Why Retinol should be part of your skincare routine.
If your aim is to keep your skin as youthful as possible and keep lines and wrinkles at bay, then after a good SPF, retinol should be top of your list of skin care must-haves. Our R+ retinol serum contains 1% liposomal retinol and is a highly effective anti-aging product.
What are the benefits?
- Encourages cell turnover
- Smooths skin texture by sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting the production of new ones
- Reduces dark spots and pigmentation
- Reduces fine lines
- Calms spot prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Increases the natural production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin – improving skin quality
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, helps to boost collagen production and aid skin cell turnover. The result of this is improved skin texture, smoother skin and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s because of this rapid cell turnover that retinol is commonly used for acne.
Vitamin A is recognised as one of the best active ingredients to fight all signs of aging, but importantly those caused by photo aging due to UV exposure. It effectively neutralises the molecule, which gives rise to the formation of free radicals, the main trigger for skin aging. Critically, it encourages cell turnover and facilitates the removal of dead cells, leaving space for the underlying, younger skin. This also helps to prevent the accumulation of melanin - the dark spots, which are kept under control whilst the existing ones are lightened.
What is a retinoid?
Retinoid is a blanket term that covers over-the-counter retinol as well as prescription strength forms such as tretinoin and tazarotene. The major difference between the two is that retinol works more gradually than the prescription strength medications.
How should retinol be used?
Our R+ Retinol Serum is best applied at night. It is formulated with hydrating ingredients to minimize potential dryness and irritation. However these side effects can still occur, especially when new to the ingredient. Its best to use a pea-sized amount for the entire face, every other night. Some people can then tolerate nightly and others have to decrease to one night in every three. It should be followed with a moisturiser to keep flakiness under control.
What are the side effects of retinol?
Especially in the first two to four weeks of use, all retinols can trigger dryness, stinging or peeling of the skin. One option is to apply your moisturiser first, followed by your retinol, to reduce its absorption rate slightly. Once tolerance is established, the retinol can be switched to before moisturising.
Retinol also makes the skin more sensitive to sun, so a high SPF is essential, even in the winter.
Who should not use retinol?
Retinol should NOT be used if you are pregnant or breast feeding as it can cross the placental barrier and potentially lead to birth defects. It should be avoided by those with extremely sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or rosacea.