On this post, I wrote about about the power of retinol, and how so many of us feel overwhelmed when buying one. And I get it! But as any Beauty Editor will tell you, it’s worth doing your research because adding a retinol into your skincare routine can really help your skin, especially after 40.
For me, I notice how it helps to make my skin glow, and just look well rested and alive. It feels smoother and softer.
Plus it’s one of the few ingredients that is robustly backed with science that proves it helps to stimulate and bank collagen in the skin.
“Retinoids can help to slow down our decrease in collagen and actually can help us to generate new collagen.” Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk explains on Smiling Gives You Wrinkles podcast.
The Beginners Retinol: No7
I didn’t start using retinol regularly in my skincare routine until 2020, when I was 44. It was the year that No7 launched their Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate.
There was a lot of furore at the time because a 1.5% formulation sounds strong for a high street brand - most over-the-counter retinoids don’t go above 1%. But when you dug deeper, you learn that its actual strength is 0.3% pure retinol. The “1.5% Complex” is a blend of that 0.3% retinol plus their MATRIXYL 3000 PLUS - No7’s patented peptide technology that helps calm the skin.
I’ve been a fan of No7 for years. Having been the Beauty Director for Boots’ Health & Beauty magazine, I know the Research & Development (R&D) that goes into the brand. When I worked for The Sun, I even wrote about their first headline-grabbing cream, Protect & Perfect.
0.3% strength is a great starting point for most of us…
…especially if you have sensitive skin. No7 has since renamed it to No7 Pure Retinol 0.3% Night Concentrate to make it less confusing. Thanks, No7!
I even wrote about it for HELLO! It was part of a paid partnership between HELLO! and No7 (which I might add I never received a dime for) but I was happy to share my honest thoughts. I genuinely love it that much!
This retinol has a gel-like texture, is lightly scented and feels light and cooling on your skin.
As the texture is so light, it doesn’t feel like a treatment or active as you apply it to skin, and when I first used it, it made me question if it would actually do anything .
However it did. It helped my skin feel softer and smoother at at time in my early to mid 40s when I was looking for glow and wasn’t too concerned about the droop yet. It became a regular in my nightly skincare routine and I still use it when my skin craves a more gentle retinol treatment.
This costs £39.95 in the UK and $42.99 is the US which is a fair mid-range price for a good quality product.
Moving to A Stronger Retinol: Medik8
About three years ago, when I was 46, I began using Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. I remember going to their very first launch in London back in 2009. I was 33 then, and…very un-Beauty Editor of me…retinol wasn’t high on my priority list. Now I know it should have been! As Dr. Justine Kluk explained on my podcast, 25 is the sweet spot to start because that’s when collagen begins to deplete.
When I introduced Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 into my routine, I was at the start of perimenopause and I began noticing the true beginnings of collagen loss on my skin:
Lines on my upper lip
Drooping around my jowls and the downtown of my mouth
Lines around my eyes that didn’t disappear when I stopped smiling
Note: this product is a “Retinal” with an “A,” which means it is more potent.
Medik8 offers six strengths: 1, 3, 6, 10, 20, and 24. These numbers aren’t the actual percentages; they are a grading system. For example, “1” is 0.01% and “24” is 0.24%. I’m in the middle, and “10” (0.1%) suits my normal skin perfectly.
The texture feels like a slightly thicker serum, it has a very subtle scent and you’ll notice it’s a peachy/orange colour - this is due to the retinal ingredient.
When applied to skin, it dries down after just a few seconds and leaves skin feeling like there is nothing on it. Although it doesn’t feel tight or uncomfortable.
I first started using this three times a week, and after a month I noticed that my skin felt smoother and looked more glowy. I knew my skin could tolerate it pretty well - no sign of sensitivity - so now I use it most nights.
I’m not surprised this is sold at a higher price point. A 30ml tube which gives you about 100 applications costs $135 or £89. It is expensive yes, but for over 3 months usage and such incredible results it is 100% worth it in my opinion.
The 2026 Retinal Discovery
I recently discovered Beauty Pie Youthbomb Extreme Retinal Triple Renewal Serum which has a strength that is harder to work out than the Medik8. It features a “5% Power Complex,” which sounds high, but it’s a blend of retinal, retinol, and Bakuchiol (a gentle, retinol alternative that’s made from plants).
The texture feels slightly less thick and creamy than the Medik8. It has a similar scent which must come from the retinal and is slightly less orange. It dries down very similarly to the Medik8 one too.
I love this product and it gives similar results to Medik8. Although I think it’s slightly less potent.
For members of Beauty Pie, this costs $59 or £49 for 30ml, which is fantastic value.
The Retinol For Dehydrated Skin
Some nights my skin craves hydration - I especially notice this if I’ve been out in the sun for a prolonged period, so I want to go to bed feeling like it’s going to be moisturised too. For these nights, I go back to No7 Pure Retinol 0.3% Night Concentrate
Last Bit Of Advice: Don’t chase the highest percentage.
As Dr. Justine Kluk reminded us on my podcast, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, you must approach skincare like a marathon, not a sprint. You want a product you can use for the next 20 years, not one that makes your skin peel off in five minutes. Start low, find your sweet spot, and stay consistent.
🎬 DR. JUSTINE KLUK EXPLAINS HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR A RETINOID TO WORK
Have a question about a specific product? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to help you find your “sweet spot.”
Been using Sunday Riley A+ retinol which has been great but I’ve wanted to give Medik8 a try. I appreciate you sharing your journey!