When it comes to looking after your skin, there are a few rules everyone should follow.
You don’t need to be a skin savant to know that you should be cleansing and moisturising daily. Experts stress the importance of applying SPF every morning and always staying hydrated. Besides the basics, though, it can get a little overwhelming. Now you can walk into any beauty store and get lost amongst the acids, masks, exfoliators, oils and serums which promise to solve every skincare concern, so it’s essential to separate the products which actually work from those that are simply marketed well.
One of the most effective ingredients every expert can agree on is retinol – mainly for its anti-ageing properties. “Retinol is considered the gold standard for anti-ageing products, and for good reason,” says Dr Howard Murad, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Murad Skincare. “It dramatically improves all key signs of ageing, minimising the look of wrinkles and crow’s feet while lifting and firming skin. And the benefits go beyond anti-ageing. It visibly brightens dark circles, reduces dullness and even helps to fight acne too.”
But, it’s not quite as simple as it seems. Retinol isn’t an easy, hard and fast solution. Instead, it takes a little patience. Since it can have strong effects, it’s important to build it up gradually so you don’t have an adverse reaction, which can include peeling, drying, irritation or flaking.
So, we’re here with this handy guide which explains the hero product, provides a few tips and tricks and includes a few of our favourite formulas available to buy now – all with the help of Dr Murad.
What is retinol?
In basic terms, retinol is a type of vitamin A which is an important factor in maintaining healthy skin. “Retinol is one of the main forms of vitamin A,” explains Dr Murad. “It is an essential vitamin needed for new cell growth, and the health and maintenance of tissues and skin cells. So, it plays an integral role in anti-ageing skin care as well as in the treatment of many dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin disorders, wrinkles, acne, and psoriasis.”
How does retinol work?
According to Dr Murad, the benefits of retinol are trifold: “Retinol works in three ways: it exfoliates, aids in the production of collagen and fights free radicals.
“As skin ages, cell production slows, causing skin to lose elasticity over time, which results in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Murad. “Retinol will reverse this by encouraging cell regeneration and the production of collagen. Then it converts into retinoic acid which induces exfoliation allowing skin cells to function normally and continue regular cell renewal. As collagen is replenished and old skin cells are shed, hyperpigmentation disappears, fine lines recede, and skin begins to reveal a brighter, smoother texture.”
Should I use retinol?
Anyone looking to support their skin should consider using a retinol in their regime. “In general, the effects of retinol are seen at any age and will optimise your skin's health, so think of retinol as being not only a treatment but also as a maintenance product to keep your skin at its optimum best.”
For those who are younger, it’s a preventative measure which helps after collagen production begins to slow down. Dr Murad reveals: “Studies have shown we lose 1 per cent of collagen every year from the age of 20, so the best time to start is in your 20s. It will strengthen the skin's barrier to defend against future signs of ageing.”
If you’re trying to combat existing signs of ageing, though, the dermatologist suggests using a retinal, instead. “For mature skin, consider using a retinal. Retinal is one step removed from retinoic acid making it more immediately effective than other retinoids. It can be ideal for taking on more intense signs of ageing, including deep-set wrinkles, crepey skin, sagging jowls, rough skin texture, uneven tone and environmental damage like sun damage.”
Which retinol should I use?
First, consider the strength of the retinol. It’s always recommended to start small and build up incrementally so you don’t have an adverse reaction – look to those with 0.01 or 0.02 per cent.
Pay attention too to the ingredients that the star is paired with. Dr Murad’s top tip? “Use modern-day complexes that use faster delivery systems combined with calming, soothing ingredients to help protect the skin and enhance receptivity without irritation like our Tri-Active Technology which is used in our Retinol Youth Renewal Serum.”
How should I use retinol?
Start slow. Begin with small doses three times a week before upping your usage as your skin familiarises itself.
Dr Murad explains further, “Retinol serums should be applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturiser. It should be applied thinly to the face and neck – you can even use it on the backs of your hands, too. Serums will always offer faster and more concentrated benefits due to their light formula and ability to penetrate the skin quickly while creams can be useful for more sensitive or dry skin.”
And you need to be careful when it comes to UV exposure. “We recommend all skin types use it in the evening as it can react to UV light – and always use an SPF the following morning,” he concludes.
Keep scrolling for the best retinol to buy now
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 3TR
Science-backed, dermatologist-recommended and clinically-proven, Medik8 is a bathroom cabinet staple for most skincare die-hards. Named ‘Intelligent Retinol’, this formula is supercharged with climbazole (a proven retinol booster), nourishing squalene and a slow-release technology for optimum effects. A gentle option for all skin types.
Buy now £39.00, Medik8
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Murad’s formulas are some of the most advanced and innovative on the market. Take this retinol, for example, which combines a fast-acting retinoid for quick results with a time-release retinol to deliver consistent levels over time, as well as a Retinol Booster to enhance efficacy. It’s designed for all skin types, including sensitive, and is proven to boost radiance and smooth lines in just two weeks.
Buy now £92.00, Murad
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary is known for effective, fuss-free collections which don’t break the bank. All of the retinol range is balanced with squalene, a moisturising agent which combats the dryness that can sometimes come with regular use of the vitamin A derivative. This is the high-strength option, but there are 0.2 per cent and 0.5 per cent to choose from too.
Buy now £8.50, The Ordinary
Horace Bio-Retinol + Argireline® Peptide Serum
Since its foundation in 2015, Horace has quickly become a leader in the affordable men’s grooming space. The entire range is specifically designed to help men target concerns, whether it’s a thickening shampoo or a purifying cleanser. This serum pairs bio-retinol with Argireline to reduce signs of ageing – fine lines, dark spots and sagging skin included. After just eight weeks of consistent use your skin will feel tighter, plumper and healthier.
Buy now £24.00, Horace
Patricks NS1 Anti-Ageing Night Serum
For luxury men’s skincare, Australian brand Patricks is your best bet. Whether you try the hair or bodycare, not only does every product have a great texture and aroma, but they’re all effective, too.
This serum is formulated with an advanced retinol, a 12 peptide complex, probiotics, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, for the treatment of lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, scarring, acne and enlarged pores. It’s good for both seasoned retinol fans and those just starting out.
Buy now £98.00, Patricks
Q+A Retinol 0.2% Facial Serum 30ml
For budget-friendly skincare, Q+A has you covered. Using a low-irritation grade of retinol, this serum is a gentle blend designed with all skin types in mind. Balanced with calming bisabolol and moisturising squalane, it will leave your skin feeling nourished yet refreshed.
Buy now £12.00, Holland & Barrett
Beauty Pie Super Retinol Ceramide-boost Anti-aging Face Serum (3% Retinol Complex)
If you’re in the market for a retinol to use on the daily, you could try Beauty Pie’s Super Retinol. Pairing a slow-release gentle retinol complex with ceramide and hyaluronic acid, it will help to even your skin tone while reducing wrinkles and pigmentation. The formula will also work to hydrate, smooth and protect. A formula which does it all.
Buy now £22.50, Beauty Pie
111SKIN Black Diamond Retinol Oil 30ml
We’re yet to try a product by luxury skincare brand 111SKIN which doesn’t work – and this oil is no exception. If you’re embarking on your retinol journey and want effective results with zero irritation, this mix of retinol, granactive retinoid and eight soothing natural oils could be the answer. Clinically proven to reduce pigmentation, lines and wrinkles in just four weeks, it’s a safe option for beginners who want fast effects.
Buy now £180.00, 111SKIN
La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol Eye Cream 15ml
Our eyes are one of the first places to show signs of ageing. So, why not introduce a retinol specifically designed for the delicate area? Enter: La Roche-Posay’s Retinol Eye Cream. Suitable for sensitive skin, it’s a mix of 0.1 per cent retinol with a booster complex as well as caffeine for a bright finish. You’ll be left looking rested and refreshed – even if you don’t feel it.
Buy now £31.00, lookfantastic
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin 30ml
A beauty brand we’re sure you’ve seen all over your FYP, CeraVe is the viral sensation which offers affordable yet efficacious skincare essentials – one of which is this resurfacing cream. Recommended for those with acne or uneven skin tone, this cream helps to fade stubborn blemishes with encapsulated retinol and barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide.
Buy now £23.00, Cult Beauty
