All you Need to know about Retinol

I sat down with the beautiful Jenny from Murad to chat all things Retinol. We believe it is one of the most important steps in achieving healthy skin and who better to chat with, than the company that have the biggest selling Retinol in the US … Murad

What is retinol?

There are different levels of Vitamin A. Retinol is the alcohol form of Vitamin A - over the counter version of Retin-A, which becomes the most active Retinoic acid when it reaches the skin. Described as the pure form of Vitamin A. 

Who is retinol for?

Everyone! Retinol is the gold standard anti-ageing ingredient for the skin and will benefit everyone’s skin. Although Retinol is not recommended for use in pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

When should you start using Retinol?

Once you reach your 20's - you are now beginning to age in the skin world! You begin to loose  approx. 1% collagen each year - depressing I know!

You may choose to use a Retinol based product in your 20's as a booster for your skin for a period of time. Once you reach your 30's plus, you may lean of this product a little more.

How do I know I am getting a good retinol?

This is a good question, with Murad, we believe in a cocktail of ingredients which work in synergy together. This allows the active main ingredient to work at its optimum potential whilst offering the skin various benefits. Retinol, on its own, can be quite challenging for this skin to accept and so it would be best to use a product which also contains hydrating, conditioning properties.

How do I use retinol?

Retinol is sensitive to UB rays ( Sun ray) and it is known to diminish the active work of Retinol and in some cases can even deactivate it! For this reason, it is best to use Retinol based face serum and or night cream, at night.

What does it do?

Retinol is recognised for its youth building properties, this would be its most famous benefit. As it challenges the skin, there is a natural response in collagen production and cell turnover. This results in a more even, smoother skin tone, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles with a plump complexion.
I like to refer it to as a Marathon workout for the skin.

Do I need it?

Yes! Yes! Yes! All Skin Types and ages will benefit from using Retinol.
Retinol is the most amazing skin product ingredient - preventative and corrective.

What is the difference between Murad and other brands of retinol

Many Retinol formulations reply on a single form of Retinol which can lead to several weeks to deliver results and may also result in irritation to the skin. Dr Murad have developed Tri active technology - A fast acting Retinol offering results within 2 weeks, time released Retinol which prevents any dryness which may be associated and a Retinol booster which enhances efficacy. This unique Tri active technology is then teamed with Swertia Flower extract which increases the skin's resilience, allowing it to accept the Retinol whilst boosting firmness and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is also added to the recipe, hydrating, and plumping the skin.

Do I use it everyday?

You may use Retinol each night depending on your skin health. I would suggest consulting with your Skin care specialist and they will be in a position to prescribe for your individual skin care regime.

I’ve used retinol before and it made my skin dry?

If we discuss Retinol as a Marathon workout, we need to consider that your skin may become 'thirsty'. (Think of running a Marathon and at the finish line, you will look for water immediately!)

It is super important that your skin is offered hydration whilst using a Retinol based product.

I have acne is retinol good for it?

Retinol has many benefits and one is that it works by reducing the overproduction of oil in your skin. This is key in tackling an Acne skin type, you need to control the oil production.  As it also works on cell turnover and renewal, it will assist in the prevention of Acne associated scarring.

Can you use is you are sensitive?

With Sensitive skins, commonly they may struggle to accept the challenge of Retinol however with Murad's new advanced technology, sensitive skins are finally in a position to utilise the benefits of Retinol.

It may be of advantage to slowly introduce Retinol into the skin, perhaps 2  - 3 times a week, introducing a further night each week.