How to use retinol: A beginner’s guide to the vitamin A skincare hero that reduces fine lines and wrinkles
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CONSIDERING using retinol but don’t know where to start? This is Beauty Editor Tara Ledden’s cheat sheet. Happy New Year! It truly feels like the last six weeks were a test - of my social battery, my patience, my ability to function on four hours' sleep a night - so I’m breathing a huge sigh of relief that I can hide at home for a few weeks, while every man and his dog are doing Veganuary/Dry January/insert joy-depriving fresh start here.
![[Here's Tara's ultimate retinol cheat sheet]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BEAUTY_03-01.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
While I usually use this column each year to set some beauty-related goals for the next 12 months, I’ve only managed to come up with one so far - start using retinol - the most well known, and well researched, derivative of vitamin A when it comes to skincare.
![[This budget retinal is worth every penny]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ultimate-guide-retinol-skincare-959440866.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
I know, I’m so late to the game, but the danger of "retinol uglies" (the possible side effects, which include breakouts, dry and sensitive skin) have put me off this far. I’ve done lots of research though, and I’m pretty confident that I now know the best ways to stop the worst-case scenario.
![[Ease yourself in with this sensitive formula]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ultimate-guide-retinol-skincare-959440864.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Now I’m armed with all that info, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t share it with you, so buckle in!. The main benefit of over-the-counter retinoids is their skin-renewing capabilities - think reduced fine lines, smoother skin, less pigmentation - which generally makes them more suited to older skin, especially given how powerful an ingredient it is.
![[Created by skincare queen Caroline Hirons]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ultimate-guide-retinol-skincare-959440853.jpg?strip=all&w=582)
