An expert’s guide to retinol – plus the products you need on your bathroom shelf

Wanting to look good and have healthy-looking, happy skin is nothing new but how we approach the task really has changed.

As consumers, we have a more positive take on ageing, seeking all-round improvements in things like tone, texture, radiance and fine lines. What’s more, we want our products to feel good on the skin and to have proven ingredients at their core.

Which is where Neutrogena comes in. A trusted name in skincare, Neutrogena brings cutting-edge innovation to your bathroom shelf in the shape of its new Retinol Boost range.

Developed with dermatologists, this comprehensive collection of products is specially formulated to harness the power of retinol (vitamin A) in skin-friendly formulations. So whether you’re a seasoned retinol user, or a complete beginner, Retinol Boost will have something to suit.

We caught up with Rebecca Bennett, Neutrogena skincare expert, to discover just what sort of benefits retinol can offer skin – and what makes Neutrogena’s new Retinol Boost range so different.

Why and how does our skin age?

There are internal causes of ageing skin, including hormones and genetics, but the majority of visible skin ageing is due to external causes including sun, pollution, smoking or inappropriate skincare.

The top-most layer of the skin (the epidermis) starts to thin and retain less moisture, maybe looking dry, dull and tired. In addition, as we age, even from the age of 25, collagen and elastin proteins lose strength and elasticity, which contributes to the appearance of fine lines and loss of volume.

What is retinol and what benefits does it offer for skin?

Essentially, retinol is a dermatologist-proven form of vitamin A and it’s a real game-changer.

It's one of the most popular anti-ageing skincare ingredients on the market today because Retinol helps deliver visible results. It works by stimulating cell renewal at the skin’s surface, whilst also slowing down the depletion of collagen.

How does Neutrogena Retinol Boost compare to other retinols?

Neutrogena Retinol Boost takes the guesswork out of retinol with a carefully formulated blend of ingredients, balancing maximum efficacy with tolerability – so there’s no need to play scientist in your own bathroom to achieve fantastic results.

The powerhouse ingredient – pure retinol – is a dermatologist-proven form of vitamin A, and when combined with myrtus plant extract (known for its skin-regenerating benefits) and hyaluronic acid (which intensely hydrates and plumps the skin), helps to boost your skin’s vitals.

Our scientists have shown that combining retinol with myrtus leaf extract can increase the efficacy of retinol by 83 per cent compared with retinol alone. This has allowed us to use more tolerable levels of retinol, whilst still getting great results.

Do you have any tips on selecting the right Neutrogena Retinol Boost products for your skin or age?

For those who haven’t used retinol before, the key words are ‘slow’ and ‘consistent’. For example, a new user may start with Neutrogena Retinol Boost Night Cream, €34.99/50ml, using it two or three times a week.

As their skin gets used to retinol, they may wish to add the Retinol Boost Eye Cream, €30.99/15ml, and the Retinol Boost Day Cream SPF15, €34.99/50ml, to the regimen.

For more experienced users, the Neutrogena Retinol Boost + Intense Care Cream, €38.99/50ml, and/or the Neutrogena Retinol Boost + Intense Night Serum, €38.99/30ml, are really effective in addressing the visible signs of ageing.

Finally, what’s your own favourite Retinol Boost product?

I absolutely love the Neutrogena Retinol Boost Serum, €34.99/30ml. It’s light and silky and works equally well at night or under makeup. The luxurious feel and fragrance lifts my mood too.

The Neutrogena Retinol Boost range is now available from Lloyds, McCabes, Hickeys and independent pharmacies nationwide. For more on Neutrogena’s skincare innovations, see Instagram @neutrogenaukire and Facebook @neutrogenaUKIre