Vitamin A (Retinols)

The gold-standard ingredient for smoother, clearer, younger-looking skin.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and one of the most researched, results-driven ingredients in all of skincare. It works by speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen production — essentially encouraging your skin to behave younger. The result is smoother texture, a brighter and more even tone, refined pores and a visible softening of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Few ingredients can claim the same depth of clinical evidence behind them.

What vitamin A does for your skin

Vitamin A is a true multitasker. It helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, fade pigmentation and sun damage, refine rough or uneven texture, and unclog pores to keep breakouts in check — which makes it a hero for both ageing and acne-prone skin. The vitamin A family includes several forms of varying strength, from gentler retinyl esters and retinaldehyde to retinol and prescription-strength retinoids, so there’s an option to suit every skin type and experience level.

How to use it

Retinol is powerful, so a little goes a long way. Introduce it slowly — start a couple of nights a week and build up as your skin adjusts — and always apply it in the evening, as vitamin A makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential while using it. Some dryness or flaking is normal at first as your skin acclimatises; pairing retinol with a good moisturiser and hydrating ingredients helps keep things comfortable. Vitamin A is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so speak to your skin professional if this applies to you.

Ready to start your retinol journey, or stepping up to a stronger strength? Book a skin consultation and we’ll help you choose the right formula.