Is retinol still necessary when staying indoors?

Speak to any skincare buff about their skincare routine and you’re bound to hear the word ‘retinol’ at some point. “If there is one thing you should be using, it’s retinol,” says Isaacs. “It should be an essential in everyone’s skincare regime - nothing without prescription can improve the signs of photo-ageing quite like it. In fact, little else even comes close.”

So how does it work? “Retinol stimulates collagen, keeping the skin structured and firm while reversing the effects of sun damage,” he explains. “Retinol also boosts the production of collagen in your skin as well as stopping the breakdown of collagen.”

But that’s not all. Isaacs notes that it also manages the production of melanin to address any uneven skin tone and hyper pigmentation (whether that’s genetic or developed over time). “Additionally, retinol helps to reduce the amount of sebum the skin collects by clearing up any blockages in the skin, acting as an exfoliator. This helps to reduce blemishes,” he adds. “Retinol also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, again to help support a good skin structure, allowing it to firm and reverse any loss of elasticity. Essentially, It does so many different jobs which all contribute to healthier and youthful skin.”

At-home skincare: do you need to follow a routine while staying indoors?