Retinoids are like the bronzer of skincare; go in too heavy and it’s obvious you overdid it, but get it right and skin positively glows. The best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to reap the rewards of this powerhouse ingredient – if you know where to look.
Retinol is an active form of vitamin A and works to reverse signs of photoaging – that’s ageing caused by UV exposure, which can result in hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and laxer, less toned skin. It also helps with cell turnover and helps to improve the appearance of pores by breaking up excess oil. The most powerful retinol is called tretinoin and is only available on prescription from your GP or dermatologist, but there are lots of well-priced high street options that work just as effectively.
The first thing to bear in mind is that retinols are not for the faint-hearted, and they can cause a bit of a purging phase where your complexion gets a little worse before it gets better – this usually lasts for around two weeks and involves dryness, redness, blemishes and sore patches. If you’re a complete beginner, we recommend starting with a low concentration of retinol and gradually increasing it as your skin becomes more used to it.
This delicate serum from Q&A is an excellent option for newbies, as it harnesses a low concentration of retinol to gently smooth and refine skin. It also contains nourishing squalane and shea butter to keep skin soft, while antioxidant-rich liquorice root helps brighten pigmentation. retin a cream uk