If Retinol holds a fear factor for you, or you don’t think you need it yet, or you’d like to dip a toe in but don’t know where to start, here’s everything you need to know about the Vitamin A derivative sometimes called the ‘miracle molecule.’
1. It’s anti-aging
Let’s get straight to it: Retinol is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, there’s nothing else quite like it in skincare. It stimulates collagen production and promotes skin cell turnover, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. No serious anti-aging routine should be without it.
2. It’s great for dry skin
Dry patches? Blemish scars? Hyperpigmentation? Retinol can help to even out skin texture by reducing roughness, addressing dark spots, and minimizing the appearance of acne scars.
3. It’s also great for oily skin
Retinol can help prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts by encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells and reducing the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
4. Blemishes? It helps to banish those
Retinol is effective in managing breakouts and acne-prone skin because it helps to regulate oil production, prevent the formation of new pimples, and reduce inflammation.
5. It can make your skin look so much brighter
Thanks to its powers of smoothing, resurfacing and reducing the appearance of age spots and sun damage, regular use of Retinol can boost radiance and give your skin a brighter and more youthful appearance.
6. It clears pores like nothing else
Retinol can help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by preventing the accumulation of oil and debris within them.
7. Basically, it turns your skin into a machine
Beyond its visible surface benefits (of which, as you can see, there are many), Retinol promotes the overall health of your skin by improving cell turnover and increasing the synthesis of important proteins like collagen and elastin.
Wondering what to try first?
Perfect for beginners: Super Retinol™ + Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturizer, which contains a 1% encapsulated Retinol complex
Add in an eye cream: Super Retinol™ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream also contains a 1% Retinol Complex
Want a ready-made routine? The ABC+SPF Supplies For Anti-Aging (Mineral SPF 30) kit is the cornerstone of your essential daily skincare routine, contain vitamins A (Retinol), B (Niacinamide) and C - as well, of course, as SPF.
For the body: Blemishes/breakouts/scaly patches on your body? There’s a Retinol for that, too: Youthbomb™ Body 360 Repair Concentrate.
And don’t forget! Always use Retinol at night, and follow with broad-spectrum, high-factor SPF every morning. Don’t use Retinol if you’re pregnant and/or breast feeding. Start with a low dose (like the face care suggestions here) and after 6 weeks, if you’re skin is happy, you can increase your dose if you want to - otherwise stay where you are and continue to reap the benefits!
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