If you’ve ever wondered what the secret is to some people's youthful, or ageless glow, despite the fact they are in their 40s, 50s and beyond, it's likely retinol!
The holy grail of the skincare world, retinol is a true multi-tasker, providing skin with a multitude of benefits from wrinkle reduction to pore perfecting and everything in between!

Whether you're a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, we are here to tell you all you need to know about retinol and why you’ll want to add this powerhouse ingredient into your skincare routine.

What is retinol?

When it comes to reducing visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional raves about. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol helps to radially reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevents premature skin ageing including wrinkles and age spots. But there is so much more retinol can do for your skin…

What does retinol do?

In short, retinol is a true multi-taster! Here is the low down on what retinol actually does for your skin!

1. Retinol promotes cell turnover

When skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun it absorbs free radicals, which attack healthy cells. Retinol interrupts this process by attaching itself to damaged cells and communicating with them, helping them to act like healthy cells again. It also accelerates the turnover of skin cells encouraging the shedding of old, damaged skin cells and stimulating the production of new, healthy ones. This process helps in maintaining smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

2. Retinol reduces fine lines and wrinkles

One of retinol's shining talents is its ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By promoting collagen production, it helps improve skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the signs of ageing.

3. Retinol fades dark spots

Retinol is a champion in tackling hyperpigmentation. It can lighten dark spots, sun spots, and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for discolouration.

4. Retinol unclogs pores

If you're dealing with pesky blackheads or whiteheads, retinol can be your best friend. It helps prevent the clogging of pores, reducing the chances of acne and promoting clearer skin.

5. Retinol improves skin texture

Using retinol regularly can lead to smoother and softer skin. It aids in minimizing rough patches, refining texture, and giving your skin a more polished appearance.

6. Retinol boosts collagen production

Collagen is like the glue that holds your skin together. Retinol stimulates collagen synthesis, which contributes to improved skin structure, firmness, and overall resilience.

7. Retinol addresses acne

If you're battling acne, retinol can be beneficial. It helps regulate oil production, prevents the formation of comedones (clogged pores), and promotes a clearer complexion.

Is retinol good for acne?

Absolutely! Retinol is a powerhouse against acne, regulating oil production, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. In fact its skin-renewing properties fade post-acne marks.

Can you use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

Yes! Hyaluronic acid and retinol are actually a dream team when it comes to skincare. While retinol addresses signs of ageing and acne, hyaluronic acid provides a burst of essential hydration. The combination of both ingredients ensures skin remains moisturised, plump, and balanced.
Apply hyaluronic acid first to hydrate, followed by retinol for its transformative effects. If the two ingredients are in the same product even better! Together, they create the perfect routine for a radiant and youthful complexion.

Can you use retinol and vitamin C together?

Yes, you can use retinol and vitamin C together in your skincare routine, but it's important to use them strategically to maximize their benefits without causing irritation. Both ingredients offer potent anti-aging and skin-brightening effects.
Apply vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection and brighter skin. Use retinol in the evening to promote cell turnover and reduce signs of ageing. Start with lower concentrations, gradually increasing as your skin adjusts. Always use sunscreen during the day as both ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes, you can use niacinamide (vitamin B3) with retinol in your skincare routine. These two ingredients are generally considered compatible and can work well together to address various skin concerns. Niacinamide offers soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, complementing retinol's anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits.

Using them together can help minimize potential irritation sometimes associated with retinol use. Incorporating niacinamide and retinol into your routine can contribute to a balanced approach for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin health.

Can you use salicylic acid and retinol together?

When using two potent, acne-fighting ingredients, it's best to take precautions before combining them. Salicylic acid and other BHAs and AHAs are exfoliating ingredients that can potentially increase skin sensitivity when combined with retinol. If you are wanting to use both ingredients in your skincare routine, it is best to use them at night, on different days, and at different times and built up from there.

Can you use retinol when pregnant?

Unfortunately, retinol is generally discouraged during pregnancy due to potential risks. High doses of vitamin A, (of which as previously mentioned retinol is a derivative) may pose concerns for foetal development. Instead look at alternative skincare ingredients safe for pregnancy, like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.

Does retinol help with pigmentation?

Yes, retinol is effective in addressing pigmentation issues. It works by promoting skin cell turnover, which helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By encouraging the shedding of old, pigmented skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented cells, retinol contributes to a more even skin tone. Regular use of retinol can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of sunspots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter and more radiant complexion.

Is retinol good for sun damage?

Yes, retinol is definitely beneficial for addressing sun damage. Its ability to promote skin renewal and collagen production helps reduce the appearance of sun-induced wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Don’t forget though, it's essential to use sunscreen alongside retinol to protect the skin from further sun damage and maximize its effectiveness.

Can everyone use retinol?

While retinol is great for those concerned with wrinkles, sun damage and acne, it can cause dryness, redness and peeling, so people with sensitive skin need to be cautious. Sensitive skin can however be trained to tolerate retinol with slow introduction.

Retinol is not recommended however for sensitized skin (reactive, inflamed and sunburn skin).

Always perform a patch test before applying retinol to the entire face to check for any adverse reactions. And remember retinol is a no go for pregnant woman or women breast feeding.

Can I use retinol every night?

Once your skin adjusts to retinol you can definitely use it every night! You need to understand that to reap the rewards of retinol though, there will likely be an adjustment period first. When you introduce retinol to your skincare routine, your skin might experience some initial side effects like redness, flakiness, or dryness. It's like the initiation phase, but don't worry, it's usually just your skin getting used to this powerhouse ingredient. Gradual introduction and consistent use can help your skin adapt and benefit long term. Start by applying it one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application.

Remember retinol is best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive.

Oh and don’t forget your sunscreen! Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to slather on SPF every morning (but you should be anyway!!)

How long does retinol take to work?

Results from retinol skincare can vary. Some people may notice improvements in a few weeks, days even, while others might take a couple of months. Generally, it takes at least 12 weeks to see significant changes in terms of reduced fine lines, improved texture, and diminished dark spots. Consistency is key, and it's crucial to be patient as the benefits of retinol often accumulate over time. Once you see results you will never look back!

What are the best retinol products?

With so many retinol products on the market, it can be hard to know which to trust, that’s where we, the BC professionals can help!

We highly recommend Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol® Serum and Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results!

It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol® line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol®! The addition of Vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol®’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!

Looking for the best anti-ageing results? This range should be your go to.
But don’t just take it from us, our customers love the range too:

“I have been using this product for 18 months and I now have compliments all the time from strangers about my “amazing skin”. I use this product in conjunction with the cleanser/toner/serum and would recommend to anyone looking to improve skin texture!” - Alice P

“This is the most beautiful cream I have ever used; light texture, non greasy, non shiny. Changes in my skin are an increased smoothing of lines and crepe-skin areas, softening, hydrating and contouring, and reduced pigmentation. Some results were instantly visible and now after three weeks my skin just keeps improving. I am 60 and tried this after other brands became ineffective. Now my skin appears luminous and more refined. So, I am going to purchase the whole range. Its a surprise to see a brighter smoother complexion at my age.” - Annie

“I wake up with my skin glowing after using this. I noticed a smoothing of my skin's texture and fine lines almost immediately.” - Sam F

“I love this retinol serum! I have been using it for a while now and find it smooths out fine lines and adds an overall healthy glow to my skin. Love it!” Veronica
“As soon as the micro retinol moisturiser soaks in (takes a couple of minutes), my skin immediately looks smoother. Pores look smaller, and skin tone looks evener. I can’t recommend this enough.” - Sabrina Thompson

“I've been using other Pevonia products for about a year and decided to try the Micro Retinol Serum to bump things up a bit. I saw almost instant results! Coarse lines, especially around my mouth have quite literally disappeared. Same thing for smile lines and crows feet. My 60 year old skin feels as smooth, soft, and healthy as when I was....well, I can't even remember when my skin was this glowing.” Julie M