A guide to retinol
- Gemma
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Because our phones are always spying on us, doom scrolling always ends up being loads of videos of the newest skincare. Usually, I watch and roll my eyes at the misinformation.
However last week I watched a video of a girl (maybe 20) with perfect skin removing a collagen mask to reveal even more beautiful skin. Doll like.
I found myself ordering it. It came, I used it and was disappointed as I knew I would be. I know through years of study that collagen in skincare is a scam. Collagen molecules in skincare are too large to penetrate the dermis where real collagen lives (which is why we microneedle)
So, at best I have bought an expensive hydrating cream – which hyaluronic acid would have done and been much cheaper!
These filters/ AI images that we look to are so good at making us feel bad about ourselves.
I can tell you if you want a product that builds collagen then just stick to retinol. It is the gold standard and most researched product. For those ‘I used it once and hated it’ people.... stick with me.
Firstly, you used it wrong and didn’t give it the time this beauty deserves.
Some women will stick with a deadbeat guy for years but won’t persevere with something that’s genuinely good for you for a few weeks.
So... I have used retinol for years. I love it! But I had to go through the ‘what the hell is this’ stage!
So here are my top tips for retinol:
1. Go slowly! If you rush you will cause yourself issues like dry and flaky skin and will put yourself off.... its a long haul not a sprint. Start once or twice a week. You will know when you are ready to use it more.
2. Use a buffer! Apply it on top of a hyaluronic acid (even though it's called an acid it doesn't exfoliate like a normal acid, so fine to layer) This helps with the initial dryness and gets your skin used to the product.
3. It’s a nighttime product only. If someone tells you to use it night and day they don’t care about your skin and just want you to buy more!
4. Don’t layer with exfoliating acids like glycolic.
5. In the day use hydrating soothing products.
6. You will need an SPF for the day when you use it.
7. Always use on dry skin not damp or wet
8. Rule of thumb (for when you are ready)
If you are 30 use it three times per week.
If you are 40 use it four times per week.
If you are 50 use it five times per week... you get the picture.
Who shouldn't use retinol.
Those who have already damaged their skin barrier. How do you know? Your skin is sensitive, red and water stings! You need a whole different plan and should not be using any vitamin A products,
Those already on prescription treatments.
Any skin damage like sunburn or open wounds,
What can Retinol help with:
Fine lines
Wrinkles
Acne
Mild pigmentation.
When I use retinol the next day, I do not use a foaming cleanser which will further dry my skin. I simply spray a hydrating spritz and wipe my face, so I know it’s all gone. I apply eye cream, vitamin c, a rich moisturizer and SPF!
The retinol that I use and which we retail is here....
If you are confused about your skin type and which products to use, please book our free skin consultation here.
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