LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'New to retinol? Here are 8 of the best brands to try.'

If you're a dame who's been thinking about trying retinol for yonks, but absolutely terrified of your face peeling off (thanks, TikTok horror stories), you're not alone.

During a recent episode of You Beauty, Mamamia's executive beauty editor Leigh Campbell answered a question from Stacey, 36, who's never used retinol and is completely lost with all the options. And honestly, same.

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"I don't want to burn my face off," Stacey said, echoing pretty much everyone's biggest retinol fear.

And look, let's be real: retinol can be confusing as hell.

There's vitamin A, retinol, retinal, retinoids, prescription strength, over-the-counter options... and don't even get us started on those scary stories about 'purging' and 'ruined skin barriers'.

Yikes.

But according to Leigh, it doesn't have to be that complicated (or terrifying).

"Vitamin A is the single most studied active in skincare," Leigh explained. "Think of it as the umbrella term for all these ingredients that can promote cell turnover, which is great for fine lines, pores, breakouts, post-acne inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and even melasma to a degree."

So, where should a retinol newbie start?

Leigh's top tip? Start cheap and slow.

"We're going to start with an affordable one because you're already nervous. I don't want you to spend a lot of money, and I definitely don't want you to go to a dermatologist and get a script just yet."

Her recommended starting point? Head to Chemist Warehouse or Priceline and look for brands like: Olay, No7, Neutrogena, Dr LeWinn's and L'Oréal.

Yes! You don't need to drop $400 on a fancy retinol.

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"Just pick one," says Leigh. "Then you're going to take it home and start by using it once a week at night. You can never start too slowly, but you can definitely start too fast."

The best retinol brands for beginners.

Some great options from each brand include:

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream Moisturiser, $59.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream Moisturiser 

No7 Pure Retinol 0.3% Night Concentrate, $67.99.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Power Serum, $65.

Image: My Chemist/Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Power Serum. 

Dr. LeWinn's Serum Series Retinol + Beauactive Renew Serum, $59.95.

Image: Adore Beauty. Dr. LeWinn's Serum Series Retinol + Beauactive Renew Serum 

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Deep Wrinkle Night Serum, $59.99.

Image: Amazon. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Deep Wrinkle Night Serum 

When it comes to where your retinol sits in your routine, Leigh said to follow the below:

• Cleanse your face

• Apply a hydrating serum (optional but recommended)

• Pop on your retinol

• Follow with a face oil or rich night cream

• Go to bed and cross your fingers

Important PSA: "If at any point it's stinging or burning, wash it off," Leigh warned.

After a couple of weeks, you can build up to twice-weekly, making sure to space out your retinol nights with hydration-focused evenings in between.

And while you're introducing retinol, Leigh suggested stepping back from other exfoliating products (like AHAs and BHAs) since vitamin A is technically a form of exfoliation.

For those with a bit more cash to splash, Leigh raves about the Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Water Cream, $160.

"I cannot imagine a person that would react badly to this," she said. "It has all the good benefits of retinol without any of the bad things."

While it's pricier, you get 50ml which lasts longer than your standard 30ml serum.

Image: Myer. Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Water Cream 

As someone who has tried this, I can confirm: it feels gloriously gentle and silky smooth on the skin. (I have sensitive-prone skin and experienced not a sniff of irritation).

Other recommendations for nervous newbies include: Ole Henriksen Transform Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum, $105 and Paula's Choice retinol products.

Image: Sephora. Ole Henriksen Transform Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum.

Whatever you choose, Leigh said to remember these golden rules:

1. Never use retinol in the morning (it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun).

2. Always wear sunscreen during the day (seriously, this is non-negotiable).

3. Start with your face only. Your décolletage is more sensitive — so work your way up to that!

4. Don't stress too much about percentages and types at first.

5. Focus on finding a formula that works for you.

"Just choose one that's not going to break the bank, that's not super hardcore, and go in slow," Leigh said. "Add plenty of hydration, never skip sunscreen, and you'll be fine."

And remember — you don't need to understand the difference between retinol and retinal right now. Just start somewhere and go from there. Your future skin will thank you."

Have you tried retinol before? What are your favourite products? Share with us in the comment section below.

Image: Supplied/Leigh Campbell.