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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?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster
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    Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Face Mask
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    Dermalogica Age Smart Overnight Retinol Repair
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    37 Member Comments

    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.

    Gail157 7 Sep 2018 6:13 PM

    I love the Ultraceuticals range of Retinol products. I have also used " The Ordinary" retinol, but it does not seem to be as good as the Ultraceuticals range.

    Chrystalage 7 Sep 2018 2:03 PM

    I have highly sensitive skin so I'm not sure if I could use it. I would be better of discussing it with my dermie

    Ms Jelena 7 Sep 2018 9:28 AM

    I’ll have to look into this! It sounds great and may be just what my skin has been needing!

    Okatko 6 Sep 2018 9:46 PM

    I don’t think I’ve ever used a product with retinol in it. It might be time to try.

    Lucy16 6 Sep 2018 9:00 PM

    I use tretinoin 0.05 %.

    I love it despite the peeling skin at times.

    Isotretinoin scares me a little but seems to work for many severe acne sufferers.

    Adapalene is available OTC in the U.S but you need a prescription in Australia.

    That said, Azelaic acid 20% is available OTC here and is fabulous for acne, redness, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

    I love retinoids.

    You should be cautious if you have any issues with bone density as retinoids can have adverse effects.

    Always wear sunscreen-preferably physical over chemical, and seek shade!

    Tee631 6 Sep 2018 8:48 PM

    interesting article

    2663anne 6 Sep 2018 6:44 PM

    I’ve slowly introduced Retinol into my skincare routine, and now the husband has started using it too. The results have been dramatic on his deep forehead line and crows feet.

    clearcrystalwater 6 Sep 2018 3:45 PM

    It's great to read a bit more about this great ingredient that's been tested for wow 50 Years!! That's as long as I've been on earth! : )

    duality 6 Sep 2018 1:27 PM

    There are many types of vitamin A derivatives like Retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene. Best going to a dermatologist first to get the right one because once you get the right one it’s like a magic wand! I’ve been using prescription tretinoin for years now as an anti-age treatment

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