For many years, retinol has been considered the gold standard of anti-aging skincare ingredients. Most dermatologists, aestheticians, and beauty experts will agree. Why? It has the benefit of reducing the appearance of wrinkles and stimulating the production of collagen, all while helping to increase the speed of cell turnover, reduce the appearance of discoloration and acne, and smooth out the look of fine lines.

By introducing retinol into your skincare routine, you are providing your skin with a range of impressive benefits. Whether you are new to retinol or have used it in the past, learning how to apply retinol in the right way is easier than you think.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING RETINOL?

When we think of retinol, we immediately think of its powerful ability to tackle all aspects of visible aging and acne at the same time. While prescription retinoids are available, you’ll also find a range of anti-aging benefits in the IMAGE Skincare collection of retinol-based skin care serums and creams.

Some of the biggest and most notable benefits of using retinol include:

  • Reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation
  • Reducing the appearance of age spots and sun spots
  • Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Minimizing the appearance of acne breakouts
  • Dramatically improving the appearance of collagen-deprived skin
  • Improving the balance of your complexion and tone

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I APPLY RETINOL?

Retinol can be used on a daily basis. However, many experts recommend using it every two to three days to start. When first starting with retinol use, it’s important to ease into it slowly as retinol can be somewhat intense and potentially very drying for your skin. This is especially true for skin that is dry, sensitive, or prone to acne breakouts. Once the skin has acclimated to retinol, you can try using it more frequently. Everyone should apply a rich, heavily moisturizing cream after using retinol, but depending on your level of dryness, you might even want to consider applying a hydrating serum before retinol to help ease into it. If skin becomes dry or irritated, take a break for a day or two.

Take your time to find a retinol product that works for you such as the IMAGE AGELESS Total Overnight Retinol Masque (50ml RRP €96.50/ £83) and stick with it over the long term to get the best results.

IMAGE AGELESS Total Overnight Retinol Masque (50ml RRP €96.50/ £83)

 

HOW TO USE RETINOL CORRECTLY

Retinol has proven to be highly effective when it comes to reducing the appearance of blemishes, minor damages, and fine lines on the skin. However, it’s important to note that retinol is an intense ingredient and can potentially be very drying for your skin so you have to ensure you are introducing it into your routine carefully and in a way that works with the skin and compliments the other skincare you are using.

IMAGE AGELESS Total Retinol-A-Crème (30ml RRP €87.50/ £75)

When used correctly and applied slowly, retinol products such as the IMAGE AGELESS Total Retinol-A-Crème (30ml RRP €87.50/ £75) are a safe and highly potent addition to your skincare routine that can boost the results of your anti-aging and blemish smoothing goals.

Many dermatologists will recommend starting slow with a lower concentration of retinol, such as the IMAGE MD® Restoring Overnight Retinol Masque (50ml €110.50/ £95). This will give your skin the time to slowly ease into the highly concentrated benefits of the ingredient without experiencing too much drying, redness or irritation.

IMAGE MD® Restoring Overnight Retinol Masque (50ml €110.50/ £95)

  • Step 1: Be sure your face is thoroughly washed. Apply an eye cream to the delicate skin around your eyes.
  • Step 2: Ensure your skin is thoroughly dried. Damp skin can prevent the retinol from properly absorbing into your skin.
  • Step 3: Apply a very small pea-sized amount of retinol to your finger and start by applying it to your chin and moving upward into your cheeks.
  • Step 4: Place another pea-sized amount on your finger and apply it to your forehead by slowly smoothing it into the skin.
  • Step 5: Let the retinol absorb into your skin for 20-30 minutes before applying your favourite moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you’re looking for a super hydrating SPF the IMAGE PREVENTION+ Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30+ (95ml €52.50/ £45) will be your saviour this summer.

    IMAGE PREVENTION+ Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30+ (95ml €52.50/ £45)

DO’S AND DON’TS OF USING RETINOL

Do follow up your retinol with Hyaluronic Acid to counteract the drying effects. IMAGE AGELESS Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler (30ml €82.50/ £71) contains six forms of lower and higher molecular weight hyaluronic acids to rapidly smooth away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

IMAGE AGELESS Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler (30ml €82.50/ £71)

  • Do wait 30 minutes after applying retinol to use other products.
  • Do start slowly with retinol products such as the IMAGE AGELESS Total Repair Crème (59ml €86 /£74) if you are new to it.
  • Don’t use retinol at the same time as other potent actives, such as vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide.
  • Don’t apply retinol in large amounts, a pea-sized dab will do.
  • Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
  • Don’t be impatient when it comes to seeing retinol results.

    IMAGE AGELESS Total Repair Crème (59ml €86 /£74)