We should all be using retinol. I say this as someone who constantly drops the ball on her own retinol use. When I get a treatment from yet another facialist who says, “You need to use retinol more consistently”, I have to resist the urge to retort, “I know!” because I am well aware that, considering the benefits of retinol, not using it is simply daft. It promotes cellular turnover and stimulates collagen production, all of which slow down as we age. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines, unclogs pores (great for acne-prone skin), reduces the skin’s propensity for hyperpigmentation, promotes even skin tone and smooth texture. Just remember these things: start slowly (once or twice a week) and build from there; for ongoing results be consistent; apply at night and use SPF in the morning as retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Many people shy away from retinol due to fear of irritation, but I think it just needs better PR. The formulations that make your skin flake off are now few and far between.

1. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Night Serum £49, cultbeauty.co.uk
2. Lancôme Rénergie CRX Triple Serum £60, lancome.co.uk
3. Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum £72, kiehls.co.uk
4. Sarah Chapman A2 Vitamin A Power 2 Face Serum £115, sarahchapman.com
5. Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 Vitamin A Face Serum £75, libertylondon.com
6. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum £58, sephora.co.uk
7. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum £17.25, boots.com
8. Kate Somerville Mega A Skin Transforming Serum £72, lookfantastic.com
9. Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide £75, elizabetharden.co.uk
10. Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment £79, spacenk.com