RETINOIDS have long been lauded as the best anti-ageing ingredient, but they have side-effects including dryness, sensitivity and breakouts.
I look at a new wave formulated for beginners.
BUDGET
The Inkey List Starter Retinol Serum, £12 for 30ml – spacenk.com
The Inkey List Starter Retinol Serum has a lightweight, silky feelCredit: Unknown
If you’re a regular reader of this column, you’ll know this was my pick of the week at the start of the year. I’ve been so impressed with it.
Retinols can feel greasy, but this has a lightweight, silky feel that resembles the hydrating serum I already use, so it easily slots into my routine.
The advice is to start low and slow with retinols, so I’ve been using this twice a week for almost four weeks without any negative effects.
In that time, my skin has become smoother and brighter, so I can’t wait to see how it looks with continued use.
MID-RANGE
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1, £45 for 30ml, medik8.com
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 helps skin look more radiantCredit: Unknown
Medik8 are regarded as the market leaders when it comes to active ingredients, thanks to their science-first approach and rigorous testing.
I love that their range of retinals – a retinoid that works 11 times faster than traditional retinol and is associated with less irritation – contain six clearly labelled strengths, so you can step up to the next level once your skin plateaus without any guess work.
My skin looked more radiant and I stepped it up to every other day without irritation after the first fortnight.
Within a month, the fine lines around my mouth and eyes were shrinking, and it helped keep my hormonal breakouts at bay, too.
LUXURY
Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream, £77 for 50ml, elizabetharden.co.uk
The Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream helps create a buffer between retinol and skinCredit: Unknown
Elizabeth Arden put their products through thorough trials, so you can see how other people liked them before buying.
I love that it’s a moisturiser, as that helps create a buffer between retinol and skin, and the ceramide, peptide and hyaluronic acid ingredients leave skin hydrated.
The biggest difference was in the texture of my skin, but the before and after images on their website, showing wrinkle reduction, are impressive, too.
PICK OF THE WEEK
I HAVE to tell you about an old product that I’ve rediscovered, and it doesn’t get nearly enough praise.
By Terry Tea To Tan, £25, is hands down the easiest fake face tan that I’ve ever used.
You can also use it on your body but, given the time of year, that feels a waste.
You just mist it over skin and buff in with a clean make-up brush for the perfect sun-kissed glow.
Shop now at sephora.co.uk .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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