Beauty: How To Use Retinol: A Guide To The Dos And Don’ts

Retinol. The skincare solution that everyone is talking about. A derivative of the mighty Vitamin A, Retinol is being hailed as a Holy-Grail wonder-ingredient thanks to its ability to answer a multitude of skincare concerns, such as lines and wrinkles, uneven or pigmented complexion tone and dull, lacklustre skin. It’s the ultimate multi-tasker, which is why it’s earned itself a permanent place in most beauty insiders’ bathroom cabinets. Unlock the secrets to younger-looking skin with Elizabeth Arden's Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum and this handy retinol cheat sheet.

 

Do avoid irritation with a targeted formula

With its Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, Elizabeth Arden has found the way to ensure visible results and help to prevent the dryness and irritation – and the surrounding fear factor – that can so often be associated with retinol use. When you combine the powerful line-erasing

qualities of retinol with moisture-boosting ceramide, the perfect amount of each ingredient for retexturising and moisturisation can be delivered in one easy application. The capsule format is travel-friendly, too – they’re so small that you can tuck them easily into your washbag without adding weight.

 

Do maintain potency

Elizabeth Arden’s clever capsules also help to protect the notoriously sensitive ingredient that lies inside. “The capsule format prevents any exposure to light and air, preserving the potency of the retinol,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, New York-based celebrity dermatologist and Elizabeth Arden’s consultant dermatologist. “Elizabeth Arden actually did a study to show just how much the Retinol Ceramide Capsules help to preserve this potency and found that the retinol in the capsules was 76 per cent more potent than its nonencapsulated equivalent*.”

 

Do use it at night

Using one retinol capsule at night will also add to its benefits, Dr Engelman ensures: “Since retinol can be unstable under ultraviolet radiation and skin can be hypersensitive to sunlight with retinol use, the capsules are best used as part of your nighttime skincare regimen. This is also the optimal time to enhance skin’s natural cell turnover since skin naturally resets overnight.”

 

Do use sun care the next day

Although retinol can be used all year round, it’s critical to make sure you are wearing SPF the day after retinol use, as well as an antioxidant, to protect skin from any sun damage.

 

Don't use it when you're pregnant

While retinol can be effective for pretty much everyone, it’s mostly advised that women steer clear of Vitamin A and any of its derivative whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Don't over-do it

“Using more retinol won’t make it more efficacious, just more irritating,” explains Dr. Engelman: “Retinol Ceramide Capsules are pre-dosed, so you don’t need to think about how much you’re using.” With the targeted and precise application process that you get from a capsule, there is no risk of over-applying.

Elizabeth Arden's Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, from £42 for 30 capsules

Credit:  Vogue