Retinol: The Wrinkle Killer

Under-utilised and under-appreciated, It’s your best defence against wrinkles, Retinol is an ingredient that will help turn back time when it comes to your skin. Retinol is one of the few ingredients that has been proven to actually work, and brands are going crazy for it, striving to offer the highest quality version in their products. This heavy duty anti-ageing hero agent is one to take note of.

What is Retinol and Why Do We Use It?

It is a weaker, over the counter version of Tretinoin, a prescription vitamin A derivative that is highly effective in reversing sun damage and signs of ageing. Tretinoin decreases fine lines, evens skin colour, improves texture, tightens pores, and stimulates blood flow and collagen production. However, quite a few people cannot tolerate Tretinoin because it can be highly irritating and drying. Retinol is milder; while the results may not be as dramatic, more people tolerate it well. Like Tretinoin, retinol encourages skin cell turnover; this new skin is delicate and should not be exposed to the sun since retinol is prone to increase photosensitivity within the skin. That is why these ingredients should mainly be found in products intended for night use.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream, a Source Beauty favourite it diminishes the appearance of premature sun damage, reduces fine lines and soothes skin texture. Great for sensitive skin, use it as an anti-ageing night cream to beat wrinkles before its begun.

Orange Daily Anti Ageing Tri-Retinol Complex will gently erase and resurface wrinkles, age spots and texture with its superior retinol and triple Vitamin A formula. Increase cell renewal and reveal smooth, supple skin underneath. Apply in the evening to the face and skin after cleansing.

Rhea Beauty Keracell Secret Retinol Serum absorbs into the skin to enhance skin elasticity with a boost of collagen and pure vegan retinol. Gentle enough to use day and night, this serum will visibly improve skin texture and encourage cell turnover. Massage a few drops into the face and say hello to velvet-smooth skin.

Medik8 r-Retinoate Youth Activating Cream, an award-winning Korean Lab collaboration formula to beat the wrinkles. It only has to convert once on the skin, as opposed to other brands for the skin to process retinol it has to be converted from retinol to a retinal and again to retinoic acid. Therefore you will see much quicker results, and unlike the others, you can use it day and night.

RoC Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, working its way through the night to penetrate through deep-set wrinkles within 12 weeks, Helps moisturise the delicate eye area and helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes. Gently dab a small amount of the product onto wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, and on the cheeks and forehead area, and smooth into the skin for maximum penetration. You may feel a slight tingling or tightening sensation, this is normal.

Use with Caution: Retinol is not recommended under the age of 21, while there is no set time to use retinol, most dermatologists advise introducing the product in your mid-twenties, particularly if you suffer from breakouts or pigmentation. It is suggested that one uses retinol for 3 months, then takes a three month break. This is due to research that suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after 3 months of retinol usage. Also it is not to be used when pregnant or breastfeeding, once open use all creams within months before it loses effectiveness.

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