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We asked beauty expert Sally Foran, aka Irish Beauty Fairy, about retinol and how to use it safely. Here’s everything you need to know …
How do you know if retinol is right for you? Sally Foran, aka Irish Beauty Fairy, is a beauty influencer and skin consultant who is often asked about retinol and how to use it safely. “Retinol can seem complicated, even for people like me who are fairly well up on skincare ingredients,” says Foran. “When someone asks me about retinol, the first things I ask are – what’s your budget, and what’s your skin type?” says Foran.
Why use retinol?
“Retinol is a clinically proven ingredient that targets visible lines, wrinkles and pigmentation,” says Foran. “It supports cell turnover, and helps with the texture – you really only need retinol!”
TRY:
Neutrogena® Retinol Boost is an accessible pharmacy skincare range powered by Pure Retinol. Harnessing the power of Pure Retinol, it’s carefully formulated to be ideal for beginners, yet with no compromise on results for more experienced users. There are six products, for day and evening skincare routines, all designed to help boost your skin’s A game.
We asked Sally Foran to answer some frequently asked questions about retinol …
I’ve tried retinol but it irritated my skin – what am I doing wrong?
“Most people who find that retinol irritates their skin just stop using it, but generally, they’re not starting with the right one or not using it right. Or else they could be using it at the same time as vitamin C or exfoliating acids – and that’s going to increase any irritation. Also, they might be using too much: I always advise people to just use a pea-sized amount, and start off two to three times a week; cut out all other actives, and buffer with a nice hydrating serum underneath and a nourishing moisturiser over, to give your skin time. Or, start off with a retinol ester, which is the least likely to irritate your skin. It’s always best to tread carefully.”
I’m a bit nervous about using retinol – I’ve read that it thins your skin.
Pure Retinol is a powerful active ingredient and it’s always best to gradually phase it into your skincare routine. “There’s no need to be afraid if you follow the steps and use it correctly – unless it really doesn’t agree with your skin, it’s very unlikely to irritate. When I first tried the Neutrogena® Retinol Boost range, I did some research and a few dermatologists told me that it’s a myth that retinol thins the skin – it doesn’t. It actually thickens your skin because it increases collagen production*. I’ve had a couple of retinoids irritate me in the past – I am that Celtic-cheeked Irish person – but I used this every night from the outset and was totally fine. I’ve used the Retinol Boost+ range too with no problems.”
Is good retinol always expensive?
“I love that the Neutrogena® Retinol Boost range is affordable – and you get a lot of product for the price point. I like the choices in the range – that there’s eye cream, a serum, night and day creams. And it’s really well-formulated.”
What other skincare products should I avoid when I’m using retinol?
“Keep your vitamin C for the day time, and your retinol for nighttime. If you want to use exfoliating acids, use them on a different night, and then you’re less likely to experience irritation.”
And anything that I should use alongside retinol?
“SPF, every day. You should be using an SPF every day anyway, so this shouldn’t make a difference to your routine.”
Neutrogena recommend always using a sunscreen with at least SPF30 during the day when using retinol, as it can increase sun sensitivity.
TRY: Neutrogena® Retinol Boost Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, €34.99) improves tone and texture. The lightweight, multi-benefit day cream absorbs quickly, and offers SPF15 protection.
Am I too young to use retinol?
“People are surprised to know that collagen production starts decreasing from the age of 25. I think people only really turn to retinol when they see those lines in their thirties, but you can actually start using it before that – as it will increase collagen production*, stimulate cell renewal at the surface** and help your skin before the lines come. Just don’t forget your SPF every day.”
TRY: Neutrogena® Retinol Boost Night Cream (50ml, €34.99) nourishes skin overnight with its innovative and well-tolerated formula. The cream instantly hydrates for smoother skin, improving tone and texture to help skin glow, while targeting multiple visible signs of ageing.
I am conscious of lines around my eyes. Can retinol help?
“Absolutely. Buffer with your hydrating serum first, and your moisturiser after.”
TRY: Neutrogena® Retinol Boost Eye Cream (15ml, €30.99) nourishes skin around the delicate eye area. Suitable for use once daily, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.
I want skincare that delivers results. Is an expensive retinol always best?
Neutrogena® Retinol Boost makes Pure Retinol accessible, whether you’re a retinol first-timer, or an experienced retinol devotee. The products are all clinically proven to prevent and correct multiple visible signs of ageing, with results noticeable from one week of daily use***. Retinol Boost blends three key ingredients**** in order to achieve maximum efficacy with great tolerability, pairing Pure Retinol, a dermatologist-proven form of Vitamin A, with Myrtus Plant Extract, which boosts Retinol effectiveness by 83% (compared to Retinol alone), and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and plump the skin.
Sally Foran says: “When I use this at night, I can definitely see the glow the next day. I do see a difference when I use this retinol, whereas I haven’t always with other retinoids. For me, it’s on a par with retinal products, but at a very different price point.”
TRY: Neutrogena® Retinol Boost Serum (30ml, €34.99) improves tone and texture to help skin glow.
I’m a seasoned retinol user, but want an affordable routine I can stick with.
Neutrogena® has everyone covered when it comes to retinol, from beginners to veterans. If you’ve used retinol before and are used to it, move up to the Retinol Boost+ range:
TRY:
Neutrogena® Retinol Boost+ Intense Care Cream (50ml, €38.99) is a rich moisturising cream that supports skin regeneration to effectively prevent and correct visible signs of ageing, even deep wrinkles. A concentrated cream that’s ideal for overnight use for experienced users.
Neutrogena® Retinol Boost+ Intense Night Serum (30ml, €38.99) contains the range’s highest concentration of Pure Retinol. This super-concentrated, fast-absorbing overnight serum effectively nourishes and renews the look of skin over night and is suitable for more experienced retinol users.
For more details on the range, read this article.
For more information, please visit www.neutrogena.co.uk.
The Neutrogena® Retinol Boost range is available now from Lloyds, McCabes, Hickeys and independent pharmacies nationwide, from €30.99*****.
*in vitro
**ex vivo
***clinical grading
****except Retinol Boost+ Intense Night Serum
*****Pricing at sole discretion of the retailer
