You Need to Add Natural Retinol to Your Skincare Routine

Natural Retinol: the skincare ingredient that seems to be just about everywhere right now. We’ve got good news: it’s absolutely worth incorporating into your daily regimen ASAP!

Trust us, it’s not just a phase: retinol actually works!

Natural retinol is the skincare buzzword on everyone’s lips, but for good reason. Let’s dive into how this multi-tasking hero ingredient can help improve skin tone, texture, pigmentation, and cystic acne.

What is retinol?

In simple terms, retinol is derived from vitamin A. There are a whole host of different types on the market, from entry-level retinoids to high-strength tretinoin (for the true aficionados!).

What can it do for my skin?

Retinol is one of the only ingredients that is proven to visibly smooth skin over time and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also tackles acne and scarring by stimulating cell turnover and collagen and elastin production. Honestly, what more could you ask from one product?

How to use retinol like a pro

Something you need to know before you start using retinoids is that proper application is crucial to achieving the results you want. Here are some useful considerations:

• Build up slowly – the overuse of retinoids can cause redness and irritation, so try using them a couple of times a week and building it up until your skin has established a good tolerance. If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, always consult a dermatologist before introducing retinol into your routine.
• Be patient! – remember the phrase “good things come to those who wait?” That definitely applies here! Don’t expect miracles overnight, but do expect to see genuine improvements in a matter of months after consistent use.
• Protect your skin – as retinoids increase cell turnover, your skin will become more photosensitive. Remember to always wear your broad-spectrum SPF religiously — no matter what the weather!
• Don’t mix with acids – combining retinol with acids including AHAs and BHAs is not only unnecessary, but it can seriously irritate the skin. Be gentle!

We recommend . . .

We’ve gushed so much about how amazing retinol is, it would be rude to gatekeep our top picks! Check out these beauties for a glowing complexion:

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, $7.50

This is a great entry-level product, with a fairly low concentration of stable retinoids, and a steal to boot!

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, $74

It’s Vegan, fragrance-free, and adored by many. This formula also contains an array of soothing ingredients to help calm the skin while it works its magic, including marula oil.

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer, $110

If you want to spend a little more and you’re in the market for the ultimate retinol and moisturizer in one, this Kate Somerville product is pretty hard to beat.

How have you incorporated natural retinol into your skincare regime, and what are your top tips and favorite products to use? Join the chat and tag @mobilestylesapp on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter with your input!