TRIED & TESTED

WHICH RETINOL PRODUCTS REALLY DO THE JOB?

According to the experts, retinol is the super skin-perfecting ingredient we should all be adding to our skincare routines. Our testers give it a go...

■ Avon Anew Reversalist Infinite Effects Night Treatment Cream, RRP £19.95, avonuk.com

IT comes in a double ended tube with two creams: one you use for the first week, and the other for the second, then you rotate. It promises to reduce signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone and dark spots. My skin felt lovely and smooth after a fornight of use, but no lightening of my dark spots.

★★★★★

■ NSPA Expert Nightly Revitalising Retinol Capsules, £10, Asda EACH of these little pods contains a cocktail of retinol (pure vitamin a), phytosterols and avocado oiland they claim younger looking skin in four weeks. I am afraid I can’t confirm that happened but my skin did feel smoother after a couple of weeks use and I didn’t get any of the irritation I have with other retinol products.

★★★★★

■ Templespa Trufflelixir Super Luxe serum, £75, templespa.co.uk

DESIGNED to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this retinolbased serum isn’t for first-time users. It can make your skin sensitive and irritated. If you use retinol products and fancy a new one, then it could be worth a try. ★★★★★

■ LA Roche Posay Retinol Redermic [r] anti-wrinkle retinol treatment

30ml £22.50, beautyexpert.com

THIS was my first introduction to retinol and my skin was a little irritated at first, so much so that initially I had to space out use to every few days. However that passed and I saw a genuine difference to my skin, particularly the areas where I have hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. Will definitely buy again. ★★★★★