How do you use retinol safely?
Knack Weekend, 7 October 2023
Europe wants to restrict retinol in cosmetics. In Knack Weekend, Dr Griet Voet explains what retinol does and how to use it safely.
Now that Europe wants to limit the concentration of retinol in cosmetics, Knack Weekend asked Dr Griet Voet what this means. Retinol belongs to the retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, and is the strongest variant available without a prescription. In practice, more potent prescription retinoids are used.
Retinoids are used for acne and also have an anti-ageing effect, as they support collagen production. They can, however, irritate the skin, and irritated skin exposed to the sun is at risk of pigmentation spots.
The advice is therefore to build up gradually, apply the product in the evening and be careful with high concentrations around the eyes. Because every skin reacts differently, professional advice is recommended.
Key advice
Start with a few times a week and build up according to what your skin tolerates.
Preferably apply retinol in the evening.
Watch out for irritation: irritated skin exposed to the sun can develop pigmentation spots.
Do not use concentrations that are too high around the eyes.
Want to know more? Read about Skin improvement at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.