Anti-aging creams may come and go, but one ingredient remains the gold standard: retinol. Derived from Vitamin A, retinols have been used safely since the 1970’s.
The most famous retinol product is Retin-A, which was approved by the FDA in 1971 as a prescription treatment for acne. But while user’s pimples were vanishing, they started seeing other benefits to their skin. Fine lines and sun spots were fading, and skin texture looked smoother. Even pores looked smaller. Skin just looked better, glowier and more vibrant. Sounds like a miracle product? While there’s no such thing as a miracle, retinols come close. Or put another way- retinols are the best anti-aging product money can buy that isn’t an injectable.
Since the debut of Retin-A, retinols have found their way over the counter, at drugstores and department makeup counters in products that contain high doses of retinols in safe but effective formulas.
Think of retinols as a multi-tasker and one of the hardest working products in your beauty arsenal.
Here’s how they work.
Retinols exfoliate the skin, getting rid of old skin cells and creating new ones, which results in new, fresh skin with a smooth texture. They also help to shrink pores and increase cell turnover inside the pore, making it less likely to clog with dirt and oil. Retinols work by thinning the top layer of the skin, while thickening the smoother second layer (the epidermis) which makes skin look dewy and firm.
But perhaps retinol’s biggest claim to fame is that they help boost collagen production. When it comes to tackling the signs of anti-ageing, collagen is key as it’s what gives skin elasticity and firmness. Think of it as a support structure for the skin, and keep in mind that collagen creation starts to diminish in the 30’s.
If you have never used a retinol product before, start slowly to prevent any redness, flaking or irritation. Apply a pea-sized amount of product once or twice a week and gradually build up to using it every night. And be patient. While some women see improvements in as little as two weeks, it can take up to six months to see a change. Make sure to incorporate a good moisturizer into your skincare regimen when using a retinol to offset any dryness. Take extra precaution when in the sun and be sure to apply a SPF daily — which everyone should do regardless of retinol use.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Vitamin A is not stable- meaning it breaks down when exposed to sunlight and air. Try to choose products that come in a sealed tube or pump but if you do buy a product in a jar, try to select one in a dark container.
Further reading: What is retinol and what does retinol do
Here’s a look at some of the best retinol creams
The best retinol cream of 2020 is the Formulyst’s Anti-Aging Night Cream.
Here’s the entire list.
TDR Original review: Aug 04, 2020.
Best Retinol Serums
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining Night Treatment
A great option if you’re just easing yourself into using retinol, this gentle treatment will help fade away dark spots, soften wrinkles and prevent acne from forming. If you have sensitive skin, you can rest assured you won’t get any major side effects from this because the percentage of retinol is pretty low. But that doesn’t mean it’s not effective.
Medik8 Retinol 10TR Advanced Night Serum (1% Retinol)
This serum from Medik8 contains a higher percentage of retinol so if you’ve never tried the ingredient, you might want to prepare yourself for some irritation. If you’re not ready or simply don’t want to deal with any side effects, you can opt for this brand’s 0.3% or 0.6% versions. This is a great serum for fighting wrinkles and helping regenerate new skin cells.
Zelens Vitamin A Treatment Drop
Containing pure encapsulated retinol, this treatment from Zelens light and fast-absorbing face oil. It’s great for acne (don’t worry that it’s an oil) and features retinol inside tiny molecules that will help prevent irritation. Thus, you get a treatment that works without those pesky side effects.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane
If you haven’t heard of The Ordinary yet, it’s a great affordable brand with products that really work. This retinol serum will help reduce acne and discoloration for a smoother skin appearance. You can even use it to help dislodge ingrown hairs. Thanks to squalane, it also hydrates.
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution
Ferulic acid and retinol is a great combination. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage that can accelerate aging, while retinol helps treat the damage that has already been done from sun exposure and pollution exposure. With this solution, you can expect overall brighter skin and be protected from negative environmental impact.
Renee Rouleau Advanced Resurfacing Serum
This serum contains 0.4% time-released retinol that works for up to eight hours while you’re sleeping. It also has a firming matrixyl peptide and glucosamine HCL to help retinol along and boost its brightening and smoothing effects. This is a gentle formula that also won’t irritate or leave you to deal with harsh side effects.
Peter Thomas Roth Professional 3% Retinoid Plus
This is one of the strongest retinol serums on this list, and it can be a little much for very sensitive skin types. However, this is supposed to be a gentle, lightweight formula that doesn’t irritate. Still, it would be best to exercise caution if you have reactive skin. If your skin is not easily irritated, you should give this strong retinoid a try to really help improve texture and tone.
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol 0.25% Pure Concentrate
A serum specifically formulated for sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty’s retinol concentrate will help refine and resurface without causing irritation. Other ingredients in this formula include hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, vitamin E for antioxidant effects, colloidal oatmeal for soothing and calming and ceramides for skin softening. All in all, this is such a great serum for a variety of skin issues.
Verso Super Facial Oil with Retinol 8
You can use this oil on its own or mix it up with your moisturizer for hydration and a wrinkle fix. It is formulated with retinol 8, which the brand says is eight times more effective as regular retinol. Because it is an oil, it also helps provide moisture and a softening effect to keep skin supple.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
An affordable drugstore option, Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair features accelerated retinol SA, which can combat wrinkles all over the face, diminish fine lines and visibly improve rough skin texture for a more refined appearance that includes smaller pores. It will also help brighten for more even tone throughout.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Murad’s retinol serum will target lax skin to improve firmness and elasticity. It actually features three types of retinol: a fast-acting retinol, a time-released retinol and a retinol booster. Together, they form a powerful team of wrinkle-fighting ingredients that will revive skin, making it appear years younger with regular use.
Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil
Another oil that provides retinol action without irritation, Sunday Riley’s offering features a trans-retinol ester. This ingredient will still target fine lines, wrinkles and roughness without causing redness, flakiness or peeling. Other ingredients include chamomile to soothe redness and chia seed oil to help soften and hydrate.