Retinols

Both are forms of vitamin A. Your skin has to convert retinol into retinal, then into retinoic acid, before it can use it. Retinal skips a step, so it tends to work faster, while retinol can be a gentler place to start. Medik8's Crystal Retinal range is a popular way to try retinal. You'll find it in our Medik8 range.

If you're new to vitamin A, start low. Around 0.2% to 0.3% retinol, or a low-strength retinal like Crystal Retinal 1 or 3, is plenty. Use it two or three nights a week and only move up once your skin feels comfortable. Not sure where to begin? Our free online skin test can help.

Use it at night on clean, dry skin. A pea-sized amount covers your whole face. Follow with moisturiser, and always wear SPF the next morning, because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Our sunscreens are a must-have alongside it.

Retinoid is the umbrella term for every form of vitamin A. Retinol and retinal are retinoids you can buy over the counter. Tretinoin is prescription only in the UK and much stronger, so it's something to discuss with a doctor or dermatologist. For most people, a well-formulated retinol or retinal gives great results without the irritation.

Yes. The easiest way is vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Niacinamide plays nicely with retinol and can even help calm the dryness some people get at the start. Have a look at our niacinamide skincare if you'd like to pair them. Strong exfoliating acids are best kept to different nights.

Retinoids aren't recommended while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, so we'd suggest pausing yours and checking with your GP or midwife. Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative that's often used instead. You can browse our bakuchiol skincare here.

It can be, as long as you go gently. Choose a low strength or an encapsulated formula and start once or twice a week. Applying it over your moisturiser helps buffer it too. If you're prone to redness, browse our sensitive skin edit for products to pair with it.

The skin around your eyes is thinner, so most face retinols are best kept away from it. A retinol eye cream is made for that area and is usually lower in strength. Start every other night and keep it on the orbital bone, not right up to your lash line.