When Should You Start Using Retinol?

If you know a thing or two about retinol, you’ve likely come to realise it’s a very regimented ingredient. Retinol use comes with its own set of rules, including taking proper sun protection measures, waxing no-no’s and so on. If you’re wondering about retinol products and when you should start using them, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done our research and reached out to experts so we can bring you all the right facts when it comes to adding retinol to your skin care routine.

WHEN CAN YOU START USING RETINOL?

Be honest: You’ve hit a milestone birthday (like the big 3-0) and told yourself you need to start adding more…something into your life, whether it’s vitamins, adventures or more veggies in your diet. Interestingly enough, retinol is not something you add to your routine once you’ve hit a particular age. In fact, dermatologists will recommend women start using retinol products at different ages, depending on their skin types and concerns. Still, retinol is an ingredient recommended for those of various ages—even women from their early 20s. 

Whilst dermatologists’ skin care recommendations can differ based on factors like a patient’s age, using a retinoid can be one consistent piece of guidance. Despite retinol products having anti-ageing benefits, you don’t have to wait until you see wrinkles to start using them. Retinol has been proven to help those who are prone to breakouts or have problematic skin—and there are even more reasons why experts recommend retinol.

You may have been told that the earlier you begin using retinol for skin care, the better. This is mainly due to the fact that retinol doesn’t only reduce visible signs of ageing—it can also help to avoid them. Using a retinol can smooth the skin, reduce enlarged pores and deliver a number of benefits. Starting earlier is beneficial, but consistency is key. Introducing retinol to your skin care routine is a marathon—not a sprint!

HOW TO USE RETINOL IN YOUR 20’s

If you’re thinking, “Why is retinol good for someone who’s in their 20s?” –we’ve got the answer. Your 20’s are an ideal time to start a tailored skin care routine and introduce retinol products. A topical retinoid is great to begin with, but SPF should also be used daily to prevent sun exposure.

One of our favourite ways to get started is by adding a retinol serum to your routine. Our Revitalift Laser X3 Pure Retinol Night Serum is formulated with an efficacious concentration of pure retinol, delivering visible results. Proven to fight signs of ageing, this pure retinol serum is designed to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles (whether first fine lines or deeper ones), target age spots and help smooth uneven skin texture.

When incorporating our Pure Retinol Serum into your routine, be sure to allow for an adjustment period. During the first week, use it once a week or every third night on cleansed dry skin, and apply moisturiser over the serum. For the second week, you can increase usage to every other night as tolerated. During week 3, you can increase to nightly use. If any redness or irritation is experienced, space applications further apart.

Another key thing to remember when using this serum, is to always pair with SPF in the morning, as Retinol can increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Try the Revitalift Laser SPF Day Cream. In addition to containing Pro-Retinol and Hyaluronic acid, this day cream also has UV protection with broad-spectrum filters to protect the skin against wrinkles and age spots. 

HOW TO USE RETINOL IN YOUR 30’s

If you’re in your 30’s and missed the retinol bandwagon in your younger years, it’s never too late to start. Even if fine lines and wrinkles appear in your 30’s, retinol will help reduce their appearance. Start with a night serum, working up to nightly usage, and look to include a moisturising night cream to pair it with.

And, if you’re really wanting to maximise and round out your anti-ageing skincare routine, experts recommend using Hyaluronic Acid during the day given its powerful plumping and hydrating benefits. For this we recommend starting each day with our concentrated Revitalift Filler 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

HOW TO USE RETINOL IN YOUR 40’s

Once you hit your 40’s, don’t stop using retinol products! It’s been proven to help visibly reduce even the deeper wrinkles which can appear in your 40’s. We recommend adding to your retinol skin care routine, rather than switching it up entirely. Start with a retinol serum, but ensure your regimen includes a complementary night cream too. The Revitalift Laser night cream is enriched with Pro-Retinol to smooth your complexion and reinforce skin elasticity for firmer looking skin. After one week of use, your skin will look more youthful.

HOW TO USE RETINOL IN YOUR 50’s AND 60’s

Nope—it’s still not time to give up on retinol! Even during your 50’s and 60’s, retinol should be a staple in your nightly skincare routine. Make sure to look after your neck too, as the neck is often neglected but can very readily show signs of ageing. But as always, be super diligent with using your SPF the next day, applying to your face, neck and any other exposed areas.

No matter your age, it’s never too late to try retinol products. If you’re wondering which other items to add to your skin care routine, check out The Best Skin Care Routine for Ageing Skin!