All the ways you can incorporate retinol into your skin care routine
Retinol really is the jack of all trades
We’re constantly banging on about how good retinol is, so chances are you’re already on board with the stuff. But what you may not have found is ‘The One’ retinol skin care product you feel good about adding to your regimen. That's where this retinol guide comes in.
What does retinol do for the skin?
Okay, let’s rewind for a second and just remind you of the retinol benefits for skin. A form of vitamin A, retinol is an ingredient designed for working to reduce visible wrinkles and fine lines; essentially, it can help slow down the ageing process by helping to boost collagen production.
How to choose a retinol product based on your skin type
There really is a retinol product for everyone these days, and every step of your skin care routine. From creams and serums to gels and oils, you can let your personal preference lead the way, or let your skin type guide you.
Choosing the best retinol texture for your skin type is similar to picking any skin care product. Those with oily skin tend to prefer gel and serum formulas that are non-greasy and absorb quickly, while creams are great for dry skin that needs an emollient base to help balance out the drying effect that retinol can have on some skin types. If you have sensitive skin, look for a combination of retinol and soothing ingredients; acne-prone skin should seek out a non-comedogenic formula.
As we mentioned earlier, there’s also a retinol product for every step of your routine - it’s not just serums and moisturisers that you have to choose from, there are ampoules and face masks, too.
8 types of retinol skin care products
What step in your skin care routine could do with a retinol boost? Here are some options to get you started. Just choose the texture or step that you prefer!
#1 / A retinol serum
Our product pick: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
($18.40 at Adore Beauty)
Do you want the good news, or the great news? The good news is this oil-free retinol serum is formulated with a highly-advanced form of retinoid known as granactive retinoid. This means it's designed to work quickly and effectively to fight the visible signs of ageing, improve dullness and uneven skin texture, and fade acne scars and pigmentation, all without irritating skin. The great news is, it does all that for under $20! Also good to know: Kim Kardashian uses this anti-ageing serum, too. Quite the endorsement.
#2 / A retinol eye cream
Our product pick: Dope Skin Co Retinol Eye Cream With Vitamin C
($39 at Dope Skin Co)
This deeply hydrating eye cream is formulated with retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and bioactive soy peptides to help boost collagen production, fade dark circles and visibly firm your under eye area. It also helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Added bonus? The lightweight, non-greasy formula is suitable for all skin types. It contains no parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, silicones, sulphates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances or colours.
#3 / A retinol face cream
Our product pick: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 MAX Cream
($69.99 at Woolworths)
While you get your shut-eye every night, this clever cream goes to work on visible wrinkles as well as dryness, AKA the exact concern that retinol and retinoid products can generally cause (hello, helpful!). Formulated with Maxmium Bioavailable Retinoid*, its lofty list of goals includes visibly reducing the appearance of smile lines, frown lines, and crow's feet, whilst also aiding to plump up the skin's appearance with some much-needed moisture.
*Maximum within Olay Retinol24 Range. Based on penetration up to epidermis layer.
#4 / A retinol oil
Our product pick: Neutrogena® Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Retinol Oil
(Was $55, now $38.39 at Chemist Warehouse)
Neutrogena’s retinol oil delivers the powerful perks of retinol in a skin-pampering oil formula. Great for dry skin in particular, our Review Crew® gave it a four-star rating, noting how lightweight, fast-absorbing and effective it was. This facial oil utilises retinol SA, which is scientifically proven to be superior to other forms of vitamin A, including pro-retinol and retinyl palmitate.
#5 / A retinol ampoule
Our product pick: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
(Starting from $160 at Myer)
One of these single-dose treatments of encapsulated retinol is 76 per cent more potent than if it was just in fluid form in a bottle! Super potent but also super gentle (thanks to skin-repairing ceramides in the mix), the lightweight serum is clinically and dermatologist tested. We also love how travel-friendly these little ampoules are.
#6 / A retinol peel
Our product pick: Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
($45.79 at Amazon)
A great retinol for skin that's after an extra-strength helper in the fight against visible fine lines, this two-step peel contains a strong dose of seven acids, along with antioxidants and vitamins, to remove dead skin, clear away excess oil and impurities, refine pores and improve visibly uneven skin tone and texture. Basically, it works very hard to give you younger-looking, smoother and more radiant skin.
#7 / A retinol mask
Our product pick: Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Face Mask
($12.99 at Skin Republic)
Sheet masks are known for delivering potent formulas deep within the skin, so it makes sense to load one up with an anti-ageing ingredient like retinol. This hydrogel sheet mask moisturises while it tackles the visible signs of ageing, like the appearance of wrinkles and decreased skin elasticity. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also enriched with peony, jojoba and hyaluronic acid to boost radiance.
#8 / A retinol tonic
Our product pick: Pixi Retinol Tonic
($36 at ASOS)
Combining the best qualities of a toner and serum, this retinol tonic is formulated to be applied straight after cleansing to permeate the pores, allowing the potent antioxidants to refine and smooth skin texture. The time-release retinol works to reduce visible fine lines over time, while jasmine flower heals and balances the complexion, for a low-irritation formula that's ideal for sensitive skin.
Main image credit: Getty Images
Looking for a natural alternative to retinol? Here’s everything you need to know about bakuchiol.
Chelsea is BEAUTYcrew’s Contributing Editor. She has a sweet spot for anything that claims to make skin glow and won’t leave the house without a slick of mascara. Chelsea has 10 years of experience as a beauty editor and her words can be found on BEAUTYcrew, Women’s Health, Daily Addict, The Joye and Primped.
