A lot of people ask me if retinol is important before the 25 year old birthday party. My answer is constant. Retinol (Vitamin A) is EXTREMELY important at any age. And t he reasons are very clear too.
"RETINOL SKIN CARE
Retinol (also known as vitamin A) is one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients for softening the appearance of wrinkles, refining skin texture, and improving uneven skin tone.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST RETINOL SKIN CARE PRODUCT
Retinol products come in all kinds of formats and concentrations, which can make it tricky to know exactly which is right for you, but there are a few key factors that can easily guide you to the ideal choice. The first step is to identify your skin type (normal, dry, oily, or combination), so you can narrow down the options to textures that will best suit your skin. For instance, thicker retinol creams are generally best for dry skin, lightweight lotions pair well with normal to combination skin, and fluid serums or boosters work great for all skin types (but are especially beneficial for oily or congested skin).
Next, your skin concerns will help direct you to the ideal strength. Someone who is using retinol preventively to delay the signs of ageing before they become apparent can use a lower concentration, whereas those looking to target more advanced, stubborn concerns that are already present may require higher strengths. Your skin’s sensitivity level and tolerance for retinol also factor in, as we explain more in-depth below.
If you’ve used retinol and haven’t been impressed or experienced irritation, you’re in luck! There are several vitamin A derivates, such as retinal propionate, retinaldehyde (retinal) and retinyl ascorbate that may do the trick.
The bottom line: Start by choosing a retinol product that’s compatibly textured for your skin type and narrow down the options to a concentration that’s going to give your skin the most benefit without tipping the scale toward irritation.
WHICH RETINOL CREAM IS BEST?
There’s no singular “best” retinol cream out there, as it all depends on what’s right for your particular skin needs, but there are common traits that are important to look for with any retinol product. 1) Check the label to make sure it’s fragrance-free and irritant-free—that may seem like a no brainer, but a shocking amount of retinol products contain fragrance and other irritants. 2) It’s imperative that your retinol product is packaged in an opaque, air-tight container to preserve its stability—that means no screw-top jars, no matter how pretty they look. 3) Concentrations as low as 0.01% have been proven to be effective for daily use, but the key is to not rely on one “hero” ingredient alone. Retinol works best when formulated with other beneficial ingredients, especially other antioxidants.
RETINOL FOR BEGINNERS
Low concentrations of retinol (0.01%-0.03%) are great for those new to using retinol who want to introduce the ingredient into their daily routines or anyone with ultra-sensitive, reactive skin. Research has shown that concentrations in this range are effective for delaying signs of ageing, minimising pore size, and improving skin’s healthy appearance.
- A moisturising retinol serum (0.01% concentration) loaded with antioxidants and replenishing plant oils for dry, dehydrated skin.
- A luxe, rich retinol cream for beginners (0.01% concentration) that combines multiple peptides and replenishing ceramides for dry to very dry skin.
- A hydrating retinol eye cream (0.01% concentration) with a blend of ceramides, vitamin C and peptides for all skin types.
- A silky, weightless retinol serum (0.03% concentration) for oily, combination skin, formulated with potent age-fighting antioxidants.
Moderate strengths of retinol (0.04%-0.2%) are ideal for those looking to improve stubborn concerns such as uneven skin tone and fine lines. Intermediate users typically do best by applying a moderate-strength retinol product two-to-three times per week and may increase frequency depending on skin’s response.
- A super-charged, silky serum with retinol (0.1% concentration) that’s suitable for all skin types and combines vitamins C + E to keep skin radiant and revitalised.
- A creamy smooth retinol facial lotion (0.1% concentration) that’s blended with ceramides and vitamin C to fortify, brighten, and firm all skin types.
- A luxe, buttery body lotion with retinol (0.1% concentration) blended with emollients.
RETINOL SKIN CARE FOR ADVANCED USERS
High strengths of retinol (0.3%-1%) are the most potent formulas for more dramatic results. This is the top tier for advanced concerns such as deep wrinkles and decreased firmness. Start slowly with high-strength retinol products and increase frequency of usage based on your skin’s response.
- A lightweight lotion with retinol for all skin types that combines the powers of retinol with the unique capabilities of bakuchiol + peptides to target advanced signs of ageing via multiple pathways.*Note: This contains 0.3% retinol, which could be considered intermediate strength, but because it’s combined with 2% bakuchiol, it performs like a high-strength retinol option.
- A concentrated retinol serum for all skin types that harnesses the concentrated power of 1% retinol for use alone or with your favorite non-SPF moisturiser or serum. This allows you to truly customise your routine.
- A lightweight, lotion-textured serum that plays off of the synergy between a retinoid, niacinamide and hexylresorcinol (an antioxidant that tackles uneven tone) to repair, renew and re-energise skin while also tackling visible signs of ageing.
- A silky, lightly hydrating face lotion with retinol for all skin types with a curated blend of 1% retinol, vitamin C and peptides to target advanced signs of ageing." https://www.paulaschoice.com.au/expert-advice/skincare-advice/retinol
- Retinol is pretty much must in any skin care routine. At any age. Not just 20s or 30s.