A Beginner's Guide to Retinol: How to Add Vitamin A Into Your Skincare Routine

Ever wanted to ask a beauty editor your burning beauty questions? Now you can with our monthly series Ask Amy!

Every month, Adore's Senior Editor Amy Clark will be answering a customer beauty question. From skincare myths and hair concerns to the best beauty tools and makeup buys, there's no such thing as a dumb beauty question.

Last month, we covered how to keep frizzy, flyaway-prone hair smooth coming into sweaty summer.

This month's question? I’m a retinol and vitamin A skincare beginner, where do I start?

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Vitamin A is the gold standard of active skin care, but it’s really easy to stuff up.

Ask any experienced retinol user and they'll tell you, the image of skin flaking and peeling like no tomorrow is etched in many of our minds.

But don't be scared, because the truth about retinol is, while you do need to proceed with caution, it is actually one of the most tested and effective skincare ingredients we have. 

If you want to start using a vitamin A skincare product, like a retinol serum, for the first time, you've come to the right place.

Keep scrolling for a deep dive into more info about what retinol is, what it’s good for, and how you can start using it… and hopefully debunk some retinol myths in the process.

What Is Retinol?

One of the most confusing things about retinol is, what's the difference between retinol vs vitamin A?

Technically, retinol is one of the many different types of retinoids, also known as the umbrella term vitamin A.

Here are the most common retinoids found in skin care ranked from gentlest to strongest:

1. Retinol esters (like retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate) are the gentlest, and least potent.

2. Granactive Retinoid is the next step up. It's a newer, gentle retinoid.

3. Retinol is a strong and effective retinoid proven to yield results from concentrations as little as .01%

4. Retinaldehyde or Retinal is a very strong retinoid, and is the closest thing to prescription retinoids you can get over the counter.

5. Prescription vitamin A (e.g. Tretinoin) is a form of vitamin A you can only access with a prescription from a GP or dermatologist.

Listen to this episode of the Skincare School podcast for more detail on the different types of vitamin A.

What Does Retinol Do?

In terms of what it does, retinol works by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production.

With consistent use over a 3-6 month period, the skin’s structure changes.

What Is Retinol Good For?

• Reducing hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

• Plumping the skin through collagen and elastin production.

• Minimising and preventing wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

• Reducing acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.

• Improving skin texture.

• Exfoliation and resurfacing.

You can watch our Beauty Editor explain all the retinol benefits for skin in the video below...

So, How Can I Start Using Retinol?

The first step you need to take when you’re trying to figure out how to start using retinol?

Research the right form and strength of vitamin A for your skin type, skin concerns and skill level - rather than buying what everyone else’s using.

If we go back to our list above, retinyl palmitate and granactive retinoids are a good starting point for dry skin and sensitive skin.

Have normal, combination or oily skin? You could start with a low percentage of retinol (.01-.03%) or retinaldehyde. 

Once you've chosen your product, start low and slow to avoid irritation by introducing it into your routine once a week.

When you begin using retinol products, you should always follow the directions and work up to more than once a week.

Worried about burning your face off? ‘Buffer’ or ‘sandwich’ your vitamin A by layering a moisturiser like Medik8 Advanced Night Restore underneath and/or over the top.

This ceramide-rich moisturiser’s only job is to make sure you don’t impair your skin barrier with your PM vitamin A treatment. So thoughtful!

And always make sure you're wearing and reapplying an adequate SPF the next day. 

Of course, SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing.

Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.

Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. You know the drill.

Here Is How to Use Retinol for Beginners:

Almost everyone will love the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum 50ml as it expertly works to resurface and reboot the skin.

Apply after cleansing at night and make sure to wash off any excess product the next day.

We recommend adequate sun protection after using Retinol, so try pairing it with the Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+.

Apply 3-5 drops of this serum as the last step in your evening routine.

As Retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, use a sunscreen like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ , as well as other forms of sun protection, during the day while using this product.

Oily skin types can usually tolerate Retinol quite readily, but we still recommend building up your tolerance to the PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment: 0.5% Pure Retinol Night slowly.

Apply a pea sized amount in the evenings after cleansing twice a week and gradually build up to applying it every other night, before applying it nightly (as tolerated).

As always, an SPF like the mesoestetic mesoprotech melan 130 pigment control is a necessary part of protecting the skin the next day.

The Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 is also the perfect starting point for those still a little scared of Retinol.

Apply this lightweight anti-ageing formula after cleansing and before moisturizer. Phase this formula in gradually, using only at night.

Start with twice a week for two weeks, before moving up to alternate nights (or as otherwise tolerated.

Pair it with a sunscreen like the Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ the following morning as part of your sun protection.

The Mukti Organics Vitamin Booster Vital A Elixir 30ml is a groovy, natural retinol serum that is easily tolerated by all skin types.

Use this serum in the evening after cleansing your skin. We recommend combining it with the Mukti Organics Age Defiance Night Serum for glowing results.

Use every 1-2 nights and follow with SPF the next day. If you’re looking for a natural and vegan option try the Hunter Lab SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen. 

You can also watch a breakdown of a few of our best-selling retinol serums in the YouTube video below...