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Why Should Your Night Cream Have a Retinol as a key Ingredient?

You may hear many people talking about the revolutionary ingredient, retinol, that is now very commonplace in the skincare industry. If you take a look at your own skincare products, you’ll probably find that some of them are already using this.

Retinol can be an ingredient that you have to get used to, as it may irritate the skin to begin with. As retinol’s primary goal is to increase your skin cell turnover and make it faster, this means that there is a lag time in between losing old cells and producing new ones. This leaves your skin slightly exposed and leads to redness. 

In this blog post, we will be looking at how you can incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, as well as discussing the best times to use it. 

What is Retinol?

A common ingredient in many skincare products is retinol, but what actually is it? Retinol is part of the retinoid family, also known as vitamin A. For most, less stronger versions of this ingredient, you will rarely need a prescription and will even probably find it in some of your favourite brands. 

Retinol helps with the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by increasing the production of collagen in your skin. In addition, this vitamin also stimulates the production of new blood vessels to replace the old ones. This can improve unbalanced and uneven skin colour, as well as fading age spots and softening any rougher patches of skin you may have. If you have more oily skin, then using products with the added ingredient of retinol can aid in regulating it and minimizing future breakouts

Hope Often should I use Retinol?

Retinol helps with the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by increasing the production of collagen in your skin. In addition, this vitamin also stimulates the production of new blood vessels to replace the old ones. This can improve unbalanced and uneven skin colour, as well as fading age spots and softening any rougher patches of skin you may have. If you have more oily skin, then using products with the added ingredient of retinol can aid in regulating it and minimizing future breakouts

If your skincare products include a low strength formula, then you can start using it once or twice daily. However, we highly recommend patch testing any new products or if you are adding an additional step into your normal skin care routine. Simply put the new product onto the inside of your elbow or another, similarly accessible patch of skin on your body and allow the formula to sit for 24 hours. Place a plaster or band aid on top, to ensure that the product sinks into the skin. If you have no reaction, then continue to use your new skincare item on your more sensitive skin areas, such as your face. 

If you’re using stronger or even moderate retinol products, then also follow a similar procedure of patch testing on a less sensitive area of skin. But also, add these products into your skincare routine with caution. We recommend using them no more than three times a week.

When is the best time to use Retinol?

Retinol can be used at any time of the day, however, some people have suggested that their skin becomes more sensitive to light once retinol is applied and that their skincare products are not good in the daylight. It depends on your skin and how you feel after applying it.
There is also the argument that you tend to move less in your sleep, making you less likely to sweat. You will also touch your face less whilst you are snoozing, meaning that the retinol will have more time to sink into the skin fully and work uninterrupted from daily, external aggressors. 

A good example of an everyday retinol product is the Obagi Retinol, which will help you freshen up your skin care routine and aid in any anti-ageing concerns you may be experiencing. This formula will hydrate and relieve your skin, whilst also being suited for all skin types. This spectacular product will fight the signs of premature ageing caused by any environmental aggressors and promote a more radiant and youthful complexion.

 If you’re specifically looking for a cream with the ingredient of retinol in it, then we suggest looking at the Skinceuticals Retinol Refining nightCream, which is ideal for first time users. Formulated to minimise irritation and specially packaged to preserve its potency, this retinol cream for face helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, blemishes, and pores by accelerating cellular turnover. To use, apply a pea sized amount to your clean and dry skin in the evening, before bed. Always avoid the eye and lip area and allow the product to fully absorb into your skin before using any other products.

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