Tretinoin is the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. It helps improve blemishes, limits discolouration and fade sun damage.
This product combines retinol with soothing frankincense to counteract any irritation and dryness. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
You can buy this product online without a prescription in the UK.
No7 Retinol Night Cream
This cruelty-free night cream from No7 combines retinol and Matrixyl 3000+ to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and pores. It also helps improve skin texture and brightness. The formula is lightweight, yet hydrating and nourishing. It does contain a retinoid, so it can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen during the day and avoid tanning while using it.
The 0.3% retinol in this product is encapsulated to minimise irritation. Bell recommends starting with one pump of this night serum every other night on non-consecutive nights before gradually increasing frequency.
Retinol is effective for treating acne and unclogging pores, but it can take a few months to see results. During this time, your skin may look worse before it gets better (this is called the “retinol purge”). GTG editor Victoria loves this milky serum, which she uses in conjunction with her usual No7 eye cream. She says it leaves her skin smooth, hydrated, and younger-looking.
Skinceuticals Retinol Night Cream
This cream from SkinCeuticals is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scarring. Its gentle retinol concentration makes it suitable for those new to using a retinol product, while nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, grape seed oil, allantoin, and Acmella oleracea (aka electric daisy) extract keep the complexion smooth and moisturized. Its soothing complex of chamomile and boswellia serrata extract help minimize irritation, too.
For experienced retinol users, this potent night cream is packed with a higher concentration of pure retinol. Enhanced with stabilization and delivery technologies, it increases cell turnover to help improve the appearance of fine lines, skin discoloration, blemishes, and pores. It also contains bisabolol and chamomile derivatives to minimise irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Use at least twice a week in the beginning, and then increase to every other day or every night, depending on your skin’s tolerance level. Always follow with a high-protection sunscreen during the day.
Drunk Elephant Retinol Night Cream
The brand’s cult-favourite A-Passioni has a new, bright maroon tube which allows you to dispense a pea-sized amount of product without having to twist the entire cap. This is a welcome improvement over the old one as the tube extrudes too much and can be messy (plus the brand has been on a big kick recently about suggesting you ‘cocktail’ this with other products, like their Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer and B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum which makes me think they just want to sell more of their stuff).
Retinol reimagined, the formula delivers a potent mix of 1.0% vegan retinol, superfood-rich ingredients, and glow-getting oils to dramatically diminish fine lines, sun damage, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and clogged pores while also fortifying skin barriers and improving elasticity. We recommend applying a pea-sized amount morning or night to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. For best results, start with use once or twice a week and gradually increase frequency to every other night as tolerated.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is an entry level gentle-strength vitamin A serum, perfect for those with sensitive skin or those new to retinol. It features 0.01% retinaldehyde, a super-charged derivative of Vitamin A that works to promote the production of collagen, rebuild lost skin, and increase cell turnover for a brighter and healthier complexion.
It is stabilized for optimum potency and contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to nourish and hydrate the complexion, minimizing dryness. The night serum also works to visibly minimize fine lines and wrinkles, whilst firming and plumping the appearance of the complexion.
The entire Crystal Retinal range has been specifically formulated to be kinder to the skin, with a focus on reducing redness, flaking and sensitivity. The formulas all feature a higher concentration of retinaldehyde and only require one conversion to retinoic acid, meaning they work up to 11x faster than classic forms of Vitamin A. They all deliver incredible age-defying results, but without the irritation and sensitization.retin a cream uk
