What Can Retinol Do for my Skin?
Retinol, a term you have probably heard before but do you actually know what it does and whether it can help with your skin concerns? Well, retinol is actually a holy grail anti-ageing ingredient that is famed for helping with an extensive range of skin issues. The term might sound scary, but retinol is actually a dermatologist-approved derivative of Vitamin A and a number of clinical studies have shown that retinol has proven to reduce the breakdown of collagen and improve cell turnover. Even more, retinol can help with other skin concerns such as blemishes, acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and rough skin texture. The list goes on. Though it is important that you slowly introduce this active ingredient into your skincare regimen and use only at night straight after cleansing. Above all, it is important that you use an SPF in your daytime regime to prevent potential redness and peeling.
Ok, so now you are probably wondering which retinol serum you should be using. Am I right? Well, the Beauty Experts here at Activeskin have compiled five best retinol serums that solve a magnitude of skin concerns.
1. Asap Super A+ Serum
This serum will hit the rewind button on any unwanted signs of premature ageing. The revolutionary formula of Vitamin A coupled with biomimetic peptides is designed to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and encourage increased collagen and elastin production.This serum has also been formulated with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer to intensely hydrate and soften skin while Vitamin E and White Tea are antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Perfect for those with mature skin and skin that has lost elasticity, glow or vitality, this serum will leave your skin looking and feeling smooth, firm and supple.
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2. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
A powerful break-through serum, powered by Reintol Tri-Active Technology to visibly minimise fine lines and deep wrinkles for more youthful looking skin. The Tri-Active Technology includes a fast-acting Retinoid, a time-release Retinol and Retinol booster that work in combination with Hyaluronic Acid Spheres and Swertia Flower Extract to increase skin resilience and attract moisture deep into the skin's surface. This serum is suitable for normal, oily, combination, dry and even sensitive skin types due to this amazing tri-active release system.
In 2 weeks of using this serum, 93% saw a reduction in lines and wrinkles while 98% noticed smoother skin.
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3. Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Night Serum Capsules
These single nightly doses of Retinol and Ceramides give you the perfect amount of retinol serum every application. These nightly treatments target the appearance of ageing while you sleep and works to dramatically improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, texture and tone. Above all, these capsules are biodegradable! I love applying this at night once I jump into bed and gently massage it in to all my lines and wrinkles for a minute or two!
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4. Aspect Retinol Brulee
This anti-ageing Vitamin A serum is a night skin refining serum that delivers antioxidant protection while firming, exfoliating and brightening the overall complexion. Specifically designed to penetrate deeply for more effective delivery of nutrients to the skin. Tocoretinate and Lana Blue have also been added to this serum for comprehensive anti-ageing benefits making this serum a gentle yet effective retinol treatment.
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5. Medik8 Retinol 6TR
For those of you who are already familiar with retinol serums and have been using one for some time and may be looking for a higher strength, then this serum is for you. Formulated with 0.6% retinol and supported by Vitamin E for enhanced stability, this lightweight serum rejuvenates skin and restores radiance while you sleep. Time Release Technology has also been added to the formula so that retinol is delivered gradually into the deeper layers of the skin to ensure maximum results are achieved without causing skin irritation.
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Retinol Tips
How to Use Retinol
- We advise that you start with a very slow approach when introducing Retinol into your regime.
- Use only at night on a cleansed skin.
- Use only once or twice per week in the first 3 weeks of using.
- Step up to two to three times per week after that.
- Only ever use every second night or every night if your skin can 'tolerate' it – i.e. no redness or irritation
When NOT to use Retinol
- This serum is perfect for ageing and sun-damaged skin. However, it is not recommended when taking medically prescribed acne medication or prescribed Retinol.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or lactating.
- Stop using 3 to 4 days before any salon peel and for a week or two afterwards (or as prescribed by your skin specialist).
- Stop using if you experience a 'Retinol Burn'. This is when your cells turnover too rapidly and you get a slightly red/raw wind burnt look and feel. Cease using for a while and then slowly introduce it again.