Retinol (and all other forms of Vitamin A) is one of my favourite skincare ingredients. It has actually been proven to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it stimulates collagen production, increases cell turnover, evens out the skintone and can be used to treat acne as well! Sadly it is also unstable and, overtime, it loses its efficacy. How?
Retinol oxidizes and becomes unstable when exposed to light and air. Future Derm tells of how researches at first believed retinol didn’t work because the retinol they had used for the tests had been exposed to too much light and thus had become ineffective. In addition, a 2004 study has shown that “retinol photodamage is amplified by oxygen.”
This means that, if you’re using a retinol product that comes in a jar (and unfortunately a lot of them do, and are also quite expensive!), the retinol will break down every single time you open it. That’s why it’s best to use it within one month. After that time, it just won’t be that effective anymore. The same is true for products packaged in see-through containers, especially if not stored away from light.
Instead, opt for products that come in opaque tubes and bottles with a pump dispenser as they dispense the product without exposing it to light and air. And make sure you store them in a dark place. This way, retinol won’t become ineffective before you have a chance to finish the product and both your skin and your wallet will thank you!
Do you use products with retinol? How are they packaged?
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes I have used a Neutrogena moisturizer that had retinol and it came in an opaque bottle with a pump.
Beauty Box, I’m glad you bought a product that was well-packaged and retained its benefits for longer.
Wow! I had no idea! Thanks, Gio. Next time I get a retinol product, I’ll avoid the jars.
Luckily I keep my skincare products in a dark cabinet, so at least I have that going for me.
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Trisha, you’re welcome. Packaging products properly is so important and it’s a shame that a lot of brands don’t care about that and keep using jars instead.
Thanks for this heads up! No, I don’t use any retinols. Do you have a specific product you recommend? I always look forward to reading your blog!
Janessa, Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum and Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream are both good products.
Thanks, Giorgia! I’ve been working on the sketches still. I want to come up with something a little more original. Though I do plan to create a ‘final’ sketch and set it up on your site first! Then as I keep drawing, I’m sure I’ll eventually come up with something better. I’ve been quite busy and sorry for not handing in anything yet. Remember I have not forgotten!
I’m going to try those products you mentioned. You are so very amazing!
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Janessa, thanks. I think you will like these products. And don’t worry about that, you don’t need to apologize, I know you’re busy. Take all the time you need and thanks a lot for all your help. You’re a star. :§)
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Oh, and no need to thank me! Thank yourself for giving me this opportunity! I really enjoy it.
Janessa´s last [type] ..Perfect Nude Liner for ALL Skin Colors
But you are hun! I really appreciate all that you’re doing for me. And you’re welcome.
Wow; I’ll bet that’s a little-known fact! Actually I have a retinoid product (RoC for sensitive skin) which comes in an opaque tube. I should check its’ expiration date since I use it every other night and only on my forehead and between my eyes. Thanks for the info!
Sophie, you’re welcome. It’s a shame this fact isn’t more known and people keep buying products badly packaged that won’t last for long. But I’m glad that you chose one in an opaque tube that will make the retinol last longer.
Wow, I had no idea about this! Definitely going to remember this, retinol isn’t cheap so I don’t want to be wasting it
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Makeup Morsels, I agree. It’s too expensive to waste it.