While the concept of skincare is simple, finding the perfect routine and the right products to your skin’s needs and condition can be challenging. Here at Young LDN, we know as well as anyone that trends drive the skincare industry. Scientists worldwide are working on the next breakthrough to keep skin clear, youthful and glowing as you read this. One of the most buzzed about ingredients in the industry is retinol.
So What Is Retinol?
Anyone with even a passing interest in skincare will have heard of retinol. Retinols are derived from vitamin A and are most commonly used in skincare routines to tackle the signs ageing and combat acne.
It works differently from many other skincare ingredients by going beyond removing dead skin cells on the surface. Instead, it penetrates the outer skin layer, or epidermis, to enter the dermis. Once there, it works to tackle the free radicals that cause so many skin conditions, while also stimulating collagen and elastin production in the process.
As a result, skin becomes plumper and lines and wrinkles have a much harder time showing through on the surface.
Who Should Use Retinol?
Anyone that suffers from visible conditions that involve dead skin cells can benefit from using retinol products. A retinol skin cream can tackle the inner and outer layers at the same time, taking it a step further than many other options.
It is an active ingredient found in many different skincare products, often formulated with specific conditions in mind. For example, it’s possible to find retinol products for acne-prone skin and even a retinol skin brightener for a more glowing appearance.
Beyond that, it’s also possible to buy products formulated with different skin types in mind. For example, it’s possible to find creams and lotions that include retinol for sensitive skin, and alternative formulations can make use of the benefits of retinol for oily skin too.
The Science Behind Retinol
While the popularity of retinol continues to increase, it has been around as a trusted skincare solution for many years, with plenty of research to back it up. The term incorporates numerous different retinoids, each with its own specific makeup. Research into retinol’s effects on skin and whether there are links between retinol and irritated skin continue, but it is widely considered a safe, worthwhile option when tackling numerous skin-related concerns.
Age and the Choice of Retinol
One of the most common uses for retinol is in anti-ageing. In a perfect world, people will start to use retinol around the age of 25, as this is when natural elastin production reduces in the body. By penetrating through the outer layer of the skin to stimulate production, a retinol skincare product can encourage the skin to generate more collagen. In turn, this reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles – the ones that only appear when muscles contract like frown lines.
Of course, not everyone has the benefit of starting to use retinol skin products at 25 (although prevention is better than a cure). It’s easy to ignore the signs of skin ageing until they’re pronounced. The good news is that retinol skin benefits continue as people get older. The reduced production of elastin and collagen breakdown accelerates as we age, and the best skin retinol products can work to keep that under control.
The main concern when choosing the right retinol product is strength. It’s all about how many conversions the product has to go through before it transforms into retinoic acid, which is what causes the remarkable effects on the skin.
Stronger versions work faster, but the best retinol for sensitive skin is often weaker as strong products can cause irritation. In rare cases, using retinol can also cause itchy, peeling skin, so it may be worth consulting with an aesthetician before upping the dosage.
Our Best Skin Retinol Products
As noted, the best retinol products for different skin types often come down to their strength. On the lower side, we’re particularly fond of the Retinol 0.3% formula from Skinceuticals. It’s potent enough to get results when left on overnight thanks to the steady release of active ingredients but conservative enough to limit irritation on all but the most sensitive skin.
For those seeking a strong product with fast results, it does not get any better than Dermaceutic’s Activ Retinol 1.0. Applied to clean, dry skin in the evening, this formulation gets to work right away to hydrate and plump the skin. It also contains additional active ingredients, such as cholesterol and ceramides, that restore the skin to its former glory.
To Conclude
Whether you’re looking for something that can help with an anti-ageing routine or one of the most powerful solutions to acne-prone skin, retinol is a worthy addition to any skincare routine. It works differently from many other active ingredients and can therefore produce awe-inspiring results.
The nature of retinol products means that it’s often worth starting small or consulting an expert. Still, with numerous different products out there to suit many conditions and skin types, the proven results are well worth a closer look!
