A Beginner-Friendly Guide To Using Retinoids (And The New Brand To Help You Start!)

Retinoids are a ‘gold standard’ anti-ageing ingredient, right? So if you want to smooth away wrinkles and even up your skin tone, you’re likely to be very curious! Yet, with all the (very real) reports of side effects, especially red, peeling faces, they also come with a warning side: approach with caution. That’s why a beginner needs two things: a gentle retinoid formulation and a routine designed to support skin barrier health from day one. That’s where our beginner-friendly guide to retinoids, – and a new TTG-recommended brand – comes in. 

Why is it important to consider how you introduce retinoids into your routine?

First up, a quick refresher. Retinoids are a group of vitamin A derivatives (which includes the popularly known retinol) that are celebrated for their ability to promote skin cell turnover. That makes them great for treating everything from wrinkles to breakouts, as this stimulates collagen production, helping to keep the skin firm and smooth, while also exfoliating your skin and enhancing overall radiance.

But, while you might want to rush to the shops and slap on as much retinoid as possible to achieve those results asap – that’s a recipe for side effects. As retinoids work by activating cell turnover, they also temporarily disrupt your skin’s outer layer. Without proper support, this can lead to dryness, flaking, and even breakouts – a discouraging experience for those new to retinoids.

Here’s how to avoid that happening to you…

The beginner-friendly retinoid checklist 

1. How to choose the right retinol 

Stronger doesn’t always mean better – especially with potent actives like retinoids. In fact, you want to look for a product that promises not only results but a formula designed to reduce side effects too. That often requires novel delivery systems to get potent ingredients deeper into your skin without irritation and without reducing effectiveness.

One brand that has really caught the TTG team’s eye recently for doing just that is Vital Assist, a clinic-grade skincare range built around its flagship product, the Cellular Renewal Cream.

Designed to work in harmony with your skin, not against it, Cellular Renewal Cream contains Glyceryl Diretinoate (GDR) – an exciting lipid-encapsulated retinoid combined with retinol and peptides (aka another great ingredient for smoothing fine lines). The encapsulation means the ingredients are delivered deeper into your skin, with a slow-release mechanism that ‘drip-feeds’ the retinoid to keep potential irritation at bay.

In even better news, there’s clinical testing to prove it works too, with tests showing an increase in both epidermal and dermal thickness, boosted collagen levels, and smoothed skin, without inflammation.  This makes it perfect for first-time retinoid users or those with sensitive skin needing a gentle yet effective introduction to actives. 

2. How to begin using retinoids 

Once you’ve got your retinoid, you need to use it right – and, even with well-formulated retinoids, slow and steady wins that race.

That means always introducing any new retinoid slowly into your routine so that your skin can adjust. For example, try using your product just once a week (or every third night if your skin isn’t overly sensitive) to begin with. Then, when you are sure you aren’t getting side effects, slowly increase the number of evenings you are using it. Keep an eye out for dryness, redness, tightness, and any breakouts. This can be common as retinoids start to stimulate cell turnover, but if they are becoming significant, decrease the frequency with which you are using your chosen product.

3. How to slot retinol into your routine

Retinoids might be a hero ingredient (and one-and-done skincare can save you time and money), but you do need to consider the rest of your routine to get the very best results.

In particular, you want to do everything in your power to avoid disrupting your barrier in other ways aside from the retinoid itself. That means using a non-stripping, hydrating cleanser that cleans without drying out your skin, and nourishing creams to lock in moisture. (Plus, SPF of course).

With the help of Vital Assist, we’ve pulled together a beginner-friendly routine for anyone wanting to embark on a retinoid journey, with the help of barrier-supporting products.

Morning routine:

• Cleanse with a pH-neutral gentle cleanser that prevents stripping of your skin. Recommendation: Daily Probiotic Cleanser, £34, SHOP NOW
• Brighten using a stable vitamin C and peptide serum. Recommendation: Complex  C Serum, £86, SHOP NOW
• Moisturise with a cream that is rich in essential fatty acids and barrier lipids for ongoing repair and support. Recommendation: Daily Essential Hydrator, £78, SHOP NOW 
• Protect with SPF 30+ – a non-negotiable with retinoids. Shop our favourite sunscreens here. 

Evening routine:

• Double cleanse with your chosen cleanser
• Repair and nourish your skin as you sleep with a cocktail of vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E, and K in one formula. Recommendation: Vitamin Repair Serum, £79, SHOP NOW
• Target your key skin goals with your retinoid, applying a small “pea-size” or “pump”. Recommendation: Cellular Renewal Cream, £120, SHOP NOW

The final word 

If you’re just starting your retinoid journey, the key thing to remember is not to rush – and not to panic. Stay consistent and be patient, committing to using your full routine and the right products, and you’ll start to see results in no time.

Interested in trying Vital Assist for yourself? Shop the full range of products here.

Written in partnership with Vital Assist