When to apply Retinol in your Routine

Retinol has become a buzzword in the beauty industry. Whether you’re a skincare obsessive or are just beginning your journey, we’re sure you’ll have come across the term before. However, retinol is by no means a fad; it’s a tried and tested clinical ingredient that industry experts have loved for years. In fact, if you’re looking to get the very best skincare routine, it’s an essential. Here’s why.

What are the benefits of retinol?

Retinoids are a group of skincare ingredients that all derived from vitamin A. Retinol has a multitude of skincare benefits, which is why it’s such a popular choice no matter your skincare concerns. Retinol visibly reduces the appearance of ageing skin, can help to target pigmentation and even tackle acne, resulting in smoother, brighter and younger-looking skin.

When should I start using retinol?

Vitamin A products can vary in strength, starting at over the counter retinols and going all the way up to prescription-strength tretinoin. At what age and strength you should start using retinol all depends on your skin concerns, which is why it’s really important to get expert advice on choosing the right product for you. Over-the-counter products will be great for anyone looking to prevent those signs of ageing, but acne-prone or mature skins might want to opt for a medical or cosmeceutical grade retinol.

How to start using retinol

To get the best out of your retinol, you need to take the ‘slow and steady wins the race’ approach. Retinol works within the skin to create visible change and, due to its active nature, can cause a little dryness and peeling when you begin. This is often short-lived, but we always advise working your way up the vitamin A scale slowly to allow your skin to adapt and really reap the rewards.

Begin by applying an over-the-counter retinol once or twice a week, before gradually increasing your usage after a few weeks. If your skin becomes dry or irritated at any point, you’ve stepped it up a little too quickly, so reduce your usage. If you’re sensitive, try mixing it with moisturiser at the beginning to act as a buffer. Once you feel ready to take it to the next level, check in with your Skinora expert for a quick consultation to choose the appropriate step in your retinol journey.

Using retinol in your routine

Always use retinol in your evening routine; it’s highly active and can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Start by thoroughly cleansing the skin, so the retinol has a clear path for those actives to get to work. Next, apply an eye cream to act as a barrier to the delicate eye area. You can then apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to the face and that’s it. Just be sure to remember your SPF the next morning.

Retinol truly is a powerhouse ingredient that deserves a slot in your skincare routine. Here at Skinora, our team of experts are on hand to help you find your perfect retinol match and work to create a personalised skincare routine that is tailored to the unique needs of your skin.