The Return of Retinol

Take your skincare to the next level and add retinol into your routine.

A form of vitamin A called retinol is often found in anti-ageing products, as it’s considered the gold standard, do-it-all ingredient. It helps minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, environmental damage and blemishes while rejuvenating the overall look of collagen-depleted skin.

Retinol is popular for its incredible revitalising effects, but it’s also infamous for causing irritation, peeling and dryness. (Its ability to exfoliate and keep healthy cells on the surface is both a blessing and a curse). For this reason, you might be tempted to stay away from retinol during the colder season, but it’s possible to reap the benefits if you incorporate it strategically.

Start with a lower concentration of retinol

Unless you’re a seasoned retinol user, start with a milder formula and work your way up as your skin builds tolerance. Over-the-counter retinol products tend to be less powerful than their prescription counterparts.

Choose retinol in a delivery system

When you’re choosing a retinol product, consider the delivery system used to introduce retinol in the skin. At Image Skincare we use Kemspheres, oil-soluble encapsulations that deliver retinol in a stable form to maximise effectiveness while reducing the chances of skin appearing red and irritated.

Mix and match properly. Retinol doesn’t play well with some ingredients

For instance, a product that exfoliates the upper layers of the skin to create smoother finish or that contain s salicylic acid (often used to treat acne) will typically not complement retinol. This interaction can lead to extreme discomfort. Additionally, creams with benzoyl peroxide (an ingredient used to treat acne) can compromise the effects of retinol product.

For best results, reach for items that contain peptides (an anti-ageing ingredient linked to younger looking skin), apply sunscreen diligently and avoid harsh cleansers or toners.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Add hydrating products into your skincare regime to combat potential dryness caused by retinol. Our new AGELESS Total Pure Hyaluronic6 Filler contains six unique forms of hyaluronic acid that will infuse hydration into even the driest of skins.

Start nice and slow

Introduce any retinol-based product to skin slowly. Start one to two times a week, nighttime only, and then increase frequency as the skin builds up a tolerance.