CAN RETINOL CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS?
INGREDIENTSTouted as a miracle worker for skin, in the last decade retinol has progressed from a dermatological insider tip to a daily essential that promises a smoother, radiant complexion after just a short period of use. So, what exactly is retinol? Can it cause side effects? And should we all be using retinol products in our daily skincare? We’ll answer these questions and more . . .
What is retinol?
Retinol is a retinoid, of which there are a few different types, all derived from vitamin A, in fact, our body can make retinoic acid in small doses from vitamin A. As a skin ingredient, retinol helps the body to improve natural collagen production and renew itself more quickly by shedding dead skin cells and revealing brighter skin. In the past skincare formulas were less sophisticated - meaning that some skin irritation would often occur, particularly with the original prescription retinoid products. Thankfully technology has moved on significantly and the next generation retinols such as our Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum are very unlikely to cause side effects.
Benefits of retinol
Retinol helps to increase skin turnover and encourages skin to regenerate itself more often and more efficiently. Older skin cells are shed more quickly, revealing plumper, brighter, smoother, and newer skin cells underneath.
Finding your perfect retinol and working out how your skin best tolerates it can take a bit of trial and error. So, why bother? Well, retinol’s ability to:
- Reduce fine lines
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Help pores appear smaller
- Tackle blemishes
- Reduce pigmentation and dark spots
- Help skin look brighter
The use of retinol in skin care
Retinol is a powerful active ingredient that has amazing skin benefits including improving skin cell turnover, reducing dark spots and improving the appearance of wrinkles, but if it is used incorrectly negative side effects such as dryness, increased skin sensitivity and redness can occur. Follow these steps to limit any skin issues:
- Choose the right retinol – more on this below
- Apply your retinol at night to clean, dry skin
- Build tolerance slowly, start by applying every 2 days
- Give your retinol serum a few minutes to sink in before applying a rich moisturiser, such as Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream
- Avoid sun damage by applying SPF every single day
The moisture balance of your skin plays an important role in its ability to keep hydration locked in and harmful environmental influences locked out. Retinol helps the skin to retain moisture in the skin and encourages a strong skin barrier.
Can side effects occur when using retinol?
Side effects are possible with almost any new skincare product and similarly so with retinol products. If you choose to start with a very strong retinol and/or apply too much, too quickly, then skin will react with all the signs of sensitivity, such as dryness, redness, peeling and itchy, uncomfortable skin. The positive effects of retinol (healthy skin that looks smoother and brighter) mean that it is well worth trying a retinol cream or serum, such as our Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum. Most skin types can use retinol, just ensure you build tolerance slowly and follow with a moisturiser like our Ultra Facial Cream.
When is retinol safe?
Retinol is an active ingredient, and it works extremely well for most skin types, however for some extra sensitive skin types it can be difficult to tolerate. It’s also not advisable to use retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. For personalised skincare advice, including the right retinol for you and how to start using it, you can book an in store or virtual consultation with one of our skin experts. We would usually suggest starting with our award-winning Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum which works to achieve visible results with a minimised likelihood of discomforting side effects and is suitable for all skin types, including first-time retinol users.
Use retinol correctly
- Apply your retinol serum to cleansed skin in the evening and follow with a moisturiser, such as Ultra Facial Cream. In the morning cleanse, tone and moisturise as usual and always apply SPF.
- If you are new to retinol, start slowly by applying retinol to skin one evening – if you have no side effects, use your retinol serum every 2 days. After a week, move up to applying every evening. Our skin-gentle Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is specially formulated to minimise side effects and can be immediately applied every evening.
For more help and advice try our Skin Reader which works to instantly analyse your skin and create your optimal skincare routine.
Active ingredients together
There are often questions around using other skincare ingredients with Retinol. Vitamins C, E, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid complement retinol as do ceramides and peptides. Exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid can be used with retinol but proceed with caution and start slow. Once your skin is tolerant to your retinol dosage, a gentle acid at a low concentration, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid may be incorporated a few times a week to help remove flaky skin, refine skin texture, and create a super smooth skin surface for retinol application. As always, don't forget to incorporate the best sunscreen for your skin type into your daily AM routine.
Retinol and the sun
Contrary to popular opinion, retinol does not make the skin thinner, it actually works to help increase collagen – meaning thicker skin that gets stronger over time. Retinol speeds up the skin’s natural renewal process, so the skin cells that make up the top layer of skin will be newer and fresher. Therefore, skin texture appears smoother and brighter with fewer skin discolorations, however these new cells have not yet built up a strong defence against environmental factors, such as the sun’s powerful rays. Skin can be quicker to tan or burn, so ensure you wear a skincare product with SPF, such as our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ and regularly reapply.
.jpg?sw=1080&sh=600&sm=cut&q=70)
