Has the summer left you with a few dark spots or fine lines? Retinol is the ingredient to reach for once the warmer months are behind you. This form of vitamin A has a unique ability to speed up the skin’s natural renewal process, bringing a fresher, more even layer of skin to the surface.
The retinol you apply is first converted by the skin into retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A. This makes retinol a gentler yet still effective form. Because it is such a potent ingredient, you may notice some side effects in the early stages, such as dryness, flaking or redness. For that reason, introduce it gradually and begin with once or twice a week.
Retinol loses its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight, which is why it is often packaged in dark bottles. It is most often used as a night treatment, though you will also find it in eye creams, serums and day creams. If you use retinol during the day, always wear it beneath an SPF (or choose a day cream with SPF) to avoid irritation.
The average concentration of retinol in a product is 0.3%. See how your skin responds to this level, then build up the percentage as it grows more tolerant. If you want to see more results, or to address a persistent skin concern such as acne within a certain time, you can add a higher percentage, up to around 1%, to your skincare routine.
– Begin with once or twice a week in your evening routine.
– Increase gradually, depending on how well your skin tolerates it, up to daily use.
– If you use retinol during the day, always pair it with an SPF.
The High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum and Eye Serum by Perricone MD are a powerful day and night serum for the face and eye area. The lightweight formula is made with a triple retinol blend that reduces uneven skin texture and helps the skin look firmer and fresher.
The Essential Shock Intense Retinol Fluid by Natura Bissé is a hydrating fluid that can be used as an eye cream, a serum or a night treatment. Alongside retinol, the formula contains a blend of amino acids that keep the skin hydrated. Its light texture makes it an ideal choice for combination skin and for men’s skin too.
– Stimulates the production of new skin cells
– Stimulates the production of collagen, which firms the skin
– Stimulates the production of elastin
– Reduces dark spots and unevenness
– Softens fine lines and wrinkles
– Reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands
Bakuchiol, or retinoid, comes from the leaves and seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, the babchi plant from India, and is a plant-based alternative to retinol. This natural ingredient has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, and offers the same effects as retinol with less risk of irritation.
The Backuchiol Anti-Aging Oil by Jorgobé is enriched with a powerful blend of bakuchiol, vitamin C, Q10 and astaxanthin, which reduces wrinkles and pigmentation while also protecting against damage from free radicals. The antioxidant action of astaxanthin is 500 times stronger than that of vitamin E, while Q10 helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and keeps the skin firm and youthful. A nourishing base of essential oils provides deep, long-lasting hydration.
The Advanced Retinoid-like Body Oil by The Organic Pharmacy is a firming body oil, formulated with powerful antioxidants, essential oils and bakuchiol. The oil evens out the skin on the body and leaves it feeling firm and lifted. For an even firmer feel, use the oil together with the Skin Brush by The Organic Pharmacy.
