BEAUTY INVESTIGATION The truth about RETINOIDS

Want better skin? Maybe you need to add a retinoid to your regime. But, asks Sarah Cooper-White, what are they, and do the results really live up to the hype?

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Retinoids is the umbrella name for a group of chemicals, all derived from vitamin A. First used in the 80s to treat acne, skin experts noticed they had amazing skin-rejuvenating properties too. 'Some of their benefits include smoother, plumper skin, unclogged pores and reduced pigmentation,' says consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed, from GetHarley. Very potent retinoids, called tretinoin, are available on prescription from a dermatologist. Tretinoin has the speediest results but can make your skin red and sore when you start using it. There are lots of less potent retinoids in over-the-counter products. They are gentler on the skin and take longer to give results, but work in a similar way. Some can irritate your complexion a little when you start using them, so if you are new to retinoids, start off gently with a low-dose product and build up gradually as your skin adapts.

POTENT FORMULA

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, £6.90, theordinary.com There's a reason so many beauty editors swear by this product. It's good, not only for your wallet but also for your skin. A higher dose suitable for seasoned retinoid users, the addition of squalane helps prevent skin drying out too.