Vitamin A is the gold standard for skin

The retinoid family comprises retinol and its natural derivatives, such as retinaldehyde and retinyl esters, as well as a large number of synthetic derivatives.

It used to be a prescription-only product that lurked in the hands of derms with lots of caveats. Honestly though it is now regarded by dermatologists as one of the most researched and highly efficacious anti-aging ingredients in skincare.

Retinol is widely recognised for its proven ability to help visibly diminish wrinkles and firm skin’s appearance.Simply put, retinol works by accelerating the rate of cell turnover in the skin, meaning new, fresh skin cells make their way to your skin surface faster than they would naturally. This action has a host of aesthetic benefits. I am a big fan.

The newest one: Kiehl’s Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum (€74)

Kiehl’s newest skincare innovation prioritises speedy results. Featuring a cutting-edge fast-release delivery system that contains 0.3% pure retinol, the fast-absorbing serum penetrates up to 15 skin surface layers deep accelerating skin renewal, helping to rapidly bring fresh new skin cells to the surface for a more revitalised, youthful-looking complexion.

Kiehl’s newest retinol advancement comes uniquely packaged in a dual-sided component that allows the consumer to freshly activate their formula by releasing a pure retinol powder capsule into an ultra-lightweight serum base. To activate, the bottom bottle cap is replaced with a pure retinol capsule which is pressed down to release the powder into the serum.

The mask: Image Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Mask (€96.50)

This revolutionary Image Ageless Overnight Mask tackles all aspects of ageing skin but in a gentler way. You start by using it weekly and build up. It’s perfect for newbie users and is formulated with encapsulated vitamin A, to ensure the deepest penetration of the product. This mask can be used on even sensitive skin to smooth, resurface and brighten ageing skin. When used up to 3 nights a week, skin is left fresher, smoother and with a radiant appearance. Suitable for normal, ageing or pigmented skins.

The Irish one: Skingredients Skin Protein (€55)

This is a creamy, lightweight pro-ageing serum. Packed full of essential vitamins for your face: vitamin A (in the form of retinyl palmitate, a retinol alternative that speeds up cell renewal), pro-collagen peptide (helps reduce the depth and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), and vitamin C and vitamin E (potent antioxidants). Other rockstar ingredients include rooibos tea extract and green tea extract (for antioxidant protection), and sunflower seed oil (a hydrating ingredient that’s rich in fatty acids).

The body one: The Solution Retinol (€11.99)

The Solution Collagen Perfecting Body Cream 200ml contains 3.05% active ingredients, retinol, Arbutin complex and shea butter which helps with anti-ageing and skin renewing. Hard-working, radiance revealing body formulations developed by a passionate team of skincare experts and scientists. Using the power of proven active ingredients at efficacious levels to help promote healthier skin across the whole body. This is a fantastic addition to your body routine.