Expert Advice: How to use Retinol the right way
Skin care experts Image Skincare highlight the benefits of using this formulation of vitamin A when used by skin professionals in the correct way.
For many years, retinol has been considered the gold standard of anti-ageing skincare ingredients. Most dermatologists, aestheticians and beauty experts will agree. Why? It has the benefit of reducing the appearance of wrinkles and stimulating the production of collagen, all while helping to increase the speed of cell turnover, reduce the appearance of discoloration and acne, and smooth out the look of fine lines.
By introducing retinol into a skincare routine, you are providing skin with a range of impressive benefits. Whether you are new to retinol or have used it in the past, learning how to apply retinol the right is easier than you think.
What are the benefits of using retinol?
When we think of retinol, we immediately think of its powerful ability to tackle all aspects of visible ageing and acne at the same time.
Some of the biggest and most notable benefits of using retinol include:
- Reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Reducing the appearance of age spots and sun spots
- Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Minimising the appearance of acne breakouts
- Dramatically improving the appearance of collagen-deprived skin
- Improving the balance of your complexion and tone
How often should I apply retinol?
Retinol can be used on a daily basis. However, many experts recommend using it every two to three days to start. When first starting out with retinol use, it's important to ease into it slowly as retinol can be somewhat intense and potentially very drying for the skin. This is especially true for skin that is dry, sensitive, or prone to acne breakouts.
Once the skin has acclimated to retinol, try using it more frequently.
Everyone should apply a rich, heavily moisturising cream after using retinol, but depending on the level of dryness, you might even want to consider applying a hydrating serum before retinol to help ease into it. If skin becomes dry or irritated, take a break for a day or two.
Take your time to find a retinol product that works for you, for example Image Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Masque, and [advise clients to] stick with it over the long term to get the best results.
Retinol has proven to be highly effective when it comes to reducing the appearance of blemishes, minor damages and fine lines on the skin. However, it's important to note that retinol is an intense ingredient and can potentially be very drying for the skin so you have to ensure you are introducing it into a routine carefully and in a way that works with the skin and complements the other skincare being used.
When used correctly and applied slowly, retinol products, such as Image Ageless Total Retinol-A-Crème, are a safe and highly potent addition to a skincare routine that can boost the results of anti-ageing and blemish smoothing goals.
Many dermatologists will recommend starting slow with a lower concentration of retinol (the Image MD® Restoring Overnight Retinol Masque is an option). This will give skin the time to slowly ease into the highly concentrated benefits of the ingredient without experiencing too much drying, redness or irritation.
Step 1: Be sure the face is thoroughly washed. Apply an eye cream to the delicate skin around the eyes.
Step 2: Ensure skin is thoroughly dried. Damp skin can prevent the retinol from properly absorbing into your skin.
Step 3: Apply a very small pea-sized amount of retinol to the finger and start by applying it to the chin and moving upward into the cheeks.
Step 4: Place another pea-sized amount on your finger and apply it to the forehead by slowly smoothing it into the skin.
Step 5: Let the retinol absorb into the skin for 20-30 minutes before applying a favourite moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Do's and Don'ts of using retinol
- Do follow up retinol with Hyaluronic Acid to counteract the drying effects.
- Do wait 30 minutes after applying retinol to use other products.
- Do start slowly with retinol products, such as the Image Ageless Total Repair Crème
- Don't use retinol at the same time as other potent actives, such as vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide.
- Don't apply retinol in large amounts, a pea-sized dab will do.
- Don't forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
- Don't be impatient when it comes to seeing retinol results.
Image Skincare / Renaissance Products
01 832 1412
