WHAT IS RETINOL
Retinol is a highly efficacious ingredient with multiple uses. In terms of potent formulas, retinol skincare can give some of the most versatile and visible results. For oily, mature, dry and acne-prone skin types, implementing a retinol serum or cream into your routine can help you attain a radiant and even complexion.
Retinol skincare is derived from vitamin A. There are also other forms, such as tretinoin, retinol ester and retinaldehyde, which have varying levels of strength. This particular derivative is gentler, which allows all skin types to use retinol for skin while protecting skin comfort and skin hydration.
With all of the hype around this skincare hero, what does retinol do exactly? Vitamin A is an antioxidant. By formulating retinol for skin, the substance is able to dissolve into natural oils and then bind to skin cell receptors. This function increases cell cycle, which benefits skin texture, firmness, oil-status and clarity.
Retinol Benefits for Skin
Retinol is implemented at varying ages and across different skincare routines. Some introduce the ingredient at the first signs of ageing, while others use it to address acne-prone concerns. So, what does retinol do for your skin type? Explore the range of vitamin A benefits below, to see what it can do for your complexion.
Prevents Wrinkles
Retinol anti-ageing products feature widely in effective anti-ageing routines. Its ability to promote faster skin cell turnover encourages a number of benefits, and knowing how to use retinol for anti-ageing can provide visible and long-lasting radiance. As we age our collagen production slows – retinol is able to encourage new collagen, helping to ‘fill in’ the appearance of wrinkles and firm skin texture. As an antioxidant it is also able to neutralise unstable molecules which would otherwise further affect collagen content.
Brightens skin
Dull skin mostly affects those that fall on the dry end of the skin type spectrum, but everyone can experience this symptom from time-to-time. Dullness can be caused by dead skin build-ups and external stress. To prevent this, a retinol serum or cream shifts dead skin cells to reveal fresher and brighter layers.
Reduces Blemishes & Breakouts
Blemishes like pimples are caused by clogged pores, which mostly affects those with oily skin types. Vitamin A benefits those with this type, as it’s able to decrease oil-gland production and reduce oil-flow. Retinol skincare is also able to support the effects of previous breakouts, by helping to visibly reduce the appearance of acne scarring. Long-term results can also include the minimised appearance of pores.
When will you see the results of retinol?
How long before retinol results become apparent depends on the right routine and use. Layering your retinol serum with moisture, following with SPF and sticking to a consistent routine will provide the best results. Retinol results before and after use are usually visible between 3–5 months.
Explore Retinol Skincare
Discover how to introduce retinol into skincare routines with our powerful Retinol serum formulas.
Retinol Skin-renewing Daiy Micro-Dose Serum
Our retinol serum is perfect for those wondering how to apply retinol for the first time. Gentle but effective, this daily formula can be used to reduce signs of ageing and protect against future occurrences. The combination of pure retinol, peptides and ceramides helps to refine skin’s texture, whilst strengthening the moisture barrier to help maintain hydration in skin.
Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum
Our potent Retinol night Serum uses 0.3% Pure Retinol, our most concentrate Retinol serum formula yet.With optimal efficacy, this Retinol night serum penetrates up to 15 layers of skin to help target the signs of aging. Visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and experience accelerating cell renewal for new, youthful skin in just 5 days.
How to apply retinol in your skincare routine
Discover how to use retinol in skincare routines and the right method of application below.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Morning and evening routines start with a cleanser suitable for your skin. To support skin’s moisture levels throughout retinol skincare application, opt for a gentle and hydrating cleanser formula. Ultra Facial Cleanser includes squalane and avocado oil to help strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.
Step 2: Apply retinol serum
After cleansing, the second step is usually when to use retinol. For those with sensitive skin, applying a thin layer of a light moisturiser like Ultra Facial Cream With Squalane on beforehand can help maintain comfort and protect against redness. Make sure to apply onto clean, dry skin.
Step 3: Moisturise
A big part of how to use retinol in skincare routines includes moisture layering. This prevents skin from drying out, and helps to ‘seal’ in potent ingredients. When using an night retinol serum, follow with a rich night cream like Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask With 10.5% Squalane. If applying retinol as part of a morning routine, follow with a day cream. This helps skin maintain optimum levels of hydration throughout your application.
Step 4: Protect with SPF
Vitamin A benefits are potent, and so skin can become sensitised to external stressors like UV radiation as a result. Whether applying retinol in the morning or evening, always apply sunscreen before stepping out. This helps protect skin against signs of premature ageing and skin cell oxidisation.
Shop your anti-ageing routine.
Discover the best in supportive retinol anti-ageing products and other formulas.
Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum
The Kiehl's wrinkle-reducing night serum with Retinol helps to advance skin surface cell renewal. As our most concentrated dose of retinol to date, our innovative powder-to-serum technology allows a fresh, highly concentrated formula to sink into the skin.
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
The Daily Micro-Dose Skin-Renewing Retinol Serum is a potent daily retinol serum which visibly reduces wrinkles, firms skin and refines the feel of skin's texture. Suitable for all skin types, the Kiehl's Micco-Dose Skin-Renewing Daily Retinol Serum is the best retinol for beginners and those with sensitive skin.
Ultra Facial Cleanser
A mild foaming cleanser that supports the skin's natural moisture, suitable for all skin types including sensitive and dry skin.
Super Multi-Corrective Cream
A supercharged anti-aging cream clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles, even skin tone, and reduce texture. Formulated with efficacious ingredients like hyaluronic acid, this anti-ageing face cream will help target the signs of ageing for a youthful-looking and radiant appearance. Paraben-free and mineral-oil free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alongside when to use retinol and how often to use retinol, explore our most asked questions about this skin-boosting ingredient.
