Lately, I have been put off, like many women today, by the idea that as we pass the age of 25 we have to use anti-ageing products. For all the GenZs and millennials who are considering when to start using retinol in their skincare regime, it's all about 'repair'. Retinol benefits for skin are widely recognised - it helps combat a decline in collagen and elastin that begins after 25, which leads to drier skin and an increase in wrinkles. This is where retinol comes into the picture. As a form of vitamin A, this popular ingredient helps increase skin cell production, unclogs pores, and helps exfoliate the skin, giving you fresh and plump skin. If you're wondering how to use retinol, it's best to introduce it gradually into your regimen to allow your skin to adjust to its powerful effects
01When To Start Using Retinol ?
You don't have to wait to see signs of ageing to start using retinol. It's a fact that we'll all eventually have fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet as we age. However there is no right age to incorporate it into your regime, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends start using retinol for beginners as early as in your 20s. To go back to the basics - retinol uses for skin are numerous and can significantly improve skin health. It promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, reduces acne, and boosts collagen production. It is also an antioxidant that can help address free radical damage, the pathway for damaging skin health and escalating ageing. Considered the gold standard by many skin experts and dermatologists, retinol is a powerhouse that your skincare routine must not miss.
02How to Develop a Retinol Skincare Routine in Your 20s
Starting early is the best way to avoid overdoing it. This will allow your skin to ease into welcoming this ingredient as a regular contributor to a youthful complexion. You can start with a low-concentration formula and slip it into your routine a few times a week. Gradually, you can make it a part of your nighttime ritual. So, while you sleep at night and your skin is in repair mode, retinoids will contribute to the repair wherever there is vitamin A deficiency. As a new retinol user who's just started it in her 20s, I'd say ease into it with products that have low concentration. Start with Pond's Youthful Glow Night Cream with anti-ageing ingredients like Retinol-C that help reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
03How to Develop a Retinol Skincare Routine in Your 30s
By your 30s, add it to your day cream as well. You can use Pond's Youthful Glow range of both day and night creams. Kickstart your day with the day cream that has SPF which shields your skin from UV rays and pollution. End it with the night cream that completes the whole regime with its added anti-ageing power. To target wrinkles specifically, use Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum by Paula's Choice. It's an exclusive formula containing a unique blend of highly stabilised retinol, vitamin-derived antioxidants, and soothing anti-ageing plant extracts. This unique combination addresses the appearance of wrinkles, improves the feel of firmness, uneven skin tone, and red marks, and leaves your skin looking perfectly radiant. Pro Tip : Combine it with the Anti-Aging Eye Gel by Paula's Choice, a light gel that addresses multiple signs of ageing, minimises fine lines and visibly brightens to eliminate signs of fatigue.
04How to Develop a Retinol Skincare Routine in Your 40s
Ageing seems to appear rather drastically for women as they enter their 40s. The oestrogen production falls and you're about to enter the perimenopausal phase. This means hormonal disruption, decline in collagen production and drier, more sensitive skin. By your 40s, you've also endured more years of sun damage, and oxidative stress and lived a stressful lifestyle, enough to affect the appearance of the skin. Even if you're starting now, better late than never right? It's time to use a retinol serum like Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment by Paula's Choice. This award-winning formula is combined with potent antioxidants, specially formulated in the form of a light lotion. It absorbs quickly and goes to work immediately to enhance hydration and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. To address skin sensitivity, it is infused with liquorice, oat extract and other soothing ingredients to help calm any redness.
05How to Develop a Retinol Skincare Routine in Your 50s And Above
At this age, consider consulting a dermatologist for individualised care and expert guidance on using and incorporating retinol. For those with sensitive skin, it helps to consider gentler retinol alternatives, like bakuchiol. Remember to invest in a nourishing moisturiser to address dryness and support mature skin. You can try using Dermalogica's Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum which consists of retinoid complex, squalane and beta-glucan to minimise the appearance of pores, reverse the look of wrinkles and improve skin texture for an even-toned complexion. For best results, use the serum before going to bed, allowing it to work overnight. The sooner you use retinol, the better because it's all about repair. When using retinol, try incorporating hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine to minimise skin irritation, if any. During the day, protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with a suitable SPF. Wake up to youthful, luminous and plump skin by adding these retinol products to your regime.
