A Simple Guide To Using Retinol With Other Skincare Ingredients
Written by: Radhika Sen
Updated on: 13th February 2025
Retinol and retinoids have taken the skincare world by storm. Both are derivatives of vitamin A, lauded for their powerful anti-ageing and skin-renewing properties. However, it can feel a tad overwhelming to navigate their use due to the myriad nuances and caveats associated with these potent compounds. Here, we’ve simplified which skincare ingredients pair well with retinoids and which do not, so you can make informed choices to suit your unique complexion.
Retinol and other retinoids
Retinol, retinal, and other retinoids are often referred to as the ‘gold standard’ for visibly improving skin’s health and appearance. As members of the vitamin A family, they cleverly accelerate cell turnover and boost collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. Let's dive deeper into what retinol is, how it functions, and key considerations for incorporating it into your skincare routine.
What is it:
Vitamin A derivative
Active ingredient: Yes
Forms: Medik8 works with 3 main types of vitamin A molecules: Retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl retinoate
Benefits:
✓ Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
✓ Improves skin texture and tone
✓ Diminishes hyperpigmentation
✓ Encourages collagen production
✓ Promotes cell turnover
Potential side effects:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Peeling
- Sensitivity
Pair with:
✓ Hyaluronic Acid - To help retain moisture in the skin, counteracting the drying effects of retinoids
✓ Niacinamide - To boost skin’s barrier and reduce irritation.
✓ Peptides - To enhance anti-ageing effects
✓ Ceramides - To restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Radhika Sen
Radhika Sen is a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer. She's always on the lookout for a stellar serum and moisturiser combination, topped by a sunscreen that protects and primes. Her idea of self care is to pop on a face mask, light a scented candle and call it an early night.