products (retinoids) while breast-feeding.
Should I be concerned about any Retinol side-effects?
Given the potency of Retinol as an ingredient, it’s completely normal to experience some initial redness, tingling or dryness when using it, especially for first-time users. It’s also well-known that retinol sensitises your skin to UV rays, due to it’s skin-renewing action. The good news is that you can minimise all effects by gradually introducing Retinol into your regime, and ensuring you always use a facial sunscreen or broad-spectrum SPF moisturiser during the day. If you do start to experience adverse affects or redness, you can also reduce your frequency of use. Of course if severe irritation develops, discontinue use and speak with your healthcare professional.
Why is SPF essential when using Retinol?
Retinol works by accelerating the formulation of new skin cells, renewing old and damaged skin. Naturally, this renewed skin is much more sensitised to the sun, making you more prone to UV damage and sunburn. That’s why, regardless of your daily plans, it’s essential to pair your retinol usage with a broad-spectrum SPF.
Will Retinol help with my acne?
As a derivative of Vitamin A, Pure Retinol can have some benefits when it comes to acne. Retinol itself works to help regulate skin cell turnover, removing dead skin cells and excess sebum – known catalysts of acne. Though retinol could be beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, it’s main properties support those looking for anti-ageing benefits. As such, you should always consult a healthcare professional when exploring retinol use and options for acne.
