19 Retinol-Based Products That Will Get Rid of Those Pesky MarksA star ingredient for all of your skin woes. Show
Luke Walker/BFC While it’s true there is no magic bullet when it comes to perfecting skin, one ingredient comes pretty close: retinol. Whether you’re struggling with acne, scarring, or hyperpigmentation, retinol can pretty much solve all your skin woes. And in case you’re debating getting Botox for fine lines, retinol is also a powerful, non-invasive alternative found in many anti-aging products—including retinol eye creams to treat crow’s feet. “Retinol is a vitamin A derivative
that loosens the bonds between the top layer of cells and unclogs pores to help with acne, but also tricks the skin into thinking it is wounded to stimulate collagen production,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel, a Tennessee-based dermatologist and the founder of
Visha Skincare. “It is the alcohol form of the derivative...andis the gold standard for a safe, effective ingredient in skin care that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.” And for those with oily skin, retinol helps to shrink oil glands to reduce oil production in the skin. The beauty of retinol is the varying strengths and versions offered, which yield different results for a gamut of skin types. (In addition to being found in over-the-counter creams and serums, Dr. Patel notes that retinol is “available in stronger percentages and orally by prescription.”) But it’s also a complicated ingredient to get into. While you can add a vitamin C serum into your routine from one day to the next, retinol can be intense, and not all formulas are created equal. But just skipping over this ingredient entirely? No way. If you’re ready to add retinol to your routine, here are 19 amazing options for every skin concern and type. And keep scrolling to find answers to all your retinol queries courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, MD of Union Square Laser Dermatology and fellow New York-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss.
1 Best Spot Treatment iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ 2 Best for Fine Lines Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment 3 Best for Real Results Paula's Choice Boost 1% Retinol Booster 4 Best for Dark Spots ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 1% 5 Best for All Skin Types Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex 6 Best Drugstore Option Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Regenerating Face Cream 7 Best For Acne-Prone Skin Cosmedix Serum 16 Rapid Renewal Serum 8 Best for Sun Protection Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Moisturizer 9 Best for Soft Skin CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 10 Best Gentle Retinol Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum 11 Best for Beginners SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 12 Best for Even Skin Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream 13 Best for Enlarged Pores Joanna Vargas Supernova Serum 14 Best for Sun Damage La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3 15 Best for Glowing Skin 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil
16 Best Peel Alternative Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment 17 Best for Sensitive Skin Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream 18 Best for Dry Skin La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil 19 Best for Brightening Epionce Intense Defense Serum What’s the difference between over-the-counter and prescription retinol?“Prescription Retin-A and Tretinoin and over-the-counter retinol increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis,” explains Chwalek. “With consistent use of a topical retinol or Retin-A, you can see improvement of fine lines, dark spots, texture, and tone.” While an OTC retinol (0.5 percent to 2 percent concentration) isn’t quite as effective or speedy as prescription strength, it’s less likely to cause irritation, redness, and peeling, so it’s better for anyone with sensitive or drier skin. But, proceed with caution. How should you use retinol?Dr. Idriss recommends adding retinol into your skincare routine slowly and gradually. “I would start with one night a week to see how your skin reacts before adding a second night a week and so forth,” explains Dr. Idriss. “If you find yourself to be extremely sensitive, then apply your moisturizer before your retinol in order to make it a little less irritating.”
Are retinol alternatives effective?There are also naturally-derived retinol alternatives like rosehip seed oil, chicory root oligosaccharides, and tara tree gum, but Chwalek cautions that there are no studies to prove efficacy for them. What kind of retinol is best for sensitive skin?If you're a retinoid novice or have particularly sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty is your best bet. This mild, fragrance-free serum contains a low concentration of retinol, plus a blend of skin-soothing ingredients, like colloidal oatmeal,14 aloe, vitamin E, and allantoin.
Which retinol is best for acne and pimples?Healthline's picks of the best retinol products for acne. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane.. First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum.. iS CLINICAL Pro-Heal Serum Advance+. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.. Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum.. Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment.. Can acne prone skin use retinol?Retinol helps unblock pores, making it an effective treatment for acne. It can also help reduce signs of aging and improve skin texture and tone. Retinol is less potent than prescription-strength retinoids. Because of this, people may use it to treat mild-to-moderate acne.
Is retinol Good for very sensitive skin?"Retinol has the potential to cause side effects, especially for sensitive skin," says Brendan Camp, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. "The most common are redness, itching and peeling, as well as photosensitivity, swelling and stinging."
|