Retinol: The Glow-Getter

We’ve got the one and only Jane Scrivner here with us to talk all things retinol—what it is, how it works, and whether it’s the skincare hero it’s made out to be. If you’ve ever wondered if retinol is right for you, how to use it properly, or if the side effects are worth the results, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in!

Q. Now, Jane – retinol is the word on the street when it comes to brighter and more energised looking skin, but what exactly is it?

 Retinol comes from the family of retinoids, which are all derivatives of Vitamin A. This is a mildly acidic ingredient that triggers our skin into accelerated cell turnover, giving us faster results for brighter, fresher and more energised skin - which is what makes it so popular! 

Q. There’s a lot of buzz about retinol, but how does it work? What’s happening beneath the surface of our skin?

Retinol triggers - what we call - the ‘wound/heal’ response in our skin.

As soon as you apply any member of the retinoid family - retinol, tretinoin, adapalene - the skin goes into overdrive to protect itself from the mild acidic ‘wounding’. And starts to proliferate new tissue to replace the damage. Our fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen, and the skin is stimulated to heal.

It’s this newly formed tissue that comes through stronger and gives our skin the fresh, lifted, shiny and new look that we love.

Q. Some people swear by it, while others struggle with irritation. What’s the right way to introduce retinol into your skincare routine?

SLOWLY and with caution! You just never know how your skin will respond, and depending on the strength of your retinol, you could be asking it to handle more than it can.

It’s like starting at the gym! If you haven’t worked out in a long time and you go to several high intensity classes back-to-back, chances are you’ll be sore the next day and recovery will take longer.

However, if you start with low impact sessions every few days with recovery time factored in, you will see amazing results without the pain or negative side effects.

Q. Let’s talk side effects—redness, peeling, sensitivity. Are these just part of the process, or can they be avoided?

They are part of the process; in fact, they ARE the process.

Redness, inflammation and sensitivity are all natural ways of our skin protecting itself when it’s shocked. Peeling and flaking as new skin comes though is also natural but undesirable – so slow and gentle gets the best results for the least discomfort.

Start with a low percentage retinoid, apply exactly as the label describes – a common misconception is stronger is better. Remember to leave rest days and build up your application from one or two days a week. Then you can try applying more often, or a stronger formula but always respect your skin - finding your skin’s happy place is key to achieving great skin!

Q. Not everyone can tolerate retinol. Are there good alternatives for those with sensitive skin? (Glow Renew and its ingredients?)

 When a customer tells me they can’t use a retinol then I’m happy as I always prefer to be gentle and kind to my skin. Taking the time to achieve long-term, strong and healthy skin always gets better results. 

We formulated Glow Renew with bakuchiol as a natural alternative to retinol, to bring you all the same results – and without the disruption - to gently coax the skin to be fresh, fit and renewed.

Our formula is drenched in complementary ingredients for retinol and bakuchiol such as, liquorice extract to brighten; cardamom to soothe and calm any potential irritation; dragon fruit and hyaluronic to protect and hydrate; and topped with rice bran water (rich in Vitamin B ferulic acid) to strengthen the skin.

Q. Finally, if someone’s completely new to retinol and retinol alternatives, what’s your biggest piece of advice?

Try it! You won’t ever look back! BUT respect your skin, make sure your skin is healthy and strong so that you get the best results. It’s YOU, but fresher, brighter and with a renewed glow!

You’ve heard it here, folks!

Retinol can be a game-changer for your skin, but it’s all about using it wisely and finding what works for you. Whether you're ready to give it a go or prefer a gentler alternative, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare.

If you haven’t found your retinol, Glow Renew is a nourishing alternative in the Jane Scrivner range that delivers radiance and renewal – everything a retinol does - without the irritation.