Retinol – it’s the gold standard skincare ingredient for ageing well. The benefits of Vitamin A for menopausal skin are endless and it’s an ingredient you need to include in your skincare regime if you haven’t already.
Retinol does come with some rules though and you will need to follow to get the best results and minimise the risk of irritation. But what about using retinol in the summer? It’s actually a myth that you need to stop using retinol when the sun comes out. You can and should use retinol all year round. The trick is using it correctly, so you don’t experience any adverse side effects.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is an umbrella term for compounds derived from vitamin A. These are officially called retinoids, and there are quite a few different varieties out there. Retinol works in both the outer layer (epidermis) and inner level (dermis) of the skin. It increases the thickness of both layers by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Collagen levels decline rapidly as we go through menopause. If you aren’t already using retinol, you need to start now as retinol will help stimulate the skin to boost collagen production. The result: smooth, glowing, stronger skin.
What Are the Skin Benefits of Retinol in Menopause?
During menopause our skin changes dramatically. Falling levels of oestrogen cause collagen levels to decline leaving skin drier, thinner, less radiant less able to hold on to water. Our skin barrier starts to weaken and this can leave skin more prone to irritation and sensitivity and lacking in vital moisture.
The list of skin benefits from using retinol regularly is impressive and it is the ingredient that can single handedly target a multitude of menopausal skin symptoms.
- reduces fine lines and wrinkles (we prefer to call them laughter lines),
- speeds up skin cell renewal
- reduces hyperpigmentation.
- gently resurfaces skin
- unclogs pores
- boosts collagen production
How to Use Retinol In The Summer – The Rules
#1 START OUT SLOWLY / ADJUST YOUR USAGE
Hesitation about using retinol in summer may arise from fear of increased skin sensitivity but there is no need to worry if you proceed carefully and monitor your usage. Using retinol in the summer won’t make your skin more susceptible to irritation if you use it correctly.
Retinol is known to cause skin sensitivity when you are getting used to it but using it in the summer isn’t likely to make it any more irritating. The key thing is to find the right formula for your skin. In menopause this is particularly important. Living M Super A Retinol Sleep Cream has been especially developed for menopausal skin to enjoy all the benefits of retinol with none of the irritating side effects.
Whether you are a first-time user or you are coming back to retinol after a break is to start slowly and gradually build up. If your skin starts to show signs of irritation, scale back usage until your skin acclimatises. Start with one to two times a week and gradually increase until your skin is comfortable. You can build up to using every other night or 3 times a week.
#2 ALWAYS USE SPF
Retinol use does make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and exposure to sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product. It is perfectly safe to use retinol all year round as long as you are diligent about applying SPF. Wear SPF every day even in winter. Use factor 50 and opt for a formulation that is fragrance free and especially formulated for the face. The SPF in your moisturiser or foundation is simply not strong enough to give you adequate protection let alone in menopause and when you are using retinol. SPF and retinol are the two most effective skincare strategies for ageing well so don’t skip either if you want great -looking skin in menopause.
#3 INCORPORATE INTO YOUR PM ROUTINE
Retinol should only be used at night and applied to clean, dry skin. Super A Retinol Sleep Cream has been formulated especially for menopausal skin to enjoy all the benefits of retinol whilst minimising the risk of skin irritation. The cream formulation features encapsulated retinol which is released gradually as you sleep – the time release technology reduces the risk of irritation often experienced with retinol use. Nourishing ceramides and multi-molecular hyaluronic acid work to strengthen skin’s natural barrier and deliver deep replenishing hydration to keep your skin looking dewy and radiant while the retinol works it’s magic.
So it's a myth that you can’t use retinol in the summer months. You can and should use it all year round for stronger, healthier more radiant skin in menopause.
Super A Retinol Sleep Cream - £45 for 50ml
