Hailed as the ‘gold standard’ of skincare, retinol has become one of the most celebrated ingredients in the industry. Tackling all manner of complexion concerns (think acne scars, pigmentation, dullness and more), this hardworking ingredient can be found in a variety of formulations, strengths and product types. For retinol newbies, things can quickly feel overwhelming – and that’s where we come in. In this retinol 101, we’ll answer your FAQs (i.e. what is retinol? What is retinol good for?) and share our top application tips on how to use retinol for facial-rivalling results.
What is retinol?
Retinol is an ingredient that belongs to a family of compounds known as retinoids, which are all forms of vitamin A. While each retinoid varies in strength, retinol is less potent than prescription retinoids, which is why you’ll find it featuring in over-the-counter moisturisers, serums, gels and creams.
What does retinol do to your skin?
As a form of vitamin A, retinol speeds up skin cell turnover and boosts collagen production. This means that newer, clearer skin is able to come to the surface, therefore improving the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and large pores. In a nutshell, retinol helps to smooth, soften and even out your complexion over time – what’s not to love?
Loreal Revitalift Core White Serum 30ML
£7.99
How to use retinol
If you’re wondering how to apply retinol, you’re not alone! This mystifying ingredient has a lot of budding skincare gurus stumped. So before you get stuck in, there are a few things to bear in mind about this active ingredient:
Slow and steady wins the race
Retinol newbie? No worries! It’s recommended that you start your journey by applying a pea-sized amount of low-percentage strength retinol (e.g. 0.01 or 0.02%) around once a week. If your skin responds well, you can keep upping this until you hit the once-a-day mark.
Sensitive skin types can still use retinol
If you’re experiencing irritation, redness or sensitivity when using retinol, you don’t need to give up hope just yet. Look for low-strength products that feature retinol alongside ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe the skin and support skin barrier function.
Avoid mixing actives
Retinol is a powerful active ingredient that doesn’t like sharing its spotlight with other actives. So, it’s recommended to avoid applying retinol alongside other chemical exfoliants (e.g. AHAs or BHAs), as they can increase the chance of irritation, redness and sensitivity.
Apply retinol at night
As cell turnover tends to happen while you sleep, it’s often more efficient to apply retinol to clean skin as part of your night-time routine. If your skin is more on the sensitive side, apply retinol after/or mix your retinol into your night-time moisturiser for a diluted effect.
Note: Using retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so always apply a high-factor SPF (30+) when you wake up to protect your skin.
Our retinol top picks:
Biovene Night Boost Moisturiser
Not all retinols are created equal – case in point: Biovene Night Boost Moisturiser. This hardworking formula utilises a blend of mango, vitamin C and retinol to deliver a hefty dose of hydration, bounce and glow to ageing skin. Plump, pillowy skin – coming right up!
Biovene Night Boost Moisturiser 50ml
£2.49
Biovene Retinol Night Lift Moisturiser
Formulated with retinol and organic strawberry, the Biovene Retinol Night Lift Moisturiser takes beauty sleep to a whole new level. Instead of waking up with dull and dry skin, your complexion will look (and feel) refreshed and revitalised. We’re obsessed.
Biovene Retinol Night Lift Moisture 50ml
£2.49
Your skincare routine is about to level up!
Shop for more skincare saviours in-store and online at Savers.
What is retinol and how should you use it?
Hailed as the ‘gold standard’ of skincare, retinol has become one of the most celebrated ingredients in the industry. Tackling all manner of complexion concerns (think acne scars, pigmentation, dullness and more), this hardworking ingredient can be found in a variety of formulations, strengths and product types. For retinol newbies, things can quickly feel overwhelming – and that’s where we come in. In this retinol 101, we’ll answer your FAQs (i.e. what is retinol? What is retinol good for?) and share our top application tips on how to use retinol for facial-rivalling results.
What is retinol?
Retinol is an ingredient that belongs to a family of compounds known as retinoids, which are all forms of vitamin A. While each retinoid varies in strength, retinol is less potent than prescription retinoids, which is why you’ll find it featuring in over-the-counter moisturisers, serums, gels and creams.
What does retinol do to your skin?
As a form of vitamin A, retinol speeds up skin cell turnover and boosts collagen production. This means that newer, clearer skin is able to come to the surface, therefore improving the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and large pores. In a nutshell, retinol helps to smooth, soften and even out your complexion over time – what’s not to love?
How to use retinol
If you’re wondering how to apply retinol, you’re not alone! This mystifying ingredient has a lot of budding skincare gurus stumped. So before you get stuck in, there are a few things to bear in mind about this active ingredient:
Slow and steady wins the race
Retinol newbie? No worries! It’s recommended that you start your journey by applying a pea-sized amount of low-percentage strength retinol (e.g. 0.01 or 0.02%) around once a week. If your skin responds well, you can keep upping this until you hit the once-a-day mark.
Sensitive skin types can still use retinol
If you’re experiencing irritation, redness or sensitivity when using retinol, you don’t need to give up hope just yet. Look for low-strength products that feature retinol alongside ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe the skin and support skin barrier function.
Avoid mixing actives
Retinol is a powerful active ingredient that doesn’t like sharing its spotlight with other actives. So, it’s recommended to avoid applying retinol alongside other chemical exfoliants (e.g. AHAs or BHAs), as they can increase the chance of irritation, redness and sensitivity.
Apply retinol at night
As cell turnover tends to happen while you sleep, it’s often more efficient to apply retinol to clean skin as part of your night-time routine. If your skin is more on the sensitive side, apply retinol after/or mix your retinol into your night-time moisturiser for a diluted effect.
Note: Using retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so always apply a high-factor SPF (30+) when you wake up to protect your skin.
Our retinol top picks:
Biovene Night Boost Moisturiser
Not all retinols are created equal – case in point: Biovene Night Boost Moisturiser. This hardworking formula utilises a blend of mango, vitamin C and retinol to deliver a hefty dose of hydration, bounce and glow to ageing skin. Plump, pillowy skin – coming right up!
Biovene Retinol Night Lift Moisturiser
Formulated with retinol and organic strawberry, the Biovene Retinol Night Lift Moisturiser takes beauty sleep to a whole new level. Instead of waking up with dull and dry skin, your complexion will look (and feel) refreshed and revitalised. We’re obsessed.
Your skincare routine is about to level up!
Shop for more skincare saviours in-store and online at Savers.
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