Retinol — the hero of anti-ageing ingredients, and great for acne too! Retinol is undeniably one of the best skincare ingredients out there, with scientifically proven benefits. It's no wonder it has found its way into creams, serums, and countless other skincare products.</p>
But what exactly is retinol, and what does it do for your skin? Why is it best not to start with the strongest formula? And what are retinoids, retinal, or bakuchiol?</p>
Scroll on, explore the world of retinol, and find the best retinol products for your skin! 💜
Retinol is proven to be especially effective for ageing and acne-prone skin
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that has been used in skincare for decades. One of the reasons for its popularity is its proven ability to benefit the skin in multiple ways. Above all, retinol boosts collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, making it particularly effective for treating signs of ageing. Through this renewal process, retinol also helps even out skin tone and brighten the complexion. Retinol has long been used for acne and oily skin too, as it reduces sebum production and inflammation, and helps prevent blockages.
Retinol is especially great for:
- Skin showing signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging
- Treating age spots and hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne and acne scars
- Oily skin
- Enlarged pores
What are retinoids and retinal?
Retinoid is a general term used for all vitamin A derivatives. This means retinol, retinal (with an A!), and retinyl palmitate all fall under the retinoid umbrella.
Retinal is a vitamin A derivative that is even more effective than retinol. Its benefits are the same as retinol's, but it works faster, is particularly antibacterial, and is more effective at exfoliating the skin. That's why products containing retinal are especially great for young and blemish-prone skin.
It's best to start retinol gradually
Because retinoids — vitamin A derivatives — are very powerful ingredients, it can take time for the skin to get used to them. For very sensitive, atopic, or rosacea-prone skin, retinol may not be suitable at all.
Tips for starting retinol for the first time:
- Start by adding just one retinol product to your routine, such as a serum or cream.
- Check the retinol concentration — start with a lower one, and increase gradually as your skin builds tolerance.
- Begin by using retinol once a week, and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts.
- It's safest to use retinol in the evenings, as it can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. Make sure to use SPF during the day!
- Especially at the start, avoid using retinol at the same time as strong exfoliants or exfoliating acids to minimise irritation. Instead, you can combine retinol with niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid.
- Retinol and other retinoids may cause tingling and redness, especially at the beginning. This is normal — but if your skin reacts for a long time or feels uncomfortable, switch to a lower concentration or try bakuchiol instead.
For sensitive skin, bakuchiol and other bio-retinols can be a better option than retinoids.
Bakuchiol is a natural, gentle alternative to retinol
Many retinol fans may have already heard of bakuchiol, which has become a trending ingredient in recent years. It's a plant-based, natural ingredient that delivers similar benefits to retinol. Bakuchiol belongs to the so-called bio-retinols, which have similar effects to retinol — but the difference is that bakuchiol is plant-based rather than vitamin A-derived.
Bakuchiol is a great active ingredient for treating signs of ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for calming acne, reducing sebum production, and addressing blemish-prone skin.
Bakuchiol differs from traditional retinol in a few key ways:
- Plant-based and natural — used in both natural and conventional cosmetics.
- Does not sensitise skin to the sun — so it can be used during the day too.
- Better tolerated and gentler than traditional retinol — perfect for sensitive skin!
If you have sensitive skin and prefer more natural ingredients, bakuchiol is a great alternative to retinol.
Looking for the best retinol, retinal, or bakuchiol product for your skin? Start here! 💜
The best retinol product can only be found through trying! Here are some handpicked recommendations.
HADA LABO TOKYO Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream
This deeply nourishing and hydrating cream helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles with retinol and collagen, while delivering long-lasting moisture thanks to hyaluronic acid and more. Explore and shop!
NOBE Oat Wonder® Revitalizing Eye Cream
Let your eye area glow! This rich yet light eye cream reduces fine lines with bakuchiol and also contains soothing oat oil. A touch of luminous mica mineral adds a subtle radiance to your look! The product is Ecocert COSMOS certified natural cosmetics. Explore and shop!
Find more retinol products here! 💜
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