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A skin expert has revealed the six most common mistakes Australians make when it comes to using the anti-ageing ingredient Retinal.
Sydney-based Dr Yalda Jamali shed light on how to ‘correctly’ use retinoids to reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles and fine lines.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Dr Jamali, who uses Medik8’s Crystal Retinal products in her own skincare routine, said most people either use too much retinal or make the mistake of applying it first thing in the morning.
“They should use a pea-sized amount at night because UV light deactivates the product,” she explained.
Dr Jamali suggested that beauty buffs who are new to using retinal (a form of vitamin A that is short for retinaldehyde) should start with Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and apply it two to three times a week, followed by a moisturiser.
The brand describes the product as a “next-generation form of vitamin A that’s proven to deliver results 11 times faster” than a standard retinol.
Dr. Jamali added that your age will determine how often you should use retinal and that you must be consistent in its use to see results.
She also said that most people don’t moisturize enough and use harsh exfoliating acids, which can damage the skin barrier.
Others “worry about dryness” and stop using retinal too soon, the doctor said.
Dr Yalda Jamali (pictured) shed light on how to use retinal ‘correctly’ to reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles and fine lines.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Dr Jamali said most people use too much or apply it first thing in the morning when in reality only a pea-sized amount should be used at night.
Where should retinal be used and what areas should be avoided?
Beauty enthusiasts should start by spreading retinal all over their face, Dr. Jamali said.
But if your skin tolerates the product, you can add a small amount under your eyes and on your neck.
“The skin around the eyes and neck is very delicate and thin, so it is advisable to apply a moisturiser before and after,” advised Dr Jamali.
“If it gets too dry you can stop.”
She likes the Medik8 product because “it’s effective, causes minimal irritation and has five strength levels for different skin types.”
Medik8 also has three specific products for the under eye area with the Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye available in 3, 6 and 10.
The product is the world’s first clinical strength retinal on the market for the under eye area and the three progressive strengths of the retinal allow customers to work their way up to the highest formula.
“Regular use is key. Even if you do it twice a week for a long period of time, it will still give you results. The slower and lower the treatment, the longer it will take to see results. Retinal results can take eight to ten weeks to appear,” said Dr. Jamali.
How often should retinal be applied and at what age should it be started?
You shouldn’t start adding retinal to your skincare routine until you’re in your 20s, as younger skin doesn’t need it. Once you start using it, Dr. Jamali recommends using it regularly for best results.
“Even if you do it twice a week for a long period, it will still give results,” Dr. Jamali said.
“The lower and slower you go, the longer it will take to see results. Retinal results can take eight to ten weeks to appear.”
What is the difference between retinol and retinal?
Both retinol and retinal are forms of vitamin A that belong to the retinoid family, explains the Medik8 website.
Retinoids work to stimulate skin cell turnover and increase collagen production to improve skin brightness, tone and texture.
But retinal acts faster on the skin compared to retinol and is less irritating to the skin.
Additionally, “it degrades rapidly and is notoriously difficult to stabilize,” making it difficult to find products that offer noticeable results.
The brand’s award-winning Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream, the world’s first clinical-strength retinal on the market for the under-eye area, is a fan favorite for its anti-aging formula.
Medik8 was founded by UK-based ‘chemist brothers’ Elliot and Daniel Isaacs in a shed in 2009 and has grown into a global empire with customers claiming to see results after just one use.
On Medik8’s website, the Crystal Retinal range has over 1,800 five-star reviews from satisfied customers, many of whom called it a “paradigm shift”.
“I’m so happy with the results. It feels and smells amazing! I use it every night with Advanced Night Restore,” one person commented.
“This product has made a huge difference in the texture and appearance of my skin. It goes on very smoothly and is not greasy and the results are very pleasant,” added another.
Medik8’s Research Director and Product Director Daniel previously told FEMAIL: ‘[Vitamin A]helps combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increases cell turnover for a visibly brighter, fresher skin tone and can provide an even, more youthful-looking complexion.
‘It also helps to minimize the appearance of blemishes and promotes and maintains overall healthy looking skin.’
