So what is retinol?

It comes from Vitamin A – retinoid is a stronger version, normally found in products that are prescribed for acne. Retinol is a gentler version, normally found in anti ageing products.

And what is all the hype about?

This number one ingredient that is hyped up all over the skincare world,  is strong enough to get under the first layer of the skin and promote collagen production. While it’s there, it also removes the debris that causes acne. How?

Retinol manages to bypass the top layer of your skin cells and attaches to your nuclear receptors. No other ingredient is capable of getting this far into the skin! Once firmly onto your receptors, the retinol then mimics the brain by telling the cells to turnover now – increasing the speed of cell turnover.

This gets rid of dead skin cells quicker then it normally would – producing lovely new ones, along with an extra bout of collagen.

By getting rid of dead skin cells quicker, this means they’re not able to sit there long enough to cause acne. It also causes the pores to open up – letting the other topical acne products work.

So with thousands of brands promising this life changing ingredient, ranging from £5 to £500, where the heck do you start? Here’s my three step guide to beginning your retinol journey, and achieving amazing skin.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I might get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.

1. GET A GOOD RETINOL

Sounds obvious, but some products that advertise retinol actually only have something like 0.05% retinol in. Whether your trying retinol do reduce skin ageing or to get rid of acne, 0.05% ain’t gonna do that.

We’re here for serious results people!

I scouted the whole of Harrods and got testers here there and everywhere to find a retinol that actually worked.

The winner?

This Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum absolutely changed my life. When I say high dose, a massive 6.5% retinol blend, and CoQ10 – a coenzyme that protects the skin from free radical damage, AND ginger extract to soothe the skin from inflammation. You couldn’t ask for anymore from this little bottle of goodness.

And with the highest retinoid percentage you can get without going to the doctors, it’s worth a try before having to make that dreaded appointment to try and cure that acne. 

Safe to say my skin was dramatically better after a matter of days. I read online that retinol takes a while to work, but I was blown away just how quickly my skin started to heal. My skin was clear, glowing and moisturised in literally 4 days.

I started off using it twice a week, then after two weeks I used it every other night. After around a month I was using it every night. With a gradual build up this will stop your skin flaking and becoming irritated. And instead leave soft, clear and young looking skin. 

2. MOISTURISE. MOISTURISE. MOISTURISE.

All that cell turnover is thirsty work for our skin, so if it’s not filled with nourishment after to help it repair, you’re gonna be left with dry and flaky skin. 

You need to invest in a good moisturiser, and the best on the market right now are these oils from Sunday Riley (no I don’t work for them, their products are just amazing). 

The Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil. It’s. Just. Everything. It smells divine, it feels divine, and your face LOOKS divine after pairing these two products together. You can get the small bottle for £26 and so far this little thing has lasted me 4 months, and I’m only half way through it.

For an intense Retinol treatment – Recommended by the lovely lady in Sephora – Twice a week I swap my Juno oil for the Luna oil. Luna is full of retinol and anti immflamatories. Yes more retinol. For it to really get in there and produce brand new cells the next morning.

Don’t use this combo every night, as your skin couldn’t keep up. Twice a week is the perfect kick up the bum to keep a nice balance of freshly produced skin. 

And yes, you can get these little bad boys on Amazon – apologies for the price of the Luna oil, but there is a whole lotta goodness in there, I promise you! 

3. SPF

Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Why? 

Because as the retinol gets rid of dead skin cells, it leaves the new ones more open and vulnerable to the sun.

Rule number one 

Only apply retinol products at night.

Rule number 2

Wear SPF everyday. EVERYDAY.

La Roche-Posay has the best invisible face SPF on the planet. Spritz your face before or after make up, and you will be left with a fresh, cooling effect, with absolutely no white residue.

And the best part? I can hand on heart say it does not cause any more spots. This SPF is specifically designed for oily acne prone skin, so it is a safe product in this space. WINNER.