Retinol is widely considered to be the “gold-standard” ingredient in the skincare industry. As a clear favourite, it is the only ingredient that has been scientifically proven to reverse ageing by repairing our skin’s DNA.
Retinol contains a high-level of Vitamin A, which helps to accelerate skin regeneration and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to help you achieve smoother and younger-looking skin. It also helps your skin to naturally exfoliate, which is really good for treating blackheads and acne; and it can also help to regenerate melanin, which is used for pigmentation so you can achieve evenly-toned skin.
But while retinol is the magic ingredient to reverse ageing, it is also quite a challenging ingredient as well. Retinol is a highly reactive molecule, and when exposed to sunlight or air, it will quickly breakdown and lose its potency.
How to Introduce Retinol into Your Skincare Routine
Since everyone’s skin is different, it is advised that you start off with an oil-based retinol, such as retinyl palmitate, and begin using a very low-level amount so that your skin can acclimatise to it. Then you can slowly build up to a high-level of retinol.
When applying retinol-based products, it is best to apply at night, since sunlight can reduce its effectiveness.