Beauty Spot: Retinol
Welcome to Beauty Spot – a new, regular feature where we dive into some of the most-talked-about beauty ingredients and demystify them to help us love the skin we’re in! First up, Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers why everyone’s raving about retinol.
Retinol is a buzzword in the beauty industry, but what does it actually do and who should be using it? We spoke to expert beauty therapist Jenny Wilson from Noosa Body and Skincare and Skin Clinician Angie Lamb from About Faces Noosa to find out more about this powerhouse ingredient, also known as Vitamin A, which works to smooth skin texture, increase collagen production and minimise pigmentation. Yes please!
It’s clinically proven to reduce the signs of skin ageing
Retinol is a potent ingredient derived from Vitamin A that is known for its ability to combat the common signs of ageing.
Jenny Wilson from Noosa Body and Skincare said it was able to trigger specific cells to manufacture collagen and elastin, and has many benefits for the skin, including anti-ageing, depigmenting, reducing oil and improving texture.
“Retinol will tackle those fine lines and wrinkles, dark age spots and breakouts,” she sad. “It can also slow down the production of sebum, therefore reducing blockages in the pores.”
Angie Lamb from About Faces Noosa agrees, sharing that it was arguably the most renowned ingredient in cosmeceuticals for its ability to help reduce the appearance of premature skin ageing.
“Retinol rejuvenates the appearance of the skin, helping it look smoother and more refined,”she said. “Incorporating it into your skincare regime is fabulous for luminosity and skin cell turnover.”
Start slowly, a little goes a long way
“Due to the potency of retinol, it’s best to begin introducing this slowly into the skin,” Jenny explains. Use it every other day for a few weeks, then increase the frequency once your skin is tolerating it well.”
And don’t use retinol alongside any form of hydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids or Vitamin C.
“These ingredients lead to increased skin irritation and may cause dryness, itching or peeling,” Angie said. “For some clients, temporary dryness may occur with retinol use – always apply a highly hydrating moisturiser after it’s been absorbed into the skin.”
Things to consider
There are a couple of important things to note when introducing retinol into your beauty routine.
“Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun so it’s vital to use a sunscreen SPF 50+ every day, even if it looks cloudy,” Angie warned. And Jenny added: “Retinol itself is UV sensitive, so is only to be used as part of your evening routine – never in the daytime.
“It’s also important to be aware that retinol and its derivatives also are not recommended for clients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or even trying to fall pregnant.
“So make sure you avoid it during this time of life,” Jenny advised.
Beauty experts love it Noosa Body and Skincare stock Dermalogica products, which have used retinol in its many forms for several years.
“My favourites are the Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum and Age Reversal Eye Complex cream,” she said. “We love the results these amazing products can achieve!”
Angie from About Faces Noosa swears by Ultraceuticals products, and loves the Ultra A Perfecting Intense Booster.
“It gives my skin a beautiful boost, refines my pores and softens lines and wrinkles,” she shares.
“I would honestly bathe in it if they made a bigger container! I love this product for luminosity and for keeping my skin fresh.”
RETINOL RECOMMENDATIONS
Noosa Springs
Eminence Organics – Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturiser
Restore skin’s natural hydration with this gel-cream moisturiser, formulated with the unique combination of retinol alternative bakuchiol and niacinamide.
This ingredient pairing smooths wrinkles while visibly firming skin, minimising large pores and uneven texture, with no visible irritation.
Noosa Body and Skincare
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
This potent, fast-acting retinol serum from Dermalogica targets wrinkles, pores, skin tone, and texture, leaving skin looking smooth and radiant.
Limited-edition special offer! Receive a complimentary Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 travel with every purchase of the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum from Noosa Body and Skincare!
Cosmedic Lab
Synergie Ultimate A
A powerful, entry-level retinol night serum that has youth-boosting effects while imparting a glowy hydration to the skin.
About Faces Noosa
Ultra A Perfecting Intense Booster
Improves the skin condition and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful-looking, glowing complexion.
