Everything you need to know before upping your retinol use. 

Retinol. You’ve heard of it as the anti-ageing gold standard in ingredients. And if you’ve clicked on this article it’s likely that you’re already using it, seeing as upping the strength is the aim of the game. 

Before we get to how to do that safely, let’s go back to basics and make sure we’ve laid the right foundations. 

I asked Melissa Gannon, Priceline Pharmacy pharmacist, to help me break it down, and started by asking her in a nutshell: what is retinol, anyway?

“Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is used in skincare products available over the counter. As well as the over-the-counter products, there are prescription only products available – these are often referred to as retinoids,” Melissa said. 

“Retinol increases our skin cell production (also known as proliferation) which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it also helps to smooth the skin’s texture for a brighter looking complexion.”

So, if you’re brand new to retinol, listen up. Melissa has some advice for you. 

“There is no exact age to start using retinol as everyone’s skin and skincare concerns are slightly different. Generally speaking, mid to late 20s or early 30s is a good time to start using retinol, perhaps in short term bursts rather than every night, to help with skin texture and radiance.” 

“When using retinol for the first time, introduce it into your skincare routine slowly. Apply twice a week for the first month to allow skin to become familiar with retinol and its effects. If you’re comfortable with the retinol, gradually increase usage to several times per week, building to nightly use. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you cannot use retinol,” Melissa said.

No7, the UK’s number 1 skincare brand, has an excellent starter range, if you want to dip your toe. 

They know their stuff, trust me – No7 harnesses cutting-edge science to rival luxury beauty, accessible for everyone out there. It’s an advanced research-backed beauty brand, supported with an impressive 87 years of scientific expertise, ground-breaking claims, and partnerships with the likes of the University of Manchester. 

If you’re just starting out, take a look at the No7 Pure Retinol 0.3% Retinol Night Concentrate (recently renamed from the No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate), Pure Retinol Night Repair Cream, and Pure Retinol Eye Cream. 

But now onto the fun stuff… if you’re already a bit of a retinol expert, have been using retinol products in your routine and you’re ready to step it up, pharmacist Melissa Gannon has some advice for you.

Image: Supplied.

“If you have been using your current retinol product for more than six weeks without any concerns, you can consider stepping up to a higher potency product or adding an additional product to your regime. Add in your new product or strength twice a week initially to minimise any reaction and build up the frequency of use once you’re confident your skin is handling the new regime well.” 

So don’t worry, No7 just launched a new range for exactly you, too. The No7 Pure Retinol 1% Retinol Night Concentrate and Pure Retinol Post Retinol Soother are for those already on their retinol journey, who are ready for a stronger formula and more advanced results. 

The No7 Pure Retinol 1% Retinol Night Concentrate is the brand's highest strength and most effective form of pure retinol. It is clinically proven to deliver – even on the appearance of stubborn and deep wrinkles. Of course it is dermatologist approved, and you can start by using it twice a week and slowly build up your tolerance. Then after about 6 weeks, increase to nightly use as tolerated. By this time, you’ll notice that dark spots and pigmentation look reduced, skin texture looks visibly improved and your complexion looks smoother, more radiant and feels firmer.

But that’s not all! It has a sister product to use afterwards, which is so clever. The Pure Retinol Post Retinol Soother goes on after to help replenish your skin. It’s a retinol-free soother to support your retinol journey, which actually (you guessed it) soothes by helping support skin's tolerability of high-strength retinol by ensuring it is moisturised. Your skin will be visibly healthier-looking, thanks to the niacinamide in the formula, known to support the skin's natural moisture barrier. It also features ceramides, to help skin feel resilient and hydrated.

Image: Supplied.

Now, I asked Melissa if she had any other handy tips for current retinol users. 

“Make sure to assess your skin as you go and apply less often, or have a break from retinol for a few days if necessary. If you have any concerns, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.” 

“It's also really important to protect your skin from the sun as retinol makes skin sensitive to sunlight, so make sure you use a daily moisturiser with SPF 30+ or higher. And definitely no sunlamps or tanning beds," Melissa said. 

“Starting with a lower strength first to check your skin’s tolerance and then building up the strength slowly, over four to six weeks, is definitely the way to go.

For those of us with skin conditions like rosacea or dry skin, it's recommended to start at low concentrations of 0.1 per cent retinol and below in order to test your skin's tolerance. Melissa prefaces: not everyone will be able to increase the strength of the retinol they use, so don’t be surprised if your skin has a lower tolerance than anticipated.

“Regardless of the strength you use, it is important to have a good skin care regime that includes moisturisers and sun protection.” 

Shop the new No7 Pure Retinol 1% Retinol Night Concentrate, and new No7 Pure Retinol Post Retinol Soother, exclusive to Priceline in-store and online.

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.