Now that I'm thirty and starting to notice some signs of ageing, I thought that it was about time that I started getting serious about integrating retinols into my skincare routine. Even though I've dabbled with retinols in the past, I hadn't fully committed to using them until this year. So today I thought that I would share my top picks of the best retinols for beginners and those with sensitive skin.
If you've been wondering which retinol to try first, then this is the blog post for you. But just bear in mind that with retinols, you won't see the results overnight. It's all about perseverance, as well as it being a product that will help with issues like wrinkles, uneven texture and even blemishes.
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So here are the best retinols for beginners for every skin type and budget (and don't forget that as soon as you start using a retinol in your skincare routine, you need to make sure and wear an SPF every day, if you don't already);
The INKEY List Retinol Serum (£10.99)
First up we have the most affordable retinol. And if you're on a budget, that doesn't mean that you need to compromise the results that you could get. This one is great for those of us who suffer from persistent breakouts or acne scarring. It works to reduce irritation while not irritating the skin further, like some other stronger retinols can do.
If you've not tried The INKEY List's range yet, I cannot recommend them highly enough for products with great ingredients at a fraction of the price of bigger brands. Here are a few of my other favourite The INKEY List products for dry/dehydrated skin types.
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum (£20)
If you saw my Trying Versed Skincare For The First Time blog post, you'll already know how much of a fan I am of Versed's Press Restart Retinol. This may not be strong enough for those looking for big results right away. But it is a great way to introduce yourself to retinols and start building up your tolerance going forward.
This one doesn't irritate and it feels nice on the skin overall. I do like to follow it up with a moisturiser or face oil, otherwise it can be a bit more drying than some of the other retinols featured in today's blog post. But it is still a great option for those just starting out who may be a little bit nervous about using a retinol for the first time.
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum (£45-65)
The latest retinol that I've been putting to the test might just be my favourite of the bunch. Again, this is nice and hydrating with peptides and ceramides being parts of the formula. And this would be a great option for those who are dealing with some proper wrinkles, not just the first signs of ageing. But that's not to say that it's not a great option for those in their late twenties/early thirties too.
I would say that this has been the one that has made the biggest impact to the fine lines and wrinkles that I have around my eyes and on my forehead. I was actually a little bit blown away by the results of this one, given how gentle it is on the skin. So much so that I can easily see this being one of the retinol products that I will be repurchasing time and time again in the future.
First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate Beginner (£50.90)
I don't feel like First Aid Beauty get enough love here in the UK, compared to in the US. But the brand definitely deserves more praise. If you have incredibly sensitive skin, this is the one for you. With a really small percentage of retinol, that still gives you the results that you'll be looking for, this is a great stepping stone for increasing your tolerance over time.
This also gives such a nice glow to the skin once you start using it. If you've jumped in at the deep end and used a retinol with too high a percentage or that was too strong for your skin, I'd really recommend getting back into retinols again with this one.
Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil (£63)
Now, Drunk Elephant have had a retinol for a few years now. The A-Passioni Retinol Cream. However, it is a particularly strong retinol, meaning that it's not ideal for those just starting out or if you have particularly sensitive skin. But they have since released a much gentler formula in a super hydrating oil consistency. And if you have seriously dry/dehydrated skin, this would be the one that I point you in the direction of first.
My skin actually feels more hydrated when I use this, rather than being dried out or stripped by the retinol or then having to apply a moisturising product afterward. It's also really evened out my skin texture, which was a big bonus for me. It almost doesn't feel like I'm applying a retinol product at all, that's how nice it is to use.
It does come in at over £60 but if you weren't already aware, Drunk Elephant is now available at Boots, in addition to Cult Beauty and Space NK. And Boots regularly do discounts on premium beauty brands like Drunk Elephant, often taking 15-20% off the price. Plus, you'll be earning Boots Advantage Card points too.
So those are the best retinols for beginners.
Do you use retinols? Or have you been a bit nervous to start? And which one from today's blog post sounds like it could be the one for you?
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