As you consider adding retinol to your beauty regimen, you might ask yourself, “What does Retinol do to help my skin that other ingredients don’t?”

In truth, retinol, which is also known as Vitamin A, is a cell communicator that can help damaged skin cells return to their normal function.

When skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun and it absorbs free radicals, this attacks healthy cells and steals electrons from molecules in order to try and stabilize themselves. Retinol interrupts this process by attaching itself to damaged cells and communicating with them, helping them to act like healthy cells again. This allows those cells to retain more healthy collagen and elastin, which keeps wrinkles from forming.

To be more precise, retinol works by binding to specific receptors inside your skin cells known as retinoic acid receptors. Once attached, it acts like a molecular messenger, switching on the genes that govern how a cell matures, divides and produces collagen. In ageing or sun-damaged skin, those instructions can become sluggish or muddled, so retinol essentially reminds the cells of the healthy behaviour they have begun to forget, encouraging them to turn over more efficiently and lay down fresh, organised tissue rather than the rough, disordered cells that build up over time.

This is why retinol is often described as an ingredient that helps skin behave as though it is younger, rather than simply exfoliating the surface. Because that communication happens at the cellular level, the changes build gradually, which is why consistent, long-term use tends to deliver more noticeable results than occasional application. It is also why patience matters: your skin needs time to respond to the signals retinol sends, and starting slowly helps your cells adapt without becoming irritated.

Retinol is not only a cell communicator, but it also helps your skin slough dead cells and create new ones, which in turn creates new collagen. Over time, this can prevent stubborn cystic acne and eczema, and also lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the new skin cells that are created fill them in.

Retinol Moisturiser 50ml

£24.00

Micro-encapsulated retinol that targets fine lines, wrinkles and acne while being gentle on sensitive skin. With vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for daily hydration.

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