Retinol Cream uk – What You Need to Know
Retinoids are the skincare superstars of the moment – a prescription vitamin A derivative that works to unclog pores, reduce discolouration and improve skin tone and texture. They’re also the only skincare ingredient scientifically proven to reverse some of the changes caused by sun damage.
There are two main forms of retinol available – creams and gels. Depending on your skin type, either may be better suited – creams are more moisturising and can work well with dry or ‘normal’ skin types, while gels tend to suit those with oily or “acne-prone” skin as they’re less drying. Regardless of which form you choose, you should always use a moisturiser after applying tretinoin and try to apply it every other day and only as instructed by your dermatologist or GP.
A word of warning: any retinoid will make your skin more sensitive to the sun so it’s vital that you wear a high-SPF sunscreen during the day. It can also lead to temporary changes like dry and flaky skin, redness or scaly patches so it’s important that you’re patient!
If you do start to experience any of these side effects it’s worth speaking to your dermatologist – they might advise that you decrease the frequency of application or switch to another formula. It’s also a good idea to avoid any other skincare products containing retinol or retinol-based ingredients while using tretinoin as they may irritate your skin.tretinoin cream uk