Debunking the Myth: Is Retinol the Secret to Younger Looking Skin?

Retinol, a form of vitamin A and an antioxidant, is hailed by many skin care experts as the secret weapon in the fight against wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. Retinol works by increasing collagen production and improving the skins texture. It can help clear up skin conditions like eczema and acne and can even reverse the dreaded effects of sun damage. Sound too good to be true?

Unfortunately, one of the main problems with the beauty product is that it often causes irritation: think peeling, flaky skin and redness. These side effects do eventually subside as your skin adjusts, however for many people a month of dry, delicate and tender skin is enough reason to give up altogether. For those who do keep going, after 4-8 weeks skin is proven to appear firmer, plumper and smoother. Whilst the outcome may seem worth it, be warned, this period of inflammation can actually damage your skin more in the long run. There is still much debate surrounding the long-term effects of retinol use, so it is crucial consumers are made aware of the risks. If you do decide to try out the beauty product, here are our top 3 tips for minimising skin irritation and keeping your skin looking as healthy as possible.

1. Apply a pea-sized amount.

A small amount of retinol is all that’s needed for your entire face. Besides, slathering on layers of product is guaranteed to leave you with all the unpleasant side effects.

2. Do not use daily.

Retinol is an extremely strong beauty product and it is important to give your skin time to adjust to it. By using retinol 2-3 days a week and then gradually increasing this to every other day, you can allow your skin time to get used to the beauty product.

3. Always combine with other skin care products.

As retinol tends to dry out the skin, try combining it with a rich, emollient moisturiser like Keihl’s Facial Moisturizer to lessen some of the dreaded side effects and prevent the skin from flaking.

In short, the best advice for using retinol is simply to build it up gradually and allow your skin time to adjust. Try mixing a small amount of Retinol Reform by Paula’s Choice with their Clinical Moisturizer and apply this combination to your face once or twice a week to begin with. Just like sunburn, any short-term damage to your skin is going to affect its overall condition and ultimately, no amount of beauty products can fully reverse the effects of ageing. Keeping your skin healthy, smooth and hydrated as much as possible is the only guaranteed way to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.