The best retinol treatments for achieving firmer, smoother skin

Plus, everything you need to know about the wonder ingredient.

Feb 08, 2024 | by Sarah Khalkho

Retinol enjoys a huge fan following in the skincare world. The popular anti-ageing active is not just a trending ingredient but has long been known (since the early 1940s) for its benefits. It comes in many forms and strengths and depending on what your skin's needs are, you can choose from potent serums and hydrating creams to capsules. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retinol.

So, if you’re looking to give this magical potion a go, read on to learn about what it is, how it works, and who should use it.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A (the same vitamin found in carrots, leafy greens, and mangoes) and is known for boosting collagen production and promoting cell turnover while unclogging your pores. It is part of the larger retinoid family, which is a medication prescribed for treating acne and other skin concerns like fine lines, weakened skin barrier, etc.

What are the benefits of using retinol in your skincare?

Retinol is frequently considered the holy grail of skincare due to its multitasking benefits. The all-rounder ingredient not only increases skin cells and sloughs away dead skin, but also helps unclog pores, and fights fine lines and wrinkles. So, adding it to your routine will make your skin plump and clear plus, give it a youthful glow.

Who should add retinol to their skincare routine?

If you’re under 20 or in your early twenties, chances are, your skin can produce enough collagen and new skin cells, so you don’t need retinol to speed up that process. However, if you are struggling with painful, stubborn acne and are considering including the ingredients in your routine, it would be best to first visit a dermatologist. If you’re in your mid-twenties or older, you can definitely consider adding retinol to your skincare routine, though proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin.

How can you incorporate retinol into your routine?

First, find out the kind of retinoid that you’ll need, depending on your skin concerns. If you have acne-prone skin and are going to use it to mainly treat it, then starting with a slightly high dose such as 0.1 per cent would be ideal. But if it is just for cosmetic purposes, start with a low dose and then level up from there.

The key to seeing results with retinol is going low and slow—use a low dose consistently over a few months rather than a stronger dose every now and then. This will also help your skin to gradually adjust to and build tolerance to the ingredient, as retinol is infamous for irritating your skin. There’s even a term for this called retinisation, where you initially experience dry, red, and patchy skin for the first few weeks because your skin is still adjusting to it. But don’t be disheartened and keep at it to eventually see a positive difference.

So, though one could use retinol every day, it is best to start applying it just a few days in the week, with gap days in between. Apply a pea-sized amount only at night as the molecule isn’t UV-stable, and avoid layering it with other chemical exfoliants to minimise irritation.

You can sandwich your retinol between a toner and a moisturiser to tamp down the effects of retinisation. While this does lower the efficacy of the product, it helps to keep redness and inflammation at bay.

Finally, don’t skip or skimp on SPF. While sunscreen is important in any skincare routine, it is especially necessary when using retinol as it can make your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight.

If you are still not sure how to include retinol in your skincare routine or who should use it, we’ve rounded up some of the best retinol treatments in the market.