Q: How do you apply retinol serum at night?

A: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin after cleansing. Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturiser to minimise dryness.

Q: Should I use retinol every night?

A: If you’re new to retinol, start 2–3 times per week and build up to nightly use as your skin adjusts.

Q: Can I use retinol serum with Vitamin C?

A: Yes—use Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night for maximum anti-ageing benefits.

Q: Why is Dermalist’s retinol serum different?

A: It combines Retinal (a potent yet gentle form of Vitamin A) with brightening actives and peptides, making it safe and effective even for sensitive skin.

Hello! In this session, I want to talk to you about Defy - Dermalist’s Vitamin A serum. I’ll explain how to use it, why it’s important, when to apply it, and what actually happens to your skin when you do.

First things first: I’ve just finished a double cleanse, and I’m applying Defy at night. Retinol works best in the evening, and I’ll explain why.

What Retinol Does

The retinol in Defy is encapsulated retinol. This means it’s wrapped inside a protective capsule that only releases once it penetrates deeper into the skin. Think of it like a slow-release Panadol - the capsule protects the ingredient until it gets exactly where it needs to go.

This delivery system allows retinol to:
Boost cell turnover (helping smooth wrinkles and refine texture).

Reduce pigmentation and improve tone.

Support collagen and elastin for firmer, plumper skin.

Minimise fine lines and signs of premature ageing.

Because it’s an active ingredient, retinol should be applied at night only, when the skin is in repair mode and away from UV exposure (which can reduce its effectiveness).

Key Supporting Ingredients

Defy isn’t just retinol - it’s a cocktail of anti-ageing actives:

Uplevity Peptide: Think of it like tightening your skin’s “rubber bands.” As we age, collagen and elastin fibres stretch and snap, leading to sagging and crepiness. Uplevity helps restore firmness and elasticity.

Resveratrol + Vitamin C (Stay C 50): Antioxidants that fight free radical damage, pigmentation, and oxidative stress from daily exposure.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Strengthens the barrier, calms redness, and supports skin repair.

Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and locks in moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated.

Together, this blend ensures you’re not just getting Vitamin A, but a complete anti-ageing and skin-supporting treatment.

Application Technique

Start clean: Double cleanse and ensure your skin is fully dry.

Dispense: Pump a small amount (pea-sized for beginners; 1–2 pumps if your skin is tolerant).

Distribute evenly: Tap the serum across your fingertips first, then press lightly over the face. Avoid pumping directly onto one spot, which can overload that area.

Avoid the orbital bone:

Stay clear of the delicate eye contour.

Neck & Décolletage: Add an extra pump if treating these areas.Pro

Tip: Don’t rub too hard. Gentle pressing and light sweeping motions help absorption without causing irritation.

Building Tolerance

If you’re new to retinol, start slow: Use once a week for 2–3 weeks.Then increase to twice per week. Gradually build up to every second night or nightly, depending on how your skin tolerates it. Mild flaking or dryness can occur - that’s simply old skin cells shedding as new ones are generated.

Pairing Defy with your Dermalist cleanser, exfoliant, and AllSerum will help your barrier adapt more comfortably over time.

Why This Retinol Is Different

Because Defy uses encapsulated retinol alongside soothing niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and protective antioxidants, it delivers results deep in the skin without the harsh surface irritation often linked to retinol.

The result? Renewed, firmer, clearer skin that can tolerate Vitamin A long term.