Our search for skincare’s most beneficial ingredients continues: this time, let’s talk about retinol.
Derived from Vitamin A, retinol is a type of retinoid, that penetrates past the skin’s surface layer to neutralise free radicals. It helps to speed up your skin’s cell turnover, meaning after time, wrinkles and fine lines will appear reduced, and skin will look brighter, plumper and generally more youthful looking. This is why you’ll often find retinol in anti-ageing skincare products.
Like all skincare, however, it’s important to take care with retinol formulas. They’re not for everyone, particularly dry or sensitive skin types, as retinol can cause redness, itchiness and dryness. If you find a formula that also includes hydrating ingredients (Vitamin C, for example), then these side effects could be reduced – we’ve got a few to show you below.
BrandAlley Retinol Skincare
Fancy seeing what all the fuss is about? Here’re some of our fabulous beauty brands to get you started.
Kate Somerville
Kate Somerville’s Retinol Firming Eye Cream is designed to firm and brighten, promoting a youthful-looking and rejuvenated around-the-eye area. It also contains moisturising hyaluronic acid – because who doesn’t love a hydration boost?
Retinol Firming Eye Cream – Kate Somerville – £49
Retinol Vita C Power Serum – Kate Somerville – £55
Also infused with Vitamin C (you can read all about that here), the brand’s Retinol Vita C Power Serum visibly brightens, firms and evens skin tone while you sleep. Talk about waking up “fresh faced”!
Elizabeth Arden
The Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum from Elizabeth Arden infuses retinol with ceramides, creating a night serum that is anti-ageing yet non-drying. The formula is contained in tiny capsules to retain its potency.
Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum – Elizabeth Arden – £25
REN Skincare
EN Skincare’s Bio Retinoid range contains a plant-based retinol alternative that’s more suitable for sensitive skin types. Like the products mentioned earlier, the brand’s Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil promotes a youthful-looking complexion with a powerful, anti-wrinkle formula.
Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil – REN Skincare – £29
Want to see hear more of our Skincare Secrets? Then make sure to stay tuned. In the meantime, take a look at some more of our nourishing skincare goodies in our Kate Somerville & REN edit.
Words by Hannah Wright
