What is a retinol serum used for

Most of us have heard of the ingredient retinol, it's the skincare buzzword of the decade. It's on every dermatologist's top shelf and has even made its way into every skincare serum on the shelves due to the fact it's widely regarded as one of the most effective topical treatments available. And yet, there's still so much confusion.

First of all, it doesn't help that when we talk about retinol, we're actually talking about retinoids. There are a number of different types of retinoids and they are available in different strengths. All of the different types are derived from Vitamin A - the difference between them lies in the concentration. Retinoic acid (also known as Retin-A or Tretinoin) is the strongest, prescription level retinoid that’s often used to treat acne as well as ageing. All other retinoids from strongest to weakest include retinaldehyde, retinol and then retinol esters (such as retinyl palmitate).

Then, there's the fact that you can't simply slap a retinoid product onto your skin, you have to build up a tolerance and gradually add it into your skincare regime in order to avoid unwanted side effects like sensitivity and irritation.

But, please, don't let that put you off. Get it right and experts agree there's no ingredient like retinol for smoothing skin. It's one of the only proven ingredients to visibly reduce the appearance of ageing and it's a skilled multitasker.

Founder of SKNDoctor, Dr. Ewoma is a true retinoids stan. “I’m obsessed with retinoids, because it addresses a whole host of skin concerns. From acne, texture, dullness, minimising the appearance of pores and ageing. It just really does everything.” Among the many benefits of retinol, it can increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production. It can increase the appearance of firmness by plumping up fine lines and wrinkles. It can improve uneven skin tone, treat pigmentation and smooth the surface of skin. It can even help with cystic acne and blemishes. So it really is worth getting to grips with.

To help you out, we've put together a straightforward guide for how to best use the ingredient. Here's what you need to know.

What is retinol? 

Retinol is the word most commonly attributed to all retinol products, but the correct umbrella term is retinoid. This is the family that all the different types belong to, and all are derived from vitamin A. The difference between them is their concentration. Retinoic acid (also known as Retin-A or Tretinoin) is the strongest, prescription-level retinoid that's used for acne as well as ageing. We naturally have retinoic acid in our skin and this form is 'bio-available' meaning it doesn't need to be converted to work in our skin cells. 

All other retinoids need to be converted by our skin cells once they hit our skin. From strongest to weakest, these are retinaldehyde, retinol and then retinol esters (such as retinyl palmitate). It's important to know what form of vitamin A you're using as this will play into percentages and strengths of products (as mentioned below).

What does retinol do and what are the benefits? 

The reason it's so worth finding the right type of retinoid for you and building up that tolerance (which we agree, can be a bit of a headache to begin with) is because it's regarded as the “gold standard” in skincare by experts. This is thanks to its ability to reduce fine lines, treat acne, reduce pigmentation, clear pores, reveal brighter skin — essentially it can do a lot. Retinoids work by increase cell turnover, which in turn, help the skin renew and help all of the above.  

Along with sunscreen, dermatologists often recommend using retinol serum to help improve signs of aging – but what does retinol serum do exactly and why is it such a powerful anti-aging product? Keep reading to discover the benefits of retinol serum and find the best No7 retinol serum for your skin.  

What is retinol serum? 

There are two common types of retinol serums: pure retinol serums with highly concentrated formulas that should be introduced gradually into a skincare routine and used just once a day; and milder retinol serums that blend retinol with other skincare ingredients and can be used morning and night. Both can visibly improve the appearance of the tone and texture of the skin.  

Encourages surface skin cell renewal 

When applied topically onto the skin, retinol is effectively absorbed by the skin. This helps support skin’s natural renewal process.  

Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 

Retinol serum can help skin feel thicker and enhance its ability to retain water, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.    

Brightens, smooths and evens skin tone 

By supporting surface skin’s natural cell turnover, retinol serum helps to smooth skin’s texture, reduce the appearance of pores and pigmentation, and brighten skin tone.  

How often should you use retinol serum? 

A serum that blends retinol with other key ingredients can be used twice a day (morning and night) from first use, while a pure retinol serum should be gradually introduced into a skincare routine. Apply every third evening to build skin’s tolerance, then gradually increase to nightly application. 

How to use retinol serum 

A retinol serum should be used after cleansing and toning, as part of your regular skincare routine. Follow with a hydrating night cream and apply SPF moisturizer the next morning.  

What is a retinol serum used for

Ingredient Glossary

How to Introduce Retinol into Your No7 Skincare Regimen

It's important to introduce retinol into your skincare regimen slowly. Here's our advice on how to use retinol for the best, most transformative results.

2021-09-24 08:13:50 • By No7 Beauty

Best retinol serums 

  1. What is a retinol serum used for
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    No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate 

    A retinol concentrate for firmer, brighter and more even-looking skin. 

    Combining a next-generation retinol complex and our advanced peptide technology, this 1.5% retinol concentrate helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, while refining skin tone. With continued use, skin appears firmer, lifted, brighter, and more radiant. 

    Gradually introduce this retinol concentrate into your skincare routine, applying it every 3 days onto clean, dry skin to build tolerance. Increase to nightly use.  

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  2. What is a retinol serum used for
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    Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum 

    A serum with retinol that dramatically slows the appearance of the signs of aging. 

    Formulated with age-defying ingredients (including a pro-retinol complex that supports the skin’s natural renewal process), this No7 retinol serum penetrates the skin’s surface layers, helping skin feel renewed. With continued use, it can improve the appearance of deep wrinkles, while helping skin to feel firmed, evened, brightened, and lifted.  

    Apply morning and night after cleansing and toning, as part of a daily skincare routine. Then, apply the Restore & Renew Multi Action Day or Night Cream. 

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  3. What is a retinol serum used for
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    Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum 

    A retinol serum that leaves skin feeling firmer and lifted, and looking visibly brighter and healthier. 

    Combining Vitamin A with age-defying collagen peptides and a brightening Vitamin C complex, this No7 serum helps to improve the appearance of dark spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and lack of firmness. After just two weeks, skin tone looks more even and wrinkles appear visibly reduced.  

    As part of a daily skincare routine, apply onto clean, toned skin morning and night. Follow with the Lift & Luminate Day or Night Cream. 

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  4. What is a retinol serum used for
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    No7 Youthful Eye Serum 

    An eye serum with retinol that provides a boost of youthful radiance. 

    Formulated with a powerful anti-aging blend of Vitamin A, Cassava and Peptides, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and soft-focus spheres, this No7 eye serum instantly revitalizes and brightens the appearance of the under-eye area. With continued use, the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness are visibly improved. 

    Dot the eye serum around the eyes, then gently dab and tap into the skin. Follow with your favorite No7 eye cream 

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  5. What is a retinol serum used for
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    Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum 

    A retinol serum that helps to keep skin looking younger for longer. 

    Powered by retinoids, hyaluronic acid and our powerful anti-wrinkle peptide technology, this No7 serum helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while replenishing skin with moisture.  

    Apply morning and night after cleansing and toning. Then, use the Protect & Perfect Day or Night Cream 

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  6. What is a retinol serum used for
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    No7 Early Defence Glow Activating Serum 

    A serum with retinoids that helps to reduce the appearance of those first fine lines. 

    Blending retinoids with our powerful anti-wrinkle peptide technology, Matrixyl 3000+, this No7 retinol serum helps to clear and refine the appearance of pores, while supporting skin’s defenses and its natural renewal process. Skin appears healthier in just 1 week.  

    Morning and night, apply onto a clean face and neck. Then, follow with the Early Defence Day or Night Cream.   

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    We’re so confident in the quality of our products that we guarantee you’ll love the results – or we’ll give you your money back. See https://us.no7beauty.com/no7challenge.list for details.

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When should I use retinol serum?

Retinol is best applied at night since it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. When you do go outside, be sure to use sunscreen to protect your face. It's worth noting that you don't need to use retinol on a daily basis for it to effectively treat your acne. Even two to three times per week might be enough.

Should you use retinol everyday?

Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.

What should you not use with retinol?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.

What does retinol do to the skin?

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.