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The Benefits of Retinol for the Skin

The world of cosmetics is constantly changing and with it comes new treatments, improved treatments, and wider acceptance and recommendation of those that already exist. Retinol is one of them, recommended by dermatologists for signs of ageing, breakouts and more, renowned for its almost magical ability to keep skin looking and feeling youthful and in the best shape. But for those who might not be familiar with it just yet, you may be wondering just what it can do, and whether it’s worth all the hype – here, we’ve gathered together the benefits to show just why you should be adding Retinol to your skincare routine.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, used to tackle skin concerns such as oily skin, wrinkles, age spots and more by stimulating collagen production. This, in turn, encourages cellular turnover and reduces or prevents these skin concerns, while evening out your overall skin tone and skin health. Retinol that is available OTC is safe to use as you see fit, depending on your needs and experience levels.

Different Retinol products contain different levels of retinol within them, such as our Medik8 Retinol 3TR 15ml, which holds 0.3% retinol. This is particularly good for those who are new to the product or who are looking to upgrade from standard low-volume Vitamin A night creams. The Medik8 6TR 15ml variation is a step-up from 3TR, offering a 0.6% retinol formula. This is ideal for those who have already been using Retinol within their daily routine and who are now looking for a higher-strength serum. The Medik8 Retinol 10TR, featuring 1% Retinol, is available for those who have been using retinol in their routine for some time and is recommended for nightly use for the best results. The Medik8 variation features their patented Time Release Technology, which prevents irritation to the skin that is typical with other high-dose Retinol products.

Prescription retinol products typically have higher doses and are monitored by medical professionals for more severe cases of acne or skin concerns. These aren’t available over the counter, and should only be used when recommended and prescribed by a GP or professional dermatologist.

What Are The Benefits of Retinol?

Retinol has been recommended by dermatologists for a number of different skin concerns, not least because of the benefits that it can provide. From evening out your skin tone and brightening dull skin, to preventing and evening out wrinkles, the benefits are plentiful:

You Can Start Using It At Any Age – Retinol is an amazing product in that it can be used by, and provide benefits for anyone of any age. There’s no set time to start using retinol as part of your daily skincare routine, but dermatologists suggest that introducing the product in your mid-20s can help to reduce breakouts and prevent any pigmentation issues as you age. However, you can still reap the benefits even if you start later in life.

Prevents Wrinkles And Signs Of Ageing – By stimulating collagen production, retinol products reduce the appearance of wrinkles by ensuring your skin stays tight and wrinkle-free. Retinol has been, and remains one of the most widely studied anti-ageing solutions available today, and is commonly used by all ages to prevent wrinkles and reduce their appearance throughout your life. Retinol can also help to reduce other signs of ageing such as age spots,

Brightens And Evens Out Dull Skin – Retinol products are used to stimulate skin cell turnover, which can provide an exfoliant-type effect. This means that dry, dull skin is replaced by brighter, renewed and healthier skin which typically has a more even tone and healthier quality. Retinol stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which both provide you with a more youthful appearance and ultimately make your skin stronger, smoother and with fewer imperfections or uneven tone.

Regulates Oily Skin – Due to the regenerative properties of retinol, those with oily skin are likely to see better control and reduced oil production. This is a result of retinol firming up the skin through collagen production, which ultimately helps to keep pores tighter and reduce how much oil can be omitted. Oily skin alone can be a cause of breakouts and acne, so reducing oil not only reduces the greasy look but prevents pores from clogging up.

Prevents Breakouts And Acne – Due to the renewing nature of retinol, it is particularly useful for acne and is widely recognised as a good acne treatment. Different strengths of retinol can be used depending on the severity of breakouts, however, some retinol products are only available on prescription. For minor breakouts or acne, however, standard OTC retinol, such as the Medik8 range, can normalise cell turnover in the skin, which promotes an exfoliant-like effect which will prevent the clogging of pores. This then stops or prevents spots, blackheads and cysts from forming on the skin.

Want to try retinol for yourself, or looking to step up your routine? Our range of retinol products are available in different levels and strengths depending on your experience and needs. Take a look at the range, or get in touch with us for more information.