Who is looking for some affordable beginner retinols? Retinol is currently the gold standard, powerhouse ingredient in skincare due to its anti-ageing properties. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and is proven to speed up cell turnover. The result? Your skin will produce fresher, smoother skin.
Retinol comes in varying strengths, typically from .2% and going up to a 1%. It can be irritating to the skin, causing redness, irritation, dryness and peeling skin. It’s important when starting your retinol journey to start with a low strength retinol and build up over time. It’s recommended that you start using it twice weekly for a couple of weeks, and increase the usage by one day over a couple more weeks.
It should only be used at night, as it is light sensitive and it’s essential that you are wearing a sunscreen every day when using it. The reason? You are increasing your cell turnover, and thus the new cells that are coming through are more sensitive to UV. You do not want to damage these new skin cells.
It’s also important to ensure you are keeping your skin hydrated. Use a nice hydrating serum and thick moisturiser or facial oil to counteract any dryness.
So, without further ado here are three beginner retinols for you try.
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex
Don’t let the name fool you, this is actually a 0.3%. I’ve posted a review on this before, and I think it’s an excellent starter due to the added ingredients that make it gentler to use.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
This contains 0.2% Retinol in a Squalane oil base. Being a low percentage, and in an oil base, this helps ensure irritation is minimal.
Indeed Labs Retinol Reface
I’ve also posted a review on this one before. It’s a super gentle, low strength retinol in a cream base.
I would also include @theinkeylist Retinol in this but I was an airhead and forgot to photograph it with these 😅
Do you have any recommended affordable beginner retinols? Let us know in the comments below!
