Retinol In Skin Care: Everything You Need To Know

Retinol has been hailed the miracle anti-ager both beauty editors and consumers can’t get enough of. As a concentrated form of vitamin A, it boasts benefits ranging from evening skin tone to restoring fine lines and wrinkles. But as a powerful and active ingredient, it is important to understand what it is doing for your skin and whether or not it’s right for you. We spoke to Paula Begoun, founder of Paula’s Choice to get the lowdown on skin care’s buzziest ingredient.
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What is it?
“Retinol is a well-known skin-restoring ingredient [with a] reputation that is supported by over 50 years of research,” says Begoun. “It is present in naturally healthy, young skin…[and when applied topically it] teaches cells how to function like they did when they were younger.”
What is it good for?
Begoun describes retinol as a “generalist” ingredient. This means it can improve “skin tone, texture, firmness, pore size, breakouts, wrinkles and various types of discolourations.” However, how much and how often it is used is crucial. “As a rule, higher strengths of retinol are better for more difficult skin problems like acne or advanced sun damage and ageing. Lower strengths are more preventative.”
What kind of product should I use?
Always try and choose products based on your skin type,” explains Begoun. “This means use creamy textures if you have dry skin, lotions or serums for normal to combination skin, and fluids or gels for oily or congested skin.” While as little as 0.01% retinol can still produce visible benefits (products go up to about 2%), there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. “It all depends on your skin type, concerns and how you individually respond to the ingredient.”
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and have advanced sun damage or deep wrinkles, a higher strength is likely to way to go, says Begoun. However if you’re in your early 30s, a lower percentage would be sufficient.
How often should I be using it?
Adding a step to your nightly routine is the recommended way to incorporate a retinol product. While it is fine to use in the day, it is an air and light sensitive ingredient that means in daytime it may be less effective. “Start out slowly by applying once every three days to see how your skin responds. If it responds well, increase frequency as desired.”
A few crucial things to know about retinol: firstly, when selecting a product ensure it is in opaque, airtight packaging. As the ingredient is sensitive to air and light it may be ineffective if it is in clear packaging. Secondly, it is crucial to introduce a broad spectrum sunscreen when using retinol. Due to the ingredient being active it can cause initial skin sensitivity and as a result increase the effects of the sun.
bh loves: Paula’s Choice Resist 1% Retinol Booster, philosophy help me retinol night treatment, Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Face Mask, Dermalogica Age Smart Overnight Retinol Repair, Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
Have you used a retinol product before? What is your favourite?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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46 Member Comments
I'm a tad late to the party.
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Time to try this again
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Great information
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I dont have retinol yet in any of my skin care routine.
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I've got to get back into using retinol regularly. I keep forgetting!
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Retinol is the best
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The Elizabeth Arden capsules are the only ones I have tried. Loved them. Cleared up my breakouts and left my skin so smooth. More noticeable now I ran out as the bumps are back. Must get me some more of those pricey little pink caps! Well worth the money
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I have not tried any of these retinol products, Paula's Choice Retinol Boost looks good.
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I use a great product called Intensive Renewal Serum from Rodan + Fields. It has a mixture of retinol and Vitamin A in it. Can lead you in the right direction if you would like to try it.
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Sounds like a very effective ingredient
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The first time I tried retinol I reacted due to my sensitive skin and not really using much in terms of skincare at the time but after repairing my skin barrier and building up a tolerance to more active ingredients. I can tolerate it better now.
Last year, I transitioned to retinal, which is a less irritating form of Vit A so my skin is happier and looking great. I still use it at night though.
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I'm always worried about using it as I don't want to increase my risk of sun damage. Even though we all have good intentions about sunscreen, the reality is that it's all too easy to get caught out. Like when I popped out to check the mail and ended up standing in the street for half an hour chatting with a neighbour!
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Found that my skin does not respond well to any type of it. Just starts to look dull and crepey. Not for me
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What a great product recommendation list.
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I really like using products that contain retinol.
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Yess! Thank you I think this is what I need! Clicked on all the links to read. Thanks BH!
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I have a question about retinol in eye creams. I've been using an eye cream with Retinol SA in it and I'm fully aware that you should use SPF when using a retinol product in your routine, however what do you do with sunscreens around the eye area?
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I'm trying different retinol based or related products as we speak to see what gives me the best results. BeautyHeaven has certainly been an AMAZING resource in narrowing it down and learning!
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I've tried them on and off for many years and I do like a retinol cream. Probably time I got one again.
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When I use retinol products I tend to mix it in with my normal moisturiser as I find my skin to be sensitive to it otherwise.
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I've been using prescription tretinoin 0.05 for anti-aging for around 9 months, and I'm very happy with the results. Becareful especially at the beginning with this treatment.
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What does it take to get it prescribed? Just wondering in case my retinol products continue to kind of underwhelm me.
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Hi NellAdams. I just asked my GP and said I wanted it for antiaging. It costs about $55 per tube which lasts me 6 months. Script has 3 rpts. The pharmacist will go through the precautions with you. I watched heaps of youtube about it and found 'hotnflashy' very helpful. I didn't experience any redness or irritation but mixed it with my night moisturiser (olay microgenist) the first 2 months building up to using it 5 nights per week. I have normal to combo skin and use serums only in the morning. Don't put it on your neck! You can get some pretty good results using a strong retinol (2%) as well. I didn't notice an obvious change in my skin until about 3 months. Hope this helps!
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I'd like to try it.
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