“When it comes to over-the-counter retinol serums, concentrations of 0.01% and above have been proven to be effective. 0.01% is the perfect concentration for those new to retinol (don’t jump in straight away – you and your skin will regret it! Start slow and increase your usage gradually), while 1% retinol is best for those whose skin is getting used to the ingredient.”
What is the new EU law regarding retinol?
The European Union is introducing legislation in April 2024 that will ban the sale of retinol products with concentrations above 0.3%. The measure, which comes in response to young consumers using skin care products with strong Vitamin A, will result in lower concentrations of retinol products available only in Europe, but should make the market safer overall.
Is it okay to use retinol every day?
“Retinol can be gradually increased to daily use – again, it depends on the strength of the Vitamin A, regardless of the type. Some brands claim their products are gentle enough for daily use right from the start, but ultimately it all comes down to the strength and health of your skin at the time.
“Start by incorporating retinol into your routine twice a week. I always recommend applying it on Wednesdays and Sundays so you have plenty of time to rest in between. Retinol accumulates in the skin, so if you apply it every day, your skin may be fine on the third day, but be severely irritated by the fourth day. So space it out: twice a week for the first few weeks, then three times a week, then four times a week, and so on.”
Does retinol have any side effects?
“Yes you can. As mentioned above, if your skin isn’t used to retinol, you may experience symptoms like redness, peeling, dryness, and irritation. In addition to finding the right retinoid for your skin type, it’s important to increase your usage so your skin’s tolerance level improves.”
At what age should you start using retinol?
“Collagen starts to decrease and become depleted from around the age of 25, so you should consider using it from the age of 25. However, if you are using prescribed retinol for a skin condition such as acne, there is usually no age restriction. This is up to your doctor or dermatologist to decide. However, many people avoid giving retinol products to very young people.”
what you have to do do not have Do you use it with retinol?
“There is nothing that you shouldn’t use with retinol. What you use with retinol and vitamin A really depends on the health and integrity of your skin. My personal preference is to use only retinol at night after cleansing my skin. I wash my face with an alpha hydroxy acid based cleanser. Then I use glycolic acid, vitamin E, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, etc (don’t use all at once). If you are taking prescription medications, it is best to avoid alpha hydroxy acids and opt for milder polyhydroxy acids such as gluconolactone or lactobionic acid. Dermatologists should ideally provide their patients with a proper skin care routine to follow.”
