The research has shown that it can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make the skin firmer, give the skin a smoother look and improve uneven skin tone.
The use of retinol does come with some limitations, including that you shouldn't use it while you're pregnant or lactating, and that it can make the skin become very sensitive, and hence the daily use of a SPF is necessary, plus besides, what's the point of fighting the signs of ageing if you don't protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.
It is also recommended that you start gentle, with a milder strength, and perhaps just a few times a week, before increasing frequency and eventually the strength, as going too strong and too frequently can make the skin extremely sensitive, red or make it peel.
Now, I am currently breastfeeding, so it has been a while since I have actually used these, and I keep wanting to use them, but know that I best not use them again yet. And so I have had this feature in the pipeline for so long, but thought it was time now..
So here's a selection of retinol products which I cannot wait to get slather on my skin yet again..
The Medik8 Retinol 10TR Advanced Night Serum is a very light and slightly runny serum, which is, as the name suggests is to be used nightly after cleansing and before moisturiser. With 1% retinol it is the highest strength available in the Medik8 range, so if you're new to retinol, they suggest trying one of the lower strength products first to get you skin used to it. This particular formula also has added vitamin E, to help counter any dryness and keep the skin moisturised and soft.
It helps stimulate the production of collagen, while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and reducing dark spots and pigmentation at the same time, making the skin softer and look brighter and more glowing. I also found that it helped make my skin less greasy, and reduced the amount of breakouts, and their sizes considerably - and as I am currently experiencing some breakouts, I am really wanting to start using again, as it is one of the anti-ageing products that does not actually cause breakouts, but rather minimise them while fighting the signs of ageing at the same time. It comes in a small bottle with a dropper applicator that makes it easy to dispense the few drops needed at a time.
Then there's the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0, which is also the strongest strength retinol available from SkinMedica, and is also intended for use at night. This treatment has more of a light lotion feel, but still absorbs quickly into the skin. It has been made with an encapsulated antioxidant complex which helps preserve the retinol until it has absorbed into the skin as well as target the delivery, while helping to enhance the skin texture and minimise any irritation. The serum promises to help fight the signs of ageing, including coarse and dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce congestion and breakouts making the skin clearer and feeling matte, enhance skin texture and improving hyperpigmentation. And already after using for a few days, I can tell the difference when I am using this. The oil production in my skin really is normalised and my skin is less greasy, but it also generally makes my skin look healthier and brighter, which is impressive after just a few days.
Finally, the Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1% Retinol Concentrate, which comes the largest size, and is also the most expensive in the line up. It has a thicker lotion consistency, which does means that you will be using a bit more than with the thinner serums, but still, it will naturally last you the longest, but alas also comes at the higher cost.
It has been made with rosemary extract, aloe vera, lactic acid, vitamin E, and is intended to be used as to prolong and boost the renewing effect of mesopeel, by helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity, while stimulating collagen in the skin and keeping the skin moisturised.
It is slightly different in that it is supposed to be massaging into the skin, avoiding the eye area, following a peel, to help neutralise the peel, then left on the skin for 2 hours, before being rinsed off with water.
I really enjoyed using all three of these, and thus find it difficult to pick a favourite - the Mesoestetic is very different from the first two, making it difficult to compare as it is more 'mask like', which is also nice as an extra treatment for an extra peeling effect. And as for the Medik8 and the SkinMedica, which the retinol concentration is the same, they are different in formula and consistency. But one thing I certain, I love treating my skin with retinol as again, I really feels it makes a difference to how my skin looks, making it look more glowing and younger too, and as a bonus it also helps treat and keep breakouts at bay.
But again, it is important to stress that there can be some serious side effects when using retinol, so make sure you consult an expert before use!
The Medik8 Retinol 10TR - $99 / 15ml
Available from Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 - RRP: $148.50 / 29.6ml
Available from Soho Skincare and select salons
Or for further information visit Advanced Skin Technology
Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1%n Retinol Concentrate - RRP: $198 / 100ml
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, RY, Skincare Store
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals
* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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