Retin a is an anti-ageing ingredient that can help improve blemishes, limit discolouration and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to reduce signs of ageing – but it can take time to see results, especially when you’re new to retinol. To ease you in, it’s important to follow a skincare routine, avoid exfoliants and introduce the product gradually to your regime. Whether you’re looking for a high or low concentration product, we’ve picked out our favourites to help get you started.
This retinol serum from La Roche Posay is designed with sensitive skin in mind, and it’s free from fragrance, parabens and colourants. It also boasts a relatively low 0.3% concentration of retinol, which makes it an ideal choice for first-time users or those with sensitive complexions. It’s clinically proven to improve rough skin, lines and dark spots in just eight weeks of nightly use, plus it has a nourishing blend of natural oils to leave your face feeling soft and smooth.
For an even more gentle formula, this serum from Paula’s Choice is an excellent option. It’s a 1% booster that you mix into your existing moisturiser, meaning it’s easy to introduce to your routine without causing any irritation. It’s also formulated with an impressive list of ingredients, including hydrating shea butter and anti-ageing peptides.
If you’re not sure if you can tolerate a higher concentration of retinol, this product from British brand Medik8 is an excellent starter serum. It’s formulated with Crystal Retinal 1, which is the lowest form of vitamin A available over the counter and it’s proven to be more effective than other prescription retinol products for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as limiting areas of hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone.
If you want to up your retinol game, this best-seller from skincare specialists Skinceuticals is an excellent choice. It’s formulated with a proprietary peptide blend and a powerful concentration of retinol to target signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration and uneven skin tone. It’s also enriched with nourishing shea butter and anti-ageing niacinamide to keep your complexion bright and healthy. As with all retinol products, it’s important to start off slowly and gradually build up your usage to avoid any irritation. retin a cream uk