How to get the best results from our Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Whether you’re a first-time retinol user or seasoned pro, here are our top tips and FAQs to help you get the best results from our Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment.

Top Retinol Tips

If you’re new to using retinol, go slowly and gradually build up usage. Skin can become irritated when using a higher percentage of retinol – often experienced as redness, flaking or a burning sensation. Start by applying the treatment up to three times a week and gradually build up frequency to every other night, and finally every night if your skin can tolerate it.
Use the treatment at night after cleansing and toning. Apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck, avoiding contact with your lips and eyes. Follow with moisturiser and eye cream.
To minimise irritation, it’s best not to combine Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment with an exfoliant at the beginning. During this time, you should only use the exfoliant in the mornings or evenings that you are not using Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. Over time, you can combine these products.
Always protect skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Unprotected sun exposure is the number one cause of early skin ageing, so by protecting your skin you’ll be giving the treatment the best chance of delivering the results you want.

What kind of results can I expect to see?

Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment goes to work immediately to visibly refine pore size and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone. You’ll be amazed at how much younger, firmer, and radiant your skin looks and feels.

If I see great results after the first or second time, can I start using Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment every evening? Products with a high retinol concentration can cause a delayed reaction. Therefore, we do not recommend using it every evening or every other evening until you have used it for at least two to four weeks without a skin reaction (such as flakes or dry or red skin). This is especially important for people who have not previously used a product with a high retinol concentration or a prescribed retinoid, as not every skin can tolerate stronger retinoids.

What should I do if my skin shows signs of irritation after using Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment?

If your skin reacts strongly (red, flaky or dry skin) after using Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, decrease the frequency of application or mix one pump of Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment with your favourite Paula's Choice serum, night cream or our Resistant Moisture Renewal Oil Booster. If your skin continues to react strongly, stop using the product and contact our customer service. Read more about Retinol here.

Can I combine Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment with other retinol products?

It is best to use the products separately instead of combining them, but this depends on how your skin responds. You can try applying your usual product with retinol (a serum or night cream) on your whole face and neck and Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment on areas of skin with more pronounced signs of ageing, such as crow’s feet, dark spots and laughter lines.

Can I use Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The percentage of retinol in this product is similar to the strength of some prescribed retinoids (which cannot be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding). Due to the relationship between retinol (the cosmetic variant of vitamin A) and retinoids, we advise not using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor has explicitly given permission.

Reviews

A first in 1% retinol
Rhys

This is a game changer when it comes to stronger retinol. It left me without redness, peeling or breakouts unlike other products at this percentage. Its texture is unlike all the others, in that it feels like a light serum/lotion. Be persistent, to get full results from a retinol product of 1% it can take 3-6 weeks to see proper results.

Another staple!
AD

Was sceptical about this product because I have quite sensitive skin but I am so glad I did. I love how my skin feels the next day after using this product at night. I am forever touching my face. My skin is the best it has ever been. I am glad I tried it and the other PC products I use. Love love love!