Touted as a skincare hero, retinol has some potent youth-boosting benefits. Find out how and why you need to include this vitamin in your skincare routine, says Editor Trudi Brewer.
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It's not touted the skincare 'superhero' for nothing. Editor Trudi Brewer shares how and why you need to use this multi-benefit age eraser at night on TV3’s The Cafe with host Melanie Holmer.
What is retinol?
Retinol is the technical name for vitamin A. It comes in many different derivatives, beginning with R, such as retinoid, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate to name a few.
Kate Somerville Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer, $159.
The combination of vitamin A and C are the perfect pairing and what skin experts suggest we include in our daily skincare to combat the look of ageing skin. This night treatment not only boosts hydration via hyaluronic acid, the antioxidant boost from wild gooseberry extract, and encapsulated L-ascorbic acid vitamin C with retinol makes this a potent age-eraser.
Kate Somerville Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer, $159.
What's does it do for the skin?
Retinol is a skin multitasker that can increase skin cell turnover, a natural process that occurs in the skin but slows with age. From fresh new skin cells in your 30's, that renew every 28 to 45 days, and slow to between 45-90 days, over 40. Once it absorbs it immediately binds with receptors on our skin cells, causing them to behave younger and healthier.
Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules, $139.
Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules, $139.
A winter pick-me-up for dry, dull skin, this potent retinol and vitamin C, E, and green tea fueled shot for the skin will re-energises, rejuvenates, and hydrate your complexion while you sleep. We call this 'your skin holiday' in a jar, for skin types, especially those with dry or delicate skin.
How do you introduce it into your skincare routine?
Go low in strength, and start slowly introducing retinol to your skincare regime. That means a low dose, used once a week, 0.01 - 0.5 or 1 per cent, and then build up the strength and the application. Retinol is best used at night because it can make the skin more sensitive to UV light. Always use an SPF 30 sunscreen religiously, when you're using this active ingredient in your skincare.
Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, $151.
Are you suffering from pimples and wrinkles? Well, you’re not alone, it’s a common concern, which this overnight oil may be able to treat. With salicylic acid to clear and prevent pimples, and a potent time-release, retinol, to blur wrinkles and brown spots, along with the nourishing blend of argan, rosehip seed, and jojoba oils to prevent flare-ups at the same time.
Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, $151.
How much should I apply?
Less is more when using retinol serums. Use a pea-size amount on dry skin, only one or two nights a week until your skin acclimates. Always follow manufacturers instructions, when you apply make sure you smooth it onto your face, and the neck, and then the backs of the hands with the residue.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Retinol 90 Capsules, $205.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Retinol 90 Capsules, $205.
A measured dose of retinol (with no risk of overdosing your skin) these little pearls are designed to reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles, very gently. Inside each capsule contains a mild dose of retinol, ideal for anyone who wants to give their dull skin a glowing boost. Once you have used the contents of the tiny pink capsules, they are fully biodegradable too - great work Elizabeth Arden.
What results can you expect to see?
When you start using retinol, it can leave skin looking flushed, drier-than-usual, and you may experience a light peeling. If this becomes very uncomfortable, cut back and only use retinol, once a week, or switch to a weaker formula.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eye Retinol Cream, $45.
Gentle enough for those with the most sensitive skin, but potent enough to shift the look of dark circles and fine lines under the eyes. This pure retinol laden fluid-cream also contains caffeine to help fight the signs of fatigue - and btw, a little goes a long way.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eye Retinol Cream, $45.
When should I start using retinol?
Every woman over 25 should use a retinol-based night cream or serum. Winter is the perfect time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine, and patience is the key to the best results. Just like building up your tolerance, when you introduce this vitamin into your regime, you need to persist and use it religiously to see significant improvements in the look of your skin over the next three months.
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical Daily and Overnight Boosters With Pure Vitamins C 10% + A (Retinol), $130.
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical Daily and Overnight Boosters With Pure Vitamins C 10% + A (Retinol), $130.
Customise any moisturiser with a few drops of these concentrated vitamin A & C boosters. Add a few drops of vitamin C to your morning moisturiser, to help brighten your skin, and then add the vitamin A booster to your night cream, to smooth lines and wrinkles, and even out your skin tone, while you sleep. Once activated, each booster must be used within 14 days.