Retin-A cream is one of the most potent skin-care ingredients on the planet. The topical form of vitamin A, it encourages the production of new cells while speeding up the turnover of old ones, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to improve the look of dark spots, even out skin tone and texture, and reduce oiliness. If you’ve got acne, it can even be helpful in preventing breakouts and resolving existing ones.
There are a few things to bear in mind before you start using retinol, however. It’s a powerful medication that can cause sensitivity and even irritation if used incorrectly, so it’s best to work with a skincare expert or your GP before you start using a retinol cream uk. It’s also a treatment that should be applied at night because it can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Lastly, it’s important to remember that you should only use a pea-sized amount and never get it near your eyes, lips or nose.
Luckily, it’s easy to find high-quality retinol creams online that are both gentle and effective. If you’re new to retinoids, it’s recommended that you start with a low-concentration formula and gradually build up your tolerance to it over time. For those who are already familiar with it, you can opt for higher concentrations that can address more serious issues.
Drunk Elephant’s cult-favourite A-Passioni Retinol is the go-to for reactive complexions. It’s free from the brand’s ‘suspicious 6’ (SLS, fragrance, chemical screens, drying alcohols and silicones), and features a 1% dose of encapsulated retinol to tackle dark spots, rough skin and fine lines. A mix of soothing botanical extracts (passionfruit, kale, apricot and cherry) and fatty acids keep it all balanced.
Another option is the retinol gel from The Ordinary, which has built a cult following for its affordable price and effectiveness. It’s been upgraded to a 4th generation formula called Granactive Retinoid, which is more powerful than its predecessor, and it also features the brightening superstar, niacinamide, to further improve the skin.
Paula’s Choice offers a similar option in its retinol booster, which can be mixed with the moisturiser of your choice to transform it into an anti-ageing serum. This formula contains 1% retinol and is paired with a blend of peptides to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It’s also free from SLS, PEGs, parabens and mineral oils.
The last option on our list comes from skincare pros at La Roche-Posay, who have a knack for creating products that are both easy to use and clinically proven to deliver results. This retinol cream uk is no different, featuring a non-irritating, fast-absorbing gel that’s clinically proven to smooth fine lines and wrinkles over time. It’s boosted with niacinamide and a proprietary peptide complex, and is free from SLS, fragrance and colourants. It’s an excellent option for sensitive complexions that still want to see a visible difference in their skin. retin a cream uk