STER-INGREDIËNT
What is it?
The holy grail of skincare ingredients is surely vitamin A, or retinol. It is the most powerful form of vitamin A and an effective ingredient for countering the signs of skin ageing. Retinol is a type of retinoid and can be added to your skincare routine in different concentrations to help with skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation and fine lines.
What does it do?
Retinol has the rare ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells. It is known, with good reason, as the repairing vitamin. The ingredient works in several ways: it encourages the growth of new cells, so lines and fine wrinkles are plumped and less visible, and it can also reduce discolouration and acne. Retinol is also easy to combine with other ingredients, such as glycolic and salicylic acid. The Retinol Corrective Mask by The Organic Pharmacy therefore contains a blend of active ingredients with encapsulated retinol that can reach the deeper layers of the skin.
Combined retinol products
Who is it for?
Retinol is particularly suited to those in their late twenties, helping to keep the skin youthful and even. The years around thirty are often the busiest of your life. Work, exercise and a full social life make for a packed diary, and for stress. Both stress and lack of sleep begin to take their toll, and the skin is likely to start showing signs of fatigue. Stress disrupts cell renewal and weakens the skin’s resilience, while hormones can also slow that renewal. Because retinol is a powerful ingredient, it is best to begin with retinol added to a cream. A face cream usually contains a lower concentration of retinol than a serum or booster. Icon Day Smartsome by Sarah Chapman is an effective, firming day cream built around one key ingredient: vitamin A. Icon Day hydrates, plumps and softens the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It strengthens the skin barrier while helping to calm inflammation and redness.
Retinol in creams
How much do you need?
The average concentration of retinol in a product is 0.3%. See how this average suits your skin and build up the concentration of retinol as your skin responds well. If you are looking for greater results, or want to address a stubborn concern within a set time, you can add a higher concentration, up to 1% for example, to your routine. You might do this by using a serum, treatment or booster three times a week. The Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment by Paula’s Choice not only firms the skin, the fluid also fades dark spots and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. The Retinol Night Serum by The Organic Pharmacy contains a catalyst with encapsulated retinol that can work deep into the skin.
How to use it
Retinol becomes inactive when exposed to sunlight, which is why it is often packaged in opaque bottles. To avoid irritation from the sun, retinol is best used in your evening routine. The Inhibit Retinol Eye Lift by Natura Bissé helps prevent and reduce drooping eyelids as well as fatigue and expression lines. It firms and lifts the upper eyelid and smooths the skin’s texture. Its ergonomic, ceramic cooling applicator makes applying eye care precise and effective.
The High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer from the ever-forward-thinking Perricone MD is a rich, deeply nourishing moisturiser that works on improving your skin overnight. The cream supports the skin with three forms of retinol, namely retinol, retinol ester and phyto-retinol, during its natural repair and renewal process. When using retinol in your routine, it is best to wear an SPF during the day.
Retinol for night and eye care
Retinol alternatives
If you have irritated skin and prefer a natural ingredient, look for bakuchiol on the ingredient list. Bakuchiol is an extract from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant (psoralea corylifolia) and is often called the plant-based alternative to retinol. It offers the same benefits as retinol but can be gentler on very sensitive skin. The Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil by Tata Harper reduces the appearance of early lines with bioactive botanical retinol alternatives, while omega fatty acids and superfoods help keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.
Personal advice
Would you like personalised advice? Visit one of our boutiques and let us guide you through the products, and perhaps a treatment.
