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    Retinol In Skin Care: Everything You Need To Know

    6 Sep 2018 8:30 AM | Posted by
    bh's Jordyn Christensen's picture
    bh's Jordyn Christensen
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    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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    Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster
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    Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Face Mask
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    46 Member Comments

    BeautySwan88 25 Jan 2021 4:03 AM

    I'm a tad late to the party.

    Sootyhere 4 Jan 2021 12:04 AM

    Time to try this again

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    Miramarmari 1 Oct 2020 9:41 AM

    Great information

    Anishah Mullu 16 Jun 2020 4:29 PM

    I dont have retinol yet in any of my skin care routine.

    misfortune8 26 Mar 2020 2:48 AM

    I've got to get back into using retinol regularly. I keep forgetting!

    Miss19 20 Mar 2020 3:24 PM

    Retinol is the best

    Mandy_1987 14 Mar 2020 7:27 PM

    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

    talk-a-lot 13 Mar 2020 11:00 PM

    I have not tried any of these retinol products, Paula's Choice Retinol Boost looks good.

    GenineJ 2 Apr 2019 3:13 PM

    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.

    Shop A Everyday 14 Mar 2019 9:30 PM

    Sounds like a very effective ingredient

    Skincare Aussie 14 Mar 2019 9:15 PM

    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.

    Dilettante 14 Jan 2019 4:59 PM

    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!

    Yohanna 25 Dec 2018 7:03 PM

    Found that my skin does not respond well to any type of it. Just starts to look dull and crepey. Not for me

    You beauty 21 Oct 2018 9:09 PM

    What a great product recommendation list.

    onlyoni 10 Sep 2018 11:17 PM

    I really like using products that contain retinol.

    ThisIsMe 10 Sep 2018 2:43 PM

    Yess! Thank you I think this is what I need! Clicked on all the links to read. Thanks BH!

    Janefre 10 Sep 2018 12:35 PM

    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?

    NellAdams 10 Sep 2018 12:18 PM

    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!

    Elunia 8 Sep 2018 10:13 AM

    I've tried them on and off for many years and I do like a retinol cream. Probably time I got one again.

    Beautybabe140194 7 Sep 2018 11:38 PM

    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.

    Popsicle 7 Sep 2018 9:12 PM

    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.

    NellAdams 10 Sep 2018 12:15 PM

    What does it take to get it prescribed? Just wondering in case my retinol products continue to kind of underwhelm me.

    Popsicle 11 Sep 2018 2:53 PM

    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!

    Hayley644 7 Sep 2018 6:56 PM

    I'd like to try it.

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