If you’re interested in anti-ageing skincare, one ingredient you may have come across in your research is retinol. As authorised stockists of the Obagi Medical range, our Skin Experts regularly recommend one of their bestselling products, Obagi Retinol 1.0, to clients seeking more youthful skin.
At Face Dr, we want to make sure you have all the information about the products you put on your skin, so we’re breaking down everything there is to know about this superstar retinoid cream; what it does, who it’s for, the ingredients that make it so effective, and we’ll share some reviews so you can decide if it’s the best product for your skin.
Keen to reap these anti-ageing benefits? Book your consultation:
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is Obagi Retinol 1.0?
- What will it do for my skin?
- What is retinol and why is it so popular?
- What does the 1.0 mean?
- Who would benefit most from Obagi Retinol 1.0?
- Who would not benefit from Obagi Retinol 1.0?
- What products should I use alongside it?
- What can I expect when I start using retinol?
- What do the Obagi Retinol 1.0 reviews say?
- How much does Obagi Retinol 1.0 cost?
- Summary: Should I try Obagi Retinol 1.0?
What is Obagi Retinol 1.0?
Obagi Retinol 1.0 is a cream-based formula created using a gradual retinol delivery system that works to release ingredients in a gentle way. This helps to reduce the irritation often experienced when using retinol products for the first time.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 is non-acnegenic (meaning it’s unlikely to cause acne) and dermatologist tested, and is a great product for anyone looking to give their skin an overall boost in appearance. It is particularly effective for both ageing skin, and for those in their 20s and 30s looking to maintain healthy skin and future-proof against the signs of ageing.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Obagi range in general, you can read more about their products in our article: Obagi skincare; Everything you need to know.
What will it do for my skin?
This product provides a whole host of skin benefits that keep so many of our clients coming back to it again and again. Obagi Retinol 1.0 helps to:
- Reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing
- Encourage skin cell turnover for a more youthful appearance
- Create a smoother skin texture
- Create a more even skin tone
- Improve the appearance of troublesome acne
- Reduce surface-level pigmentation
- Offer great results using a gentle delivery system, unlike other retinol products
What is retinol and why is it so popular?
‘Retinoid’ is an umbrella term for a range of vitamin A-based products used in skincare. Retinol is a type of retinoid often used to improve skin ageing, uneven skin tone, texture, and pigmentation.
Retinol is derived from vitamin A, and is used in skincare to increase skin cell production. By doing so it helps to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin and increase collagen production, all of which help to give skin a fresher, plumper, more youthful appearance.
Studies have found it has many uses, and can help with the above skin issues as well as improving things like acne, acne scars, stretch marks, dark spots, pigmentation, melasma, large pores, psoriasis, and fine lines and wrinkles.
What does the 1.0 mean?
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains a 1% concentration of retinol. A 1% concentration is considered high, which is why it produces excellent results. However, this product also contains skin soothing ingredients such as shea butter and bisabolol (from chamomile) to balance it out and calm irritated skin.
Who would benefit most from Obagi Retinol 1.0?
Although many skin types could benefit from Obagi Retinol 1.0, those with ageing skin and those looking to maintain healthy skin and future-proof against the signs of ageing stand to gain the most from investing in a product like this. If you’re looking to reduce common signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, then this could be a game-changing product for you.
If you have tried retinol products in the past and have not seen success then it’s possible Obagi Retinol 1.0, with its gentle delivery system, could provide the results you were missing in the past.
Who would not benefit from Obagi Retinol 1.0?
Retinol can be a harsh ingredient to apply to your skin that tends to cause irritation and peeling for some people as skin acclimatises. If you have sensitive skin, your Skin Expert may recommend you use a different product to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Also, there are currently few studies on whether or not retinol is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so for this reason, it is best avoided. Your Skin Expert can recommend alternatives.
What products should I use alongside it?
When starting a retinol regime, it’s always best to include some sort of hydrating product alongside to counteract some of the peeling that tends to occur. Your Skin Expert can recommend a great skin hydrator, and you can watch Dr Julia explain how hydrators work during retinol use, here.
You will also need to start using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher if you haven’t already. This is because your skin can become more sensitive to the sun and should be protected from exposure.
Be sure to speak to your Skin Expert about the correct order to use your skincare products so you get the greatest benefits from each, and watch Dr Julia’s video on the best way to apply retinol, here.
What can I expect when I start using retinol?
We’ve already mentioned the side effects you might experience when you begin using a retinol cream for the first time and it starts working, which include skin irritation, redness and peeling. Although this won’t affect everyone, many people do notice an adjustment period.
Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains soothing ingredients and a gentle retinol delivery system to make it easier on skin, so if you have had a bad reaction to retinol products in the past, this could be for you. To help your skin adjust, try these two things:
- Control the strength of the product by altering the volume you apply to your skin. For example, start with one pump and build up to 2 or 3 as your tolerance increases
- Control the frequency of application. Start by using it every second or third day, as opposed to every day
- Use a functional hydrating cream to soothe and calm your skin as you continue to use retinol
- Follow application with an SPF product to protect skin from the sun
You can watch Dr Julia talking about using retinol for the first time on our YouTube channel.
What do the Obagi Retinol 1.0 reviews say?
While we always aim to offer both sides of the spectrum when it comes to reviews, Obagi Retinol 1.0 has mostly excellent reviews on the Obagi website, and great research to show its efficacy. In a study of Obagi Retinol 1.0;
- 90% of participants saw improvement in skin appearance in 3 weeks
- 88% of participants saw improvement in skin texture
- 88% of participants said skin felt more resilient
- 82% of participants said skin looked refreshed, firmer, brighter and more even in tone
“I started to use this product about three weeks ago, and I'm so glad I did. In three weeks I could already see a difference in my skin. I use it every other night. And I can already notice a difference in the fine lines by my eyes. I love this product and definitely will be using it for a long time.” Barbara 15, Obagi customer using Obagi Retinol 1.0
How much does Obagi Retinol 1.0 cost?
At Face Dr, Obagi Retinol 1.0 costs £72.
Summary: Should I try Obagi Retinol 1.0?
Obagi Retinol 1.0 could be a great product to add to your skincare routine if maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature skin ageing is a concern you have. It has shown fantastic results with our clients and Obagi customers, and continues to help people reduce common signs of ageing, from wrinkles to pigmentation. Similarly, its success in treating acne may be something to discuss with your Skin Expert if this is a concern you have.
We always recommend speaking to one of our Skin Experts to find out if this product could be a good fit for your skin, so book in for a no-strings chat. Remember, we aim to offer completely unbiased skincare advice, so a consultation with one of our Skin Experts is a no-strings, supportive, honest chat that’s sure to help you feel more confident in your skincare choices.
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