Guides, How Tos and Routines
Find The Right Retinol Routine For Your Skin
The secret to a glowing youthful complexion? That would be retinol! Read below to uncover our retinol top picks based on your skin type.
Why should you use retinol?
How can retinol transform your skin? This powerhouse ingredient is known and scientifically proven to slow down the ageing process. Retinol will revolutionise your skincare routine and help your skin recover from any damage or imperfections thank you to:
- It has the ability to speed up cell turnover and increase collagen production, which is similar to an “exfoliating” effect, allowing for brighter, more even-toned skin.
- It can reduce the expression of collagenase, which is an enzyme that breaks down collagen in the skin.
- Your signs of UV-induced early skin ageing, such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigmentation will be reduced.
- By unclogging pores, retinol clears skin and prevents further outbreaks from occurring.
How to use retinol?
Retinol should be applied in the evening to freshly cleansed skin, before applying moisturiser. Additionally, it is important to follow up with an SPF in the mornings, as the serum can make skin extremely sensitive to UV rays, meaning it is essential that you use a daily facial SPF30 or above.
Some retinol products may dry out your skin so if that’s your case, make sure to follow with a thicker moisturiser to seal everything in the same routine and the morning after.
Is it good to use retinol everyday?
Though you may want to reap the benefits of retinol quicker, if you are a beginner to retinol, it is advised that you do not use it every day. Essentially, you should start your retinol journey with a low percentage of retinol, such as 0.2%, and start using it once weekly. If your skin is tolerating the retinol well, after three weeks, you can move it up to every two days, and then to everyday.
What should you not use with retinol?
As retinol has an exfoliating effect, it should not be used in combination with any other exfoliants, such as AHA’s (glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid & hydroxycaprylic acid), BHA’s (salicylic acid) and PHA toner. Using retinol with these ingredients may lead to dryness and irritation in your skin.
Do you put moisturiser on before or after retinol?
Retinol should be applied before moisturiser. This is because, though retinol is a great ingredient to tackle ageing skin, it also has the ability to cause dryness or irritation, especially if you are just beginning to use it. Therefore it is recommended to moisturise after using retinol. Make sure to follow with a deeply hydrating moisturiser the morning after as well as SPF.
Should I leave retinol on all night and do I need to wash it off in the morning?
Retinol should only be applied at night and does not need to be washed off in the morning, as it absorbs into your skin overnight. However, it is vital to use an SPF the following morning after using retinol, as sunlight can make the vitamin A in retinol less effective.
What age should I start using retinol and which one is best for beginners?
It is recommended to start using the anti-ageing powerhouse ingredient in your mid 20s. Though this may seem too early to start your better-ageing journey, the idea is that the use of retinol will boost your skin’s regeneration potential while it’s still high.
Oio Lab Lunula Night Anti-Ageing Night Facial Oil – This facial oil from Oio Lab is brilliant for beginners, as it allows your skin to build up tolerance to the mild exfoliating effect of retinol.
Antipodes Eve Bio-Retinol Line Reduction Serum – With an ultra clean, 100% natural-origin formula, this retinol is great for beginners.
Evolve Beauty Bio-Retinol Mask – This mask is enriched with a retinol-like plant extract, to help avoid irritation.
How to Build a Nighttime Retinol Routine
“I’m pregnant”
The right retinol for you: Antipodes Eve-Bio Retinol Line Reduction Serum
Why Antipodes? This plant-derived natural alternative to retinol is enriched with Cacay Oil and Bakuchiol to refine your skin’s texture, unveiling a more youthful you, without the potential concerns for pregnancy.
To complete your routine:
- Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, with the key ingredient lactobacillus (pumpkin enzyme), this cleanser purifies pores and supports elasticity.
- Goldfaden Vital Boost Cream, to give your skin a brightening boost and burst of moisture.
- Oskia SPF30 Vitamin Face Cream, enriched with Swiss Glacier Water and Snow Algae to provide deep hydration and protect against cellular damage.
“I have Oily Skin”
The right retinol for you: Teresa Tarmey Retinol
Why Teresa Tarmey? Formulated with an innovative 0.3% encapsulated retinol, hydrolysed elastin and hyaluronic acid complex, this effective yet gentle serum provides a brighter, smoother, and more youthful complexion, whilst also helping to control sebum production.
To complete your routine:
- Votary Clarifying Cleansing Oil – Rosemary & Oat, though you may not think it, this cleansing oil will help to control your skin’s oil production.
- Oio Lab The Forest Retreat, a game-changer moisturiser for oily skin that controls excess oil for a more harmonious complexion.
- Olivanna London Sun Defence Drops SPF 50, to nourish and fortify the skin’s barrier.
“I have dry skin”
The right retinol for you: Evolve Beauty Bio-Retinol Mask
Why Evolve Beauty? Consisting of organic argan oil and rosehip oil, you can enjoy the same results as retinol whle also keeping your skin nourished and hydrated.
To complete your routine:
- De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm, enriched with antioxidant-rich oils and nourishing butters, this cleansing balm gently cleanses the skin and provides essential nutrients.
- Verso Nourishing Cream, with the innovative mix of Niacinamide and Vitamin B3, this cream provides long-lasting hydration and soothes irritations and redness.
- Saltee City Serum SPF+, the ultimate SPF that not only provides UV protection, but also hydrates the skin.
“I have normal skin”
The right retinol for you: MZ Skin Retinol Skin Booster
Why MZ Skin? Clinically proven to reduce fine lines by 43% after 8 weeks, this lightweight serum is made to smooth and revitalise your skin while you sleep at night, for younger-looking and glowing skin.
To complete your routine:
- Venn Moisture-Balance All In One Face Cleanser, curated with humectants, this cleanser allows for an effective and deep clean with every use.
- Antipodes Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel, with the goodness of New Zealand manuka honey and natural hyaluronic acid, this feather-light moisturiser provides long-lasting moisture.
- Mantle The SPF, follow with this SPF in the morning to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
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