Best Retinol Form: Strength, Skin Type, and Application Guide

What Is the Most Effective Form of Retinol?

Retinol is one of the most potent skincare ingredients to help combat the signs of ageing and other skin concerns, it has the scientific backing to prove it.

When using retinol you must introduce the product to your skin slowly in order to build its tolerance towards the variety of strengths and making a note of how the skin responds.

You can find out more about introducing retinol into your skincare routine by taking a look at our blog post about the skincare benefits of retinol.

The question you may be wondering is, what is the most effective form of retinol? Are over the counter retinol products worth the time and effort?

Or will your skin benefit best from an indulgent afternoon have a facial with a medical grade product? This is something we have taken a closer look at and are sharing the detailed insights with you.

What is the best percentage of retinol to use?

Retinol comes in multiple strengths, most common being 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%.

When shopping for an over the counter retinol product ensure you check the label to see which percentage is shown,

if it doesn’t specify this generally means the level of retinol is weaker than 0.25% and will not give you the full benefits.

Your skin type can also have an affect on how retinol will treat and benefit your skin;

Retinol For Oily Skin Types

If you have an oily skin type you can experiment with a higher percentage of retinol, however, it must still be introduced to the skin slowly by applying it once a week with your evening skincare routine.

Once you have found the skin reacts well to the product you can increase the application to 2-3 times a week and so on until you can use it every night.

Considering the consistency of the product can also have an effect on the retinol’s performance, serums are lighter, easily absorbed and less congestive as creams, this makes retinol serums ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin types.

Retinol For Dry Skin Types

Dry skin types may find the skin is thin and easily irritated so using a lower-strength option will allow the skin to build its tolerance without any reaction, such as redness or sensitivity. Introducing the product is the same for every skin type, however a cream-based retinol product would work well for dry skin types by delivering the active ingredients slower with an extra hydration boost.

No matter which skin type you are, consistency is key to see the true results of retinol. Smoother, brighter and younger looking complexion is something you can expect to see after 4 weeks of use. Sometimes the trouble of having to use the slow method of adding retinol into your regime makes people rush the process and they discontinue using it once they find their skin reacts badly, remember, slow and steady wins the race.

What is the strongest form of retinol?

The strength of retinol really depends on where you buy the product from

for over the counter products the highest strength is typically 0.5% or 1% in comparison to medical grade products that can reach as high as 2%, which you can purchase through trained professional or salons.

The beauty of using retinol is that it is an ingredient that will deliver results in any strength you decide to apply.

Lower levels of retinol

Those with dry or sensitive skin will benefit from lower percentages of retinol of 0.25%, this will show marked improvements on the signs of ageing, brightness and uneven skin tone to name a few of its benefits.

By teaming a lower strength retinol with other ingredients, such as antioxidants, you will protect the skin from any daily aggressors, such as pollution, UV damage and other environmental skin concerns.

Medium levels of retinol

Medium percentage levels of retinol are perfect for anyone who has noticed their skin ageing has affected the firmness and elasticity.

You may also find that if you suffer with uneven skin tone and texture then 0.5% retinol will benefit the complexion when applying the product 2-3 nights a week.

Higher levels of retinol

As for deep wrinkles, severe uneven tone and texture is concerned, you will benefit from 1% retinol.

You will find this percentage will provide the quickest results in combating those tougher skin concerns, remembering of course to perform a patch test on the skin to prevent any irritation and to add the ingredient into your routine gradually.

Which is best retinol or hyaluronic acid?

Can we be so brash to say we adore them both? Believe it or not retinol and hyaluronic acid make an incredible skin restoring power duo.

Both ingredients work in different areas of the skin whilst benefiting a variety of concerns.

For example, retinol is able to increase the blood flow, kick starting the collagen production in the lower layers of the skin.

It is here retinol allows the basal cells of the skin to split resulting in new epidermal skin cells to make their way to the surface of the skin resulting in an overall healthy glow and improved skin texture.

As for hyaluronic acid, this mainly targets the skin’s protective skin barrier pulling up hydration from the lower layers of the epidermis and absorbing water surrounding the skin,

locking it all in and leaving you with a plumped and youthful face, with fine lines caused by dehydration visibly reduced.

Using these ingredients together you will be astonished by the results.

Is retinol and Vitamin A the same?

This can easily become a little confusing so we will try our best not to ramble, vitamin A is found in the body and is essential for supporting skin, eye and reproductive health, it also helps with immune function.

There are two types of vitamin A, first of which being retinoids, and carotenoids, both types are converted into retinol by the liver.

Our skin is a retinoid-responsive organ and has the ability to absorb vitamin A when it is applied topically, which then stimulates the production of new skin cells and stops the skin from becoming overly dry and uncomfortable.

So, you will find that vitamin A and retinol are near enough the same thing, with one naturally occurring in the body or being introduced by your diet and the other being converted into a topical

ingredient that can be replicated synthetically and blended into a variety of skincare products.

What can you not mix with retinol?

Here are the main ingredients that shouldn’t be mixed with retinol, or used at varying times throughout the day;

Vitamin C and retinol should be used opposite ends of the day

As we mentioned early lower strength retinol teamed with antioxidants are great at keeping the skin healthy and happy. We would suggest using both ingredients at opposite ends of the day.

Vitamin C in the morning to give your skin a protective layer of free radical fighting product, and retinol in the evenings to help repair any damage and rebuild the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide cancels retinol and vice versa

Benzoyl peroxide and retinol literally cancel each other out rendering them both useless and unable to benefit the skin in any way. It is a case of opting for one or the other to add into your routine.

AHA and BHA should not be used alongside retinol

Both AHAs and BHAs are mainly chemical exfoliants and if used with retinol can cause the skin to become dry, tight and damaged due to the fact that retinol also exfoliates the skin .

Much like vitamin C we would recommend using AHAs or BHAs when you are not planning on using retinol, not forgetting to apply your sunscreen during the day of course.

How can you get retinol naturally?

Vitamin A naturally occurs in the body and can be added by the diet you have, for example, eating oily fish, like salmon and red meat, such as liver and carrots is an easy way of introducing retinol to your diet.

There is of course another natural alternative to retinol for you to use and that is Bakuchiol, a potent antioxidant with a multiple of benefits for the skin,

you can find out everything about Bakuchiol by checking out the blog about skincare benefits of Bakuchiol.

We hope that this has answered your questions about the most effective form of retinol, don’t forget to check out our Instagram for daily tips, discount codes and first looks for new product launches!

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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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