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WHAT IS RETINOL’S ROLE IN ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE?

Article Overview

Retinol plays an important role in preventing and reducing signs of skin ageing. This powerful active ingredient enhances skin health by increasing the natural cell turnover rate. In turn, this reduces signs of ageing and photoaging by minimising the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and uneven skin tones¹. Praised by dermatologists, retinol is an effective derivative of vitamin A and is often implemented as part of an evidence-based anti-ageing skincare routine to achieve youthful, fresher looking skin¹.

HOW DOES RETINOL BENEFIT AGEING SKIN?

With strong benefits for the skin, retinol is primarily used to target signs of ageing and can deliver a youthful, fuller looking appearance. As we age, the skin’s cell turnover rate begins to decline, resulting in a decreased capacity of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) to optimally perform its routine functions. The slowing of this cycle results in signs of skin ageing that continue to accumulate with time. In addition to this natural process, the skin also experiences photoaging which is caused by exposure to UV and can accelerate visible skin ageing³. Retinol encourages a faster skin cell turnover, thereby reducing the appearance of ageing skin and boosting a fresher, healthier complexion. For visible results, try to incorporate anti-ageing skincare products that have been formulated with retinol to reduce signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as fight skin laxity and restore firmness. Retinol is also effective in minimising dark circles, hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores, all symptoms of a slower cell turnover.

Retinol's anti-ageing skincare benefits:

Retinol benefits the skin by promoting a quicker skin cell turnover rate
When implemented within a skincare routine, retinol products can reduce the effects of ageing and photoaging
Retinol can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, pigmentation and dark circles.

HOW TO USE RETINOL CORRECTLY?

Pure retinol is a powerful form of vitamin A with specific guidelines for correct and proper use. This makes understanding retinol's limitations and dosages crucial to achieving effective results. To maximise its benefits for skin, it is recommended to gradually introduce retinol into your skincare routine, beginning with a lower retinol dosage and keeping application to just once or twice a week. A 0.3% concentration is most recommended for first-time retinol users to avoid the risk of irritation and help to effectively acclimatise skin. It is advised to incrementally increase the dosage and frequency of application to every evening, as tolerated by the skin.

It is recommended to incorporate retinol into an evening anti-ageing skincare routine as the ingredient is known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure. Applying retinol skincare products at night allows time for the skin to absorb the ingredient whilst you sleep. Retinol should always be used in conjunction with high SPF protection during the day.

WHEN TO AVOID RETINOL

It is advised to avoid the topical application of retinol when taking certain medications, so ensure you check the medicine’s compatibility with retinol before incorporating the ingredient into your daily routine⁴.

As a type of retinoid, retinol is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The risk is generally greater for orally consumed retinoids, however, topically applied retinol is still not advised for those expecting a baby².

Retinol has incredible effects on the skin when used correctly. However, as an active ingredient, retinol can react poorly when it is paired with certain skincare ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Glycolic acid is a commonly used AHA, and salicylic acid a widely used BHA, both of which should not be used in conjunction with retinol within the same period of time. It is recommended to apply these ingredients sparingly and at different times of the day or on alternate days if you wish to use them all as part of your daily skincare routine.

If you’re ever unsure whether retinol is suitable for your individual skin concerns, consult a medical or skincare professional to seek more information.

USING RETINOL IN A SKINCARE ROUTINE

When introducing retinol into a skincare routine, ensure to follow these steps to achieve a healthy, well-balanced application.

Apply retinol cream as part of an evening skincare routine, after cleansing and toning the skin. It is best to apply retinol to dry skin, avoiding any contact between a retinol cream and water.
Use a pea-sized amount of product, noting that the application of too much may aggravate the skin⁴.
Dab the retinol cream onto your face and gently massage it into skin, avoiding the eye and lip area.
Apply moisturiser once the retinol is fully absorbed to hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation. Hyaluronic acid serums work well with retinol night creams as hyaluronic acid is an effective hydrating ingredient.
Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin against increased sensitivity to UV during the day.

RETINOL SKINCARE PRODUCTS

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

The SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Cream is an ideal introductory retinol concentration for those new to using vitamin A. It has been dermatologically developed to promote skin cell turnover and reduce signs of skin ageing. The 0.3% pure retinol dosage is formulated for minimal skin irritation and can be used long-term or to condition the skin for a higher retinol concentration, such as the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Cream.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

The SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains 0.5% pure retinol and is specially designed with stabilisation and delivery technologies to ensure the formula is optimally released into the skin. The SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores and is suitable for most skin types. The retinol cream can be used as an introductory retinol night cream and is ideal for continued use or in preparation for a higher-dosage formula, like SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

With its high concentration, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 is an ideal cream for experienced retinol users. Formulated to target signs of ageing, the SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Cream can help address ageing and sun-damaged skin. It has a 1% pure retinol dosage to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tones. This retinol cream should be pre-conditioned with the use of SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 or 0.5 prior to using.

Next: Which antioxidant serum is right for you?

¹ https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/skin-explained-retinol.html
² https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fetal-retinoid-syndrome/
³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
⁴ https://www.skinceuticals.com.au/skincare/retinol-creams