Everyone’s talking about Retinol! Despite its popularity, many are still unsure about its purpose and application. At the Clinic, we adore Retinol and want to share some essential information on what it is and how to use it. Discover how incorporating Retinol can elevate your night time skin care routine, leading to clearer, plumper, and more radiant skin.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that belongs to the retinoid family. It stimulates skin cell renewal and encourages collagen production to create a thicker and plumper layer of skin. Overall improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and skin texture. It can even treat acne prone skin.
Main benefits of Retinol?
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Exfoliates the skin
- Increases collagen production
- Known to help give skin a youthful looking appearance
- Unclogs pores
- Treatment for Acne as it helps to unclog pores
How do I use Retinol in my skin care routine?
Start Slow: Retinol can be quite potent for some people. So it's important to start slow and gradually build up your usage. So, start by using it - only at night - 1-2 times a week initially and gradually increase the frequency once you see that your skin tolerates it.
Natalie Abouchar, Director of Privée Clinic and Nurse Practitioner says “I’ve been using Retinol for a couple of years now, I started slow and built up to every night. Then I use Dermaceutic Radiance Brightening Cream for extra exfoliation 2-3 times a week. I cleanse, apply a pea size amount of Retinol all over my face and down to my chest, let my skin dry completely, then I apply SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Moisturiser. A quick and effective routine to keep my skin bright, hydrated, radiant and nourished.”
Products we recommend at the Clinic
At the Clinic, we carry the following Retinol Products that we believe are some of the best available. We love SkinCeuticals and Medik8 products for their range of Retinol options tailored to different expertise levels, from beginners to Retinol experts.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and refine skin texture with this powerful facial treatment. It's slow release which makes it gentle on the skin, and with its technologically advanced formula, Medik8 Crystal Retinal resurfaces skin, helping to boost collagen to help reveal a radiant, youthful complexion.
SkinCeuticals Retinol
This retinol face cream helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, blemishes, and pores. This potent nighttime treatment features pure retinol enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to ensure a steady, even release.
What does the research on Retinol say?
Several studies have found evidence to support Retinol’s effectiveness.
According to a 2019 study, Vitamin A and its derivatives, particularly Retinol, are among the most effective substances delaying the process of ageing. According to the report Anti-wrinkle properties of retinoids promote keratinocytes proliferation, strengthen the protective function of the epidermis, restrain transepidermal water loss, protect collagen against degradation and inhibit metalloproteinases activity.
In terms of acne treatment, another 2019 study suggested that topical retinoids are safe and efficacious for the treatment of acne. That said, the study recommended that retinol should be used in combination with benzoyl peroxide to optimize results in acne patients.
Feel free to visit the Clinic and if necessary Natalie Abouchar, Director/Nurse Practitioner at Privée Clinic, can prescribe the optimal treatment for your acne or skin concern.
So there you have it! All you need to know about Retinol. Contact us if you require more information. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding Retinol or any other skin care topic. We are here to provide you with further details, guidance, or recommendations to help you achieve your skin care goals.
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you on your journey to healthier, glowing skin.
To book an appointment, book online here.
Article Verified by Natalie Abouchar, Director/Nurse Practitioner Privée Clinic
Article References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30674002
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32428912
https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(19)32040-8/fulltext
