Retinol is almost always the answer to pretty much any skin issue you can think of — acne, fine lines, dark spots, drooping, dullness, dark circles, enlarged pores. The right retinol products can help address all these concerns and improve the skin’s appearance upon consistent use.
Simply put, retinol is a form of Vitamin – an ingredient that is used in skincare products because of its superpower ability to speed up skin cell renewal and enhance collagen production. Studies have shown that using an over-the-counter product with 0.1% retinol (for prolonged, regular use) showed significant improvement to wrinkles, with visible results as early as one month.
How does it work? When retinol is applied to the skin it is absorbed, broken down and transformed into retinoic acid. This compound can then impact cell structure (stimulate collagen/cell renewal process).
Although Retinol may seem like it ticks every one of your boxes, it is important to use it carefully. As the ingredient is heavily potent in nature, when overused it could cause dryness and irritation. And with the Middle East’s sun usually, at its peak, the use of it at regular intervals will help reduce the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Hence, it’s important to complete your routine with a trusted sunscreen. The best way to introduce retinol into your skincare regime is to start with a low concentration until you build up your tolerance bit by bit.
Watsons, the region’s leading destination for beauty and health shoppers, rounds up the top 5 recommended Retinol-packed products to suit all budgets:
Superdrug
Optimum Firming Anti-Ageing Face Serum Retinol 30ml
AED 49
SUPERDRUG Optimum Retinol Serum features the highest level of RETINYL PALMITATE (0.4%) in the Optimum Retinol Range. This light textured serum is supercharged with additional Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help improve the appearance of skin and uneven skin tone. Use bi-weekly at night instead of the Retinol Night Cream or Retinol Booster Drops.
Skin Proud
Recharge 1% Retinol Serum Night Cream 25ml
AED 53
Skin Proud Recharge 1% Retinol Serum Night Cream works overnight on dry, irritated skin to recharge and strengthen it. The formula contains a unique blend of moisturising hyaluronic acid, smoothing bisabolol, rebalancing Vitamin A, calming rosehip oil and Bakuchiol to stimulate collagen production.
RoC
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum 30ml
AED230.00
This milky, lightweight serum contains the perfect synergy of ingredients with our powerful pure RoC Retinol balanced with hydrating Squalane and soothing Ashwagandha erases the look of lines and pores for a visibly smoother, younger-looking complexion. Formulated with a state-of-the-art delivery system, pure RoC Retinol is time-released, and stays active on the skin for up to 12 hours
Misoli
Retinol & Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches 60 Sheets
AED89.00
Misoli Retinol & Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches is a hydrogel eye patch formulated with Retinol and Hydrolyzed Collagen to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles to improve skin tone and texture, revealing dewy youthful-looking skin.
Hada Labo Tokyo
Anti-Ageing Super Hydrator Lotion Face Cream 150ml
AED109.00
Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Syper Hydrator Lotion is an easily absorbed, rejuvenating facial moisturiser with LOCK-in-MOIST formula, intended for frequent application. It contains Super Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and Retinol.
With a mission to inspire customers to ‘Look good, do good, feel great’, Watsons is committed to offering its customers enhanced shopping experiences. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, Watsons also offers expert skincare consultations and makeover stations for customers to touch, feel and experience the different products available.
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