When it comes to fighting fine lines and maintaining a healthy glow, there's no ingredient in skincare more praised than retinol. This powerful vitamin A derivative is cherished for its proven youth-enhancing results.
While the revolutionary ingredient is a staple in department store counters and dermatologist offices, it still manages to puzzle many of us.
That being said, finding the best retinol serum for your skin can be confusing.
But you shouldn’t let this anti-aging ingredient slip away from your skincare routine.
Whether you choose an overnight cream, a skin brightener, or an under eye serum, retinol belongs in any anti-aging routine, regardless of your skin type. It’s a matter of finding the right one for your skin.
Since choosing the best retinol product for your skin can be quite a challenge, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this holy grail ingredient.
Stay tuned to discover our top 4 retinoids.
What are the skincare benefits of using retinol?
Retinol alters the appearance of your skin over a long period of time. In other words, results are not visible overnight.
But it doesn’t mean it isn’t actively changing the condition of your skin.
Over time, the vitamin A derivative thickens the dermis of the skin by stimulating collagen production which promotes volume and density. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles are softened.
And that’s not all. It further refines the skin by speeding up the normal exfoliation process, giving clarity and smoothness, lightening hyperpigmentation, and offering a much more even-toned complexion.
In a similar fashion, it also works on acne by decongesting and unclogging pores.
Who should be using retinol?
Everyone should be incorporating some form of retinol in their skin care routine as long as their skin can tolerate it.
Since this unique ingredient comes with its fair share of side effects, like irritation and redness, people with Rosacea, Eczema and facial Psoriasis need to be much more careful.
Using a strong retinol can potentially lead to flare-ups of redness and inflammation.
Luckily, not all retinoids are created equally and there are many options on the market that are designed specifically for sensitive skin types.
Because retinol works on almost every aspect of skin health, you should consider adding a retinol to your skincare routine.
How to use a retinol?
When it comes to retinol, you always want to start low and slow. A few days a week to start, only in the evening, and build your tolerance over time. It’s always best to start at a low percentage as well, no need to try and power through a 1% and cause yourself unnecessary irritation.
If irritation occurs, consider mixing it with a moisturizer until your skin adapts to the new ingredient.
To ensure optimal results, you should always wear sunscreen because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Below are 4 of the best retinol serums and creams to consider this season.
A great all around starter retinol that addresses a broad range of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to acne.
#2 Vivier 0.3
This serum offers a micro-encapsulated slow release of ultra gentle retinol which is ideal for the most sensitive of skins.
A retinol that combines ingredients to specifically target hyperpigmentation.
This retinol is specifically created for acne prone, congested skin and is boosted with salicylic acid to decongest pores.
Need more guidance to find your perfect retinol? Give us a call or visit us in-store to meet with one of our skincare specialists who will help you choose the right retinol for your skin type!