As skincare ingredients go, retinol is up there with the very best. Hovering right at the top of highly effective, derm-approved ingredients (along with the likes of vitamin C and glycolic acid).
It’s been proven time and time again to boost cellular turnover, power up collagen production and generally provide you with ‘better’ skin that almost glows from within.
If you’re under the impression that retinol is a big no-no during the warmer, summer months, oh how wrong you are!
In fact, this skincare powerhouse works best if it’s used consistently, all year round. But you’ve got to be sensible when it comes to retinol and we've got your back here.
Read on for three need-to-know facts about using retinol in summer…
FACT #1: It's A Great Time To Use Retinol
Why? Thanks to the humidity that comes with warmer weather! Summer skin is generally more oily than winter skin. This makes it less prone to dryness, dehydration and the sensitivities that can come along for the ride.
Did You Know? Oilier skin able to retain more moisture and has a more balanced barrier function, making it stronger and more welcoming to the powers of retinol. Hurrah!
The moral of this story? Go grab your Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum! If you’re thinking about trying retinol for the first time, now’s the perfect time to do so. Read on to get it right...
NOTE: If you are using a product containing retinol for the first time, always patch test first. Our Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum contains a gentle retinol derivative called retinyl palmitate and is suitable for even sensitive skin too, come rain or shine!
FACT #2: The Right Potency Needn't Fear The Sun
Some people believe applying retinol for the day will cause irritation when you expose your skin to the sun. Unless you're slapping on oodles of harsh, pure retinol (which we would not advise), and skipping the SPF, this isn't correct.
Yes, retinol helps your skin to turnover more efficiently to reveal fresher skin underneath. And yes, of course fresh new skin will be more delicate than the dead cells. And as standard practice, you simply need to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays (more on that in a second).
If you're using a sensible potency of retinol, such as in our Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum, you can and absolutely should apply it all year round, morning and evening alike.
Need To Know: There are some fabulous, natural ingredients that offer similar benefits to your skin as retinol. Take Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Rosehip and Orange Peel Oil. And you'll find them in plenty of HIGHBORNs! Scroll down to see...
FACT #3: SPF Is Non-Negotiable, As Always
No matter the weather, you need to take measures to further protect your skin from damaging rays. And UV radiation is particularly tough on fresh, new skin.
Always wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and lavish your skin in sunscreen before you even think about going outside. Topping up throughout the day.
Our Organic Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 25 is perfect for shielding your skin from UV damage, and it’s lightweight making it a great choice for a summer glow.
NOTE: Every HIGHBORN is designed with an optimal and gentle balance of active ingredients to be kind to your skin. If you choose to add increased concentrations to your regime, never opt for pure retinol if you’re planning to lie on a beach for weeks. Better still, stop using such a high concentration in the run up.
So go ahead and get set to reap the benefits of adding Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum to your regime!