Retinol: what does it do for skin?
It’s one of the most well-renowned skincare ingredients – but what is retinol?
Derived from vitamin A, retinol is used to stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production. These properties make retinol a potent anti-ageing ingredient that’s also great at managing mild acne-prone skin. While there are many advantages of retinol, it is one of the most potent skincare ingredients – so each skin type will have a different tolerance level. This means it’s extremely important to become familiar with your skin constraints before introducing retinol into your routine.
Because retinol benefits and skin absorption are influenced by the specific formula, composition and concentration of products used, they will vary from person to person – and it can take between weeks, or even months, to start producing visible improvements.
However, the wide range of possible results make retinol worth the wait.
What are the benefits of retinol for each skin type?
Retinol’s versatile effects mean that almost all skin types can benefit from this ingredient. That said, each skin type requires a slightly different approach to help achieve the best possible results. What’s more, learning how to apply retinol correctly is especially crucial because temporary side effects – such and dryness, redness, peeling and discomfort – are more likely if you don’t follow the proper usage advice. Retinol causes increased photosensitivity, so you should apply your serum or cream at night and always wear a high-SPF, broad spectrum sun protection during the day. Always apply retinol to dry (never damp) skin for optimal efficacy.
To help demystify the process and highlight the benefits of retinol for skin, we have outlined expert application advice and special considerations for each skin type below.
Retinol for mature skin
There are many retinol benefits for mature skin. Retinol stimulates skin cell turnover and collagen synthesis, helping diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as discolouration concerns like dark spots.
Mature skin: Which retinol should I use?
If signs of ageing are your primary skin concern, we recommend using a retinol eye cream to address fine lines and wrinkles around this especially vulnerable area.
Our Revitalift Classic Eye Cream was developed to hydrate and tone the eye contour while providing powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. Pat gently into the eye area each night as the final step in your anti-ageing skincare routine.
Retinol for oily skin
Retinol can have powerful benefits for people with oily skin thanks to its ability to help regulate excess sebum levels while targeting blemishes and ageing concerns.
We recommend opting for a lighter face serum formula instead of cream, as heavier formulas can be too much for this skin type. Retinol serum benefits more tolerant skin types (like oily) because they can deliver a higher concentration without triggering the level of discomfort that a dry or sensitive skin type might experience.
Oily skin: Which retinol should I use?
Our Laser X3 Pure Retinol Night Serum uses our highest concentration of pure retinol (0.2%) in a light formula that is well-suited to oily skin. It’s important to introduce pure retinol gradually, so start by using it twice per week, before increasing your usage to every other night – it may take a few weeks, or more, to adjust.
Retinol for dry skin
While you might be under the assumption that retinol and dry skin don’t mix, dry skin types can see positive changes from retinol, while ensuring they take steps to minimise the risk of exacerbating existing dryness.
If you have dry skin, visible signs of ageing can appear more prominent because you have fewer natural oils (that keep the skin looking plump and fresh). Reducing the look of fine lines is just one way retinol benefits dry skin types with ageing concerns.
Dry skin: Which retinol should I use?
We recommend choosing a low dose of retinol and a day cream containing a retinol derivative (rather than a serum) to maximise hydration and mitigate any potential disruption to the skin moisture barrier. Our Revitalift Classic Day Cream SPF15 has a rich cream texture suitable for dry skin. In addition to retinol, this cream is formulated with our Fibrelastyl firming complex – which helps reinforce skin elasticity for firmer skin – and added SPF for further protection against premature ageing.
Retinol for combination skin
When it comes to retinol for combination skin, you might expect similar oil-regulating benefits to oily skin types – but you need to be conscious of increased dryness as well.
That’s why, as a combination skin type, you should opt for a retinol serum, rather than a cream, to supplement your hydration and help you avoid adding too much heaviness to your skincare routine.
Combination skin: Which retinol should I use?
Our Revitalift Classic Concentrated Serum is potent with anti-ageing actives and a retinol derivative. It is also formulated with sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid, so you can enjoy hydration alongside anti-ageing retinol benefits. Apply after cleansing and follow up with your regular moisturiser.
Retinol for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you might think retinol isn’t for you. The good news is: that’s not true! Sensitive skin is still prone to ageing and blemishes, and retinol is a tried-and-tested ingredient for managing these concerns. The key to using retinol for sensitive skin is to use very gradually and opt for a hydrating night cream formula. We suggest using retinol no more than one night per week, closely monitoring for signs of redness and discomfort.
Sensitive skin: Which retinol should I use?
Our Revitalift Laser X3 Retinol + Niacinamide Pressed Night Cream would work well for sensitive skin. The combination of niacinamide with retinol works to visibly reduce wrinkles and even skin tone – and niacinamide has the added ability to support the skin moisture barrier. However, we do recommend that you avoid using this cream with other retinol-based products, and always apply a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 the following morning.
There are plenty of advantages of retinol, but it’s important to tread lightly when pairing retinol with other ingredients. Up next, learn how to use retinol and vitamin C together.
