Skincare expert shares one product to reverse signs of ageing

Amish Patel, Award-Winning Aesthetics Practitioner and skincare expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, said: “One of my favourite scientifically proven ways to reverse the signs of ageing is incorporating retinol into your everyday skincare routine. 

“Retinol is a hugely popular skincare ingredient in professional skincare and many high-street brands. 

“Retinol is a fantastic anti-ageing ingredient, helping to escalate skin cell turnover, which naturally slows down as we age and, at the same time, exfoliates, helps prevent clogged pores and increases your collagen production.

“This leaves your skin looking fresher and more plumper in appearance while helping to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.”

Experts recommend fitting retinol into your skincare routine during your twenties but it is never too late to start.

Amish suggested choosing a medical-grade retinol because it will have better quality ingredients than a high-street brand.

The expert added: “You’ll get better results and probably have to use less on applications. 

“For example, for serums or creams which contain retinol, you would be looking at 0.03 percent to 0.3 percent of the active ingredient to have any marked difference on your skin. 

“However, if you are new to retinol, choose a product with the lowest concentration and gradually increase it. 

“Of course, other factors, such as the formulation and combinations of ingredients, come into play, so do your research before purchasing. 

“The prescription-strength version of retinol is tretinoin which is twenty times more potent, so I would only prescribe it in certain cases.

“This includes clients with extreme acne scarring or for those clients who are looking for more elevated results and have used retinol over a long period of time.”

There are many retinol products on the market in different price groups so it is really down to the individual to research which suits them.

Retinol purging, which usually results in a wave of new spots, is a common side effect of any new retinol routine which can be extremely frustrating.

However, it may only last for two to six weeks depending on the skin type the product is being applied to and how badly it has reacted.

Make sure to start off small such as using Retinoid 1 by Skin Rocks if you’re looking for luxury or The Inkey List’s retinol for just £10.

When using retinol, make sure to use it as part of a nighttime routine, using a suitable SPF during the day to protect the skin.