Retinol is a game-changing skincare ingredient that is proven to reverse the signs of ageing and boost skin’s collagen levels. Its most effective form is prescription-strength tretinoin, but you can also find gentler formulas over the counter that will still have a powerful impact on your complexion. The gentler formulas use forms of vitamin A that need to be converted to retinoic acid by your skin, meaning they’re less likely to cause irritation and can be used by people with sensitive skin. Depending on the strength of your chosen product, you’ll find that some take longer to see results than others and can cause side effects such as dryness, itching, redness or flaking.
If you’re new to retinol, we recommend starting with one of the low-concentration options below and working up to nightly usage as your skin builds up tolerance. It’s worth remembering that all retinol products will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure you apply sunscreen during the day.
We’re big fans of this retinol serum from No7, which is gentle and easy to incorporate into your evening routine. It contains a low dose of retinol (0.3%) but is packed with anti-ageing ingredients including niacinamide and glycerin to improve its effectiveness. It smells delicious, applies smoothly and is a great pick for dry skin types that will benefit from the added hydration.
For a higher-end, luxury option, try this night cream from skincare brand Skinceuticals. It’s formulated with soothing frankincense and uses a slow-release technology to prevent irritation, which means your skin can build up a tolerance without having to wait months to see visible results. It’s clinically proven to improve rough skin, fine lines and hyperpigmentation with regular use.
A newer addition to the beauty industry, this British indie brand has quickly gained a cult following for its high-performing ingredients and savvy, minimalist formulations. This retinol serum has been carefully curated for sensitive skin and features 1% retinol alongside calming botanical extracts such as passionfruit, kale, apricot and cherry. It’s free from the’suspicious 6′ – SLS, fragrance, dyes, essential oils, chemical screens and drying alcohols – and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. A little goes a long way, so start with just a pea-sized amount each night and work your way up to nightly usage. retin a cream uk