Retinol: Your Complete Guide

The retinol excitement is real. But do you really know what retinol is—and what it does?

What is Retinol?


Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are converted into retinoic acid, the active form of the molecule, but there are different strengths of retinoids. Prescription retinoids come in higher concentrations of vitamin A compared to over the counter ones such as retinol (the most recognised form).

Over-the-counter options include retinol or retinal, and must go through more conversions once applied to the skin to provide the benefits of retinoic acid (than the prescription version) making retinol less potent, but also easier to tolerate.

What does Retinol do?


Retinol speeds up cell turnover, causing your body to “push” out fresher, smoother skin again, essentially it tricks your body into thinking it’s younger than it is! You won’t see results overnight—it’ll take at least three months of consistent nightly use of retinol to notice some reduction in fine lines, dark spots, and acne.

Best Retinol for Ageing


Retinol prevents wrinkles by smoothing current fine lines and wrinkles but also minimises new ones that form.

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum



Murad
Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal
Serum

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CosMedix Elite Refine Rx Retinol Resurfacing Serum



CosMedix
Elite Refine Rx Retinol Resurfacing Serum

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Best Retinol for brightening


Retinol brightens dullness by exfoliating on a cellular level, revealing brighter, smoother, and, quite literally, newer skin.

DermaQuest SkinBrite Retinol Brightening Serum



DermaQuest

SkinBrite Retinol Brightening Serum

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StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct vitamin C Serum



StriVectin
Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct vitamin C Serum

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Best Retinol for Acne


Retinol treats acne by regulating oily skin, but also keeps pores from clogging, resulting in fewer blackheads, cysts, and pimples.

VERSO Blemish Fix




VERSO
Blemish Fix

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Obagi Retinol 1.0



Obagi
OBAGI360 Retinol 1.0

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Best Retinol for dark spots


Retinol evens out pigmentation over time, fading sunspots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream



Drunk Elephant
A-Passioni Retinol Cream

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Epicuren Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Complex



Epicuren
Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Complex

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Pro Tips for Retinol Use


Remember, retinoids cause the skin to shed cells faster than normal so might experience a few weeks of flakiness, dryness, irritation until your skin adjusts. Always start slowly, gently and every other night initially as you build tolerance.

DON’T use too much (pea size is plenty).
DON’T skip daily SPF use.