What are the benefits of Retinol?
Retinol is a compound derived from Vitamin A and falls under the category of Retinoids and can come in a cream, gel or serum formula, as well as supplements. Retinol has a diverse range of benefits, helping many skin concerns. The most common skin concerns for those who use retinol suffer from acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and improves the overall texture of the skin.
Retinol can also be used for those with a normal skin type who wish to improve the general health of their skin and have a radiant glow, as retinol helps to unclog the pores, increase cellular turnover and brighten the overall appearance.
When should Retinol be used?
Retinol is best used at night time, as sunlight can cause sensitivity to the skin and if worn in the day time it must be followed by a good quality sun protector. Using retinol at night time will allow the skin to repair over the 6 – 8 hours of the day where the skin lacks dehydration the most. If you are new to retinol, it is a good idea to work your way up to using the product every night, you should start from 3 days a week (every other day) and progress to 4 days after you feel the skin is comfortable with the product and so forth. Retinol if over used can have a drying effect on the skin as it desquamates the surface layer to allow new cells to come forward, therefore you must allow the skin to gradually get used to wearing retinol. It is a good idea to also follow retinol with a light, hydrating moisturiser like our Noon Igloo Moist which will lock in the previous products used and hold hydration for longer while the retinol is working to strengthen the skin.
Is it better to use Retinol in a cream or serum?
If you are new to retinol, it can be a good idea to start out using a moisturiser that contains this ingredient as you will find it to be a little more subtle on the skin, depending on the brand you use as some brands have a step-up system so it is clear where to begin and it that case starting of with a serum may be ok and safe for you, particularly if recommended by a clinic or dermatologist. Creams work well on the surface layer of the skin and is ideal for those who already have quite good skin but are looking for an improvement. Serums are better for those who have deeper concerns where the problems also lie beneath the skin and the skin needs a deeper penetration of the product in use.
What strength of Retinol should I use?
Most retinols come in strengths 0.25%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.6%. Usually if the product does not state the percentage, it is because it is quite low. Brands usually stock various different strengths to suit the client's needs, an example of a good in clinic brand is Noon Retinol Charisma, which is available as Noon Retinol Charisma Delicate Serum with 0.3% Retinol, or Retinol Charisma Intense with 1% Retinol or Retinol Charisma Plus with 1.6% Retinol. The Noon range of Retinol products are suitable for all skin types and also suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.