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The hero ingredient that’s a firm favourite of beauty editors and dermatologists alike, retinol has become a must-have for anyone fighting the signs of ageing. Known to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes while also helping to tackle abnormal skin pigmentation, it’s an absolute beauty essential.
This overnight cream from the cult skincare brand is formulated with crystal clear granactive retinoid (a 4th generation retinoid) that’s gentle yet effective. It’s also free from harsh ingredients, fragrances and mineral oils to prevent irritation.
What is Retin-a Cream?
Retin-A (the prescription version of retinol) and its over-the-counter counterpart, Tretinoin, help fade dark spots, soften fine lines, and keep pores clear. However, Retin-A is able to penetrate deeper into the skin and repair damaged cells at a much faster rate. As such, your skin may appear flaky and irritated for a few weeks or even months as it gets used to the speedy turnover.
The latest addition to Drunk Elephant’s cult-favourite skincare range, this creamy formula is the holy grail for sensitive skin types. Free of the ‘suspicious 6’ (SLS, fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols and silicones) and a rich blend of soothing botanical extracts such as passionfruit, kale, apricot, and cherry, the formula packs a punch with a 1% concentration of crystal retinol and a potent combination of skin-strengthening peptides.
The formula is also airtight and has an oxidation-stable pump-top, keeping oxygen away from the retinol and preventing degradation over time. This prevents dryness and flaking, a common side effect of retinol.
How to Use Retin-a Cream
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient with many benefits, including anti-aging, blemish smoothing and dark spot reduction. But to reap these rewards, you need to use it correctly.
Start with a low concentration product, like our IMAGE MD restoring overnight retinol masque, to give your skin time to acclimate. We recommend applying a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin before bed. Apply a serum that contains hyaluronic acid to counteract any drying effects and help the retinol penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin.
Unlike over-the-counter retinol that is combined with other ingredients, prescription retinoids (such as tretinoin cream) contain higher concentrations of pure vitamin A and speed up your skin’s cell turnover to reduce fine lines, blemishes and brown spots. You should see results within a few weeks, but you should build up to nightly use gradually to avoid irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, a gentle serum is a great way to try out retinol. This vegan product combines potent retinol with soothing botanical goodies – such as jojoba and olive oils – to combat redness, dryness and irritation.
Where to Buy Retin-a Cream Online
Retinol is available from a variety of skincare brands. Our favourites are The Ordinary and Revolution. The Ordinary’s ‘Granactive Retinoid’ is a 4th generation retinoid that treats hyperpigmentation, reduces fine lines and improves skin texture, all whilst being gentle on the skin. It also contains our other skin-loving ingredient fave, niacinamide to improve skin tone and prevent acne breakouts. It’s cheap as chips, effective and incredibly easy to use.
You can buy this retinol cream online at PharmacyChecker-accredited sites for a good price. Make sure you follow the instructions on the label. It is important not to mix Retin-A with other products that could cause skin irritation, especially those containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or resorcinol.
If you are unsure about the dosage or the side effects of Retin-A, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide how much to use and how often. This will ensure that you get the best results from your treatment and limit the risk of side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Retin-a Cream?
Retin-A (also called tretinoin) is an anti-aging treatment that works at the cellular level to reduce fine wrinkles, mottled skin discoloration and rough facial skin. It also helps soften blackheads and unclog pores.
Retinoids are typically prescribed to treat acne in the UK, but there are over-the-counter options that work equally well – including adapalene (Differin). They increase skin cell turnover and reduce oil production, which can help clear spots and prevent future breakouts.
It can take a few weeks to see results from using retinol, and it may cause irritation initially. However, this will improve as your skin becomes used to the product. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to wear sunscreen everyday when using it.
Retin-A can interact with certain medications, especially photosensitizing drugs (accutane, some antibiotics and blood pressure medicines) and alcohol. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or people with severe eczema. retin a cream uk