Two questions I am often asked is “what exactly does retinol do” and “do I need retinol”. I am a strong advocate of including retinol in your routine once you are 25 and above.
However, I understand your confusion when it comes to what retinol or retinoid to use so here are some quick definitions:
Retinol – a mega antioxidant, also known as Vitamin A, and the gold standard of anti-aging. It has the power to reverse the signs of aging (I use reverse loosely here), smoothen lines & wrinkles, fade acne marks & hyperpigmentation as well as accelerate skin renewal.
Retinoid – derived from retinol. A potential irritant but great for acneic skin or if you need to smoothen your skin. I know glycolic acid does this but I got better results using RetinA for my ingrown hair bumps after I got laser hair removal.
Retinol rules to live by:
- Use at night only
- Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding
- Ensure you are religious with sunscreen during the day
- Proceed with caution when using with other actives like glycolic acid. It is fine for me but those with sensitive skin may have some irritation
- Do not apply a higher quantity of product more frequently for quicker results
- Start slowly say once or twice a week and build up to a maximum of 4 times a week
- For retinoids (retin A, Renova, Differin) you may want to start with the lowest percentage 0.025% and work your way up to 0.05%. Personally I think 1% Tretinoin will be too much for most people. If it comes in one strength, use less frequently.
- Apply directly after cleansing. Some prefer to use a hydrating serum to buffer the dryness or peeling that may follow but I usually apply directly then wait 15 to 30 minutes and follow with a moisturizer or facial oil. On the other 3 nights I am off retinol I either use a hydrating serum or an acid serum.
- Get formulas with droppers or tubes to avoid contamination or loss of efficacy from jar containers
photo source: amazon.com
Some of my favourite retinol/retinoid products
- Skinceuticals 0.5% Pure Retinol
- Paula’s Choice 1% Clinical Retinol
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% (available on Allure Beauty Store, Gebeesq & My SK Beauty)
- The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (available on Gebeesq)
- Tretinoin (sold under different trade names)
- Differin (main ingredient is Adapalene, a type of retinoid) (available on Hilary Says)
- Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (great for beginners)
- Medik8 Retinol 6TR
- Jordan Samuel Skin Etoile with Retinol (available on Hilary Says)
Have you ever tried retinol? What was your experience? What is your favourite retinol product
We have a number of BeautyDirectoryNG listed businesses that retail Retinol Products:
| PRODUCT SUGGESTION | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|
| 1. INSTANATURAL RETINOL SERUM 2. PURITAN RETINOL CREAM 3. RENTINA 0.5 CREAM | Allure Beauty Store |
| 1. PETER THOMAS ROTH RETINOL FUSION PM (1.5% RETINOL) 2. SKINMEDICA RETINOL COMPLEX (0.5% RETINOL) 3. JORDAN SAMUEL SKIN ETOILE WITH RETINOL (0.2% RETINOL) 4. DIFFEREN ADAPALENE GEL (O.1% RETINOID) | Hilary Says |
| 1. THE ORDINARY GRANACTIVE RETINOID 5% IN SQUALINE 2. THE ORDINARY GRANACTIVE RETINOID 2% IN SQUALINE 3. THE ORDINARY RETINOL 0.5% IN SQUALINE 4. THE ORDINARY RETINOL 1% IN SQUALINE | Gebeesq |
