Ladies, It’s Retinol Season!

At Gráinne Edwards Beauty & Skin Clinic in Letterkenny, the beauty experts are preparing your autumn beauty regime – and it’s the perfect time to restart (or start) your retinol routine, without the flaking.
Why Retinol Matters
Vitamin A is often called the holy grail of skincare. Backed by rigorous scientific studies, it’s one of the most effective rejuvenating ingredients. Consistent use brings multiple benefits:
- Promotes skin renewal
- Brightens skin tone
- Normalises pigmentation
- Reduces acne
- Boosts collagen production
The Truth About “Retinoid Response”
Before you dive in, it’s important to understand the side effects. Retinoids – the family of Vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, tretinoin, and retinal – work by re-training your skin cells to turn over faster.
That’s why, when you first introduce Vitamin A products or increase dosage, you may notice:
- Tightness
- Dryness and flaking
- Itchiness or slight redness
This “retinoid response” is normal and usually passes within a couple of weeks as your skin builds tolerance. Mild irritation is expected, but if you experience burning, intense redness, or extreme flaking, stop and seek professional advice.
How to Reduce Irritation
Not all Vitamin A products cause the same level of response.
For example, Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum uses an advanced delivery system that gradually introduces Vitamin A, helping the skin acclimatise while reducing irritation risk.
Winter Skincare Support
Because ceramide levels naturally drop in colder months, retinoid responses can become more common in winter. To minimise irritation:
- Boost hydration from within using Marie Reynolds London Ocean EFA supplements.
- Soothe externally with calming hydrators like Marie Reynolds London Butter Balm or Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Recovery Cream.
Expert Help When You Need It
Everyone’s skin is unique. At Gráinne Edwards Beauty & Skin Clinic, the team can temporarily adjust your skincare routine to make the process easier.
Simply request a phone call, book an online consultation, or drop into the salon for tailored advice from one of Gráinne’s skincare experts.
📍 Gráinne Edwards Beauty & Skin Clinic
Courtyard Shopping Centre, Unit 1, Courtyard Arcade, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
📞 Tel: 00 353 74 9113232
🌐 www.gebautyskin.ie