What is Retinol?
As far as ingredients go, this potent form of Vitamin A is considered one of the MVPs in skincare. A highly active multi-tasker, Retinol can be used to address the premature signs of ageing, sun damage, pigmentation, and acne. As a result, it’s commonly prescribed by dermatologists and dermal therapists and is a popular ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products.
How does Retinol work?
Retinol works by increasing the skin’s production of Collagen which provides the strength, support, and structure to the skin. An especially active ingredient, it also stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin which improves skin colour, helps to fade pigment, and softens skin texture. Retinol will also correct damaged DNA, damaged DNA is aging skin so this is crucial in fighting the signs of aging.
Like other active ingredients, Retinol can result in initial dryness and irritation in the skin and should be expected when first introducing it into your routine.
Which skin types can use Retinol?
Short answer: almost every skin type. It’s especially great for sun-damaged skins and those showing the signs of premature ageing in terms of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tone and texture, and for those prone to breakouts and acne.
If you suffer from very sensitive skin or inflamed conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea we wouldn’t recommend using Retinol but a gentle botanical form of Vitamin A. As always, it’s best to consult your therapist before trying anything new and active.
How can I incorporate Retinol into my routine?
Slowly. As it’s such an active ingredient, it’s safest to build up your skin’s tolerance to Vitamin A, especially if you’re reactive or prone to sensitivity. The mildest approach would be to start with incorporating our Multi-Active Oil into your routine first. It contains Rosehip Oil which is a rich source of Vitamin A and well tolerated by most skins, including sensitive and easily inflamed types, and pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.
To step up your Retinol routine further, you could then move to using our Rejuvenate 15 Serum which contains blue-green Algae and delivers Retinoic-like properties with a more gentle approach. If you have normal, resilient skin you can start with our Retinol Serum, or work up to it as your final step up, having first used Multi-Active Oil and Rejuvenate 15 Serum.
We recommend using no more than a pea-sized amount every third night for the first week, every second night for the second week, and then moving up to nightly by the third week for best results.
