Retinol is now an indispensable ingredient in anti-aging skincare. The active ingredient is highly praised, yet the list of warnings and precautions seems equally long. Here, I'll briefly and concisely explain how retinol really works and give you simple application tips so you can easily integrate it into your skincare routine.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and belongs to the retinoid group. You're probably familiar with vitamin A from your diet, as it occurs naturally in many foods, including fish, eggs, tomatoes, and carrots. For skincare products, the active ingredient is produced synthetically and then used primarily in anti-aging products.
Effects of retinol
As a highly effective active ingredient, retinol promotes cell formation in the outermost layer of skin, thus supporting skin regeneration. At the same time, it also stimulates collagen production, allowing retinol to improve and smooth skin texture over an extended period.
Retinol effectively combats wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. It can also be used to treat acne, clearing up blemishes and acne scars while refining the complexion.
Different forms of retinoids
Retinol, retinal, tretinoin – what are they all and how do they differ? Here's a short list for a quick overview:
- Retinol esters are a precursor to retinol, which is only converted into retinol in the skin. They are most commonly used in cosmetics and are considered particularly well-tolerated. You can identify them in the ingredient list as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, or linoleate.
- Pure retinol is particularly effective, but therefore not quite as well tolerated. In the skin, it is converted to retinal and then to retinoic acid, which is ultimately responsible for the effect. There are numerous products containing pure retinol, however, only certain concentrations are permitted in the EU.
- Retinal (retinaldehyde) can be directly converted into retinoic acid – thus skipping a step compared to retinol. It also has antibacterial properties and is therefore particularly suitable for acne-prone skin.
- Tretinoin is pure retinoic acid and therefore the most potent form of retinoids. It is thus also particularly strong, irritating, and requires a prescription.
All forms of retinoids are primarily found in creams, some also in serums and emulsions. Tretinoin is also available as a prescription oral medication.
In my blog post about the retinol ban in the EU, you can find out everything about the topic.
Product recommendations containing retinol and retinal
Here you will find my recommendations regarding the anti-aging active ingredient.
Transparent Lab – Time Reverse Beauty Sleep Mask
13,52 €
13,52 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
16,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 16,89 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Transparent Lab – Gentle Rejuvenation Serum
15,93 €
15,93 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
19,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 19,89 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Paula's Choice – Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
67,45 €
67,45 €
with the code 5OFF
-5%
Original price:
71,00 €
-5%
Latest lowest price: 71,00 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Hanskin – Vitamin A Glow Retinol Cream
31,26 €
31,26 €
with the code 5OFF
-5%
Original price:
32,90 €
-5%
Latest lowest price: 32,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Skintegra – Retiron 0.1
20,72 €
20,72 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
25,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 25,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The purest solutions – 1% Retinol + Ceramide Rejuvenating Retinol Serum
18,32 €
18,32 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
22,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 22,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Geek & Gorgeous – A-Game 5
11,13 €
11,13 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
13,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 13,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Geek & Gorgeous – A-Game 10
15,13 €
15,13 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
18,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 18,89 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Geek & Gorgeous – A-Game 20
18,32 €
18,32 €
with the code 5OFF
-20%
Original price:
22,90 €
-20%
Latest lowest price: 22,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Tips for using retinol
Even though retinol is such a great and effective ingredient, it can also have some side effects, so a little caution is advised. But don't worry! With my tips, the retinol game isn't that difficult at all, and you'll soon see great results.
- Give your skin time – caution is especially advised for sensitive skin. Since retinoids can be irritating, you should gradually acclimate your skin to them. Initially, use the product only once or twice a week and slowly increase the frequency of application.
- Observe your skin reactions and reduce the frequency if necessary.
- Irritations and redness are normal in some cases – with barrier-strengthening creams such as Happier Barrier from Geek & Gorgeous you can support your skin barrier and thus reduce skin reactions.
- Retinoids increase the skin's sensitivity to light, so you should use retinol and similar products in the evening and be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day.
- Do not combine retinoids with acids or peels – so don't use them on retinoid nights. You can use acids on other nights, though.
- Start your retinoid game with a low concentration to avoid overwhelming your skin.
Find your ideal retinol concentration:
- 0.01% to 0.03% pure retinol: Ideal for beginners or for dry and sensitive skin.
- 0.04% to 0.1% retinol: Suitable for experienced users
- 0.3% to 1% retinol: Suitable for professionals
Retinoids during pregnancy
You must absolutely not take retinoids during pregnancy . Doctors also always warn that you must not become pregnant during treatment with prescription tretinoin, as this can cause serious harm to the fetus.
During pregnancy, you can use vitamin C or AHA peels instead if you still want an anti-aging effect.
Combining retinol with other active ingredients
Find out here what you should consider when combining it with other active ingredients.
Retinol and Vitamin C
Like retinol, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is also an effective anti-aging ingredient in skincare and stimulates collagen production. Its antioxidant properties help prevent damage from free radicals. However, you should never use vitamin C in a routine with retinol.
Maggie's recommendation: Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Retinol and niacinamide
Niacinamide supports the skin barrier, has a mild brightening effect, and regulates sebum production. In combination with retinol, it can effectively help against age spots and acne scars and improve skin tolerance.
Retinol and hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most tolerable basic ingredients in skincare. Since hyaluronic acid is also a natural component of the skin, it's impossible for your skin to react to it.
It provides moisture and creates a plump, dewy finish . It is therefore ideal for use with retinol – especially at the beginning, if your skin is prone to dryness and irritation.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that my tips were helpful. Feel free to let me know if you have any comments or questions.
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