Retinol: The Skincare Ingredient You Need

It is generally found in skincare products in the form of Retinoids such as Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid, and Retinyl Esters.

Several studies on Retinol show clinically proven results for thickening the outer layer of our skin. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Studies also show that Retinol can be used to help decrease the appearance of pigmentation by eliminating pigmented cells caused by sun damage due to UVA and UVB exposure. As we age, the collagen production in our bodies slows down and Retinol can help prevent this breakdown of collagen.

With all these benefits, it’s quite easy to see why Retinol should be incorporated into your skincare routine. Retinol is an amazing ingredient that can really enhance your skin health and appearance. It is particularly known for combatting acne, pigmentation, wrinkles and overall skin texture.

Retinol can be used by anyone that is in their 20s and the percentage of retinol can be increased as you age. To start with, use a non-prescription retinol with a low concentration about 1-2 times a week. Once your skin gets used to this, you can increase your usage to nightly. Starting slowly helps minimise any potential side effects, as retinol can sometimes cause dryness. Try layering your retinol product with hyaluronic acid to add moisture to your skin. Retinol also increases skin sensitivity, especially to sun so it is extremely important to apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to avoid any pigmentation. If you have sensitive skin, it may be best to build a tolerance to retinol by starting off with a really low concentration. Pay attention to any signs your skin gives you when you are building tolerance.

It is also important to remember that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid all retinol products. If you are on any medication, it is best to consult your doctor before starting any retinol product.

As retinol can be quite drying to your skin, many people avoid using retinol with other strong ingredients or exfoliants such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as this can actually aggravate the situation and cause more dryness, irritation and skin sensitivity. However, this is only a short term issue. In the long term, using retinol with exfoliants can in fact help increase its benefits. Another ingredient that works well with Retinol is Vitamin C. Many studies have shown that they work synergistically to help eliminate pigmented cells while also increasing skin brightness. However, always remember to use SPF with Retinol.

A common myth is that retinol products can only be used at night because retinol causes sensitivity to the sun. While this is true, if you layer on SPF 30 +, it is safe to use Retinol products during the day depending on the delivery mechanism of retinol in your skincare product. MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser SPF 30 is a day moisturiser that contains encapsulated retinol and SPF 30. Encapsulated retinol ensures that retinol penetrates your skin better and the addition of SPF 30 helps protect your skin from UV exposure. This is one of the only products that combine encapsulated Retinol and SPF 30 in a way that is safe to use for your skin.