Retinol Anti-Aging, Vitamin Enriched Night Cream & Day Cream - Your 24 HOUR skincare duo that works day and night to give you younger-looking skin

Product Information

Retinol products are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. How we test retinol products

So why is it so mystifying? Some people say retinol is the best thing that ever happened to them; others complain that it leaves their skin red and dry. Then there's the question of how to incorporate it into your skincare routine—you can't just slather it on willy-nilly or you could get burned, maybe even literally. Plus, with the hundreds of products on the market, how do you know which formula is right for you? Retinol can even strengthen the skin, helping protect it against further environmental damage. (Just keep in mind it can leave the top layer of skin thinner and more sensitive to sunlight, so you’ll want to apply sunscreen with extra vigilance.) The extras Additionally, it’s often not recommended to use retinol with certain other skin care products, such as acne treatments that contain prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin. Adding retinol to this regimen will lead to excessive and unnecessary irritation. The product comes in a handy pump dispenser, with one or two pumps enough for most faces. While we found the serum non-irritating, CeraVe recommends building up usage over time, starting once a week and working up to every second night. Simple and effective, CeraVe’s serum is a good alternative to pricier formulations.If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start with a low-concentration product to allow your skin to build up tolerance to the exfoliating effects of the vitamin. This luxury product from skincare specialists Skinceuticals is an excellent introduction to retinol. The retinol is suspended in a moisturising formula, with soothing frankincense to counteract dryness and irritation, and is clinically proven to improve rough skin, fine lines, and dark spots in eight weeks of regular use. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin at night, starting twice per week and building up over time to nightly use. Bolke L, et al. (2019). A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study. DOI: Retinol is also a type of retinoid that is commonly available in various strengths in the form of gels, creams, and serums. Retinol works by penetrating the deep layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and elasticity.

It uses a retinoid complex and vitamin B3 to target fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help improve dark spots, brightness, and skin texture. It’s a lightweight cream, designed for night-time use. It smells pleasant, goes on smoothly and sinks in well, though dryer skins, in particular, will want to follow with a good night cream to hydrate and replenish skin as the retinol formula gets to work. Skin will feel softer and appear smoother and more radiant within three to four weeks. It’s a great part of No7’s range of anti-ageing products. Drunk Elephant’s sulphate- and paraben-free vegan formula combines a strong 1% concentration of retinol with a host of soothing and healing natural goodies – including jojoba, avocado, and olive oils. This makes it a particularly good choice if you’re looking for a retinol product that will help exfoliate and clear acne-prone skin, as well as heal acne scars. The combination of potent retinol with skin-nourishing peptides and natural oils will leave all skin types firm, soft and glowing. As with other strong retinol products, use a small amount of this serum every other night to begin, building up usage over time. Then, once your skin has built up a tolerance, you can consider adding the Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, from the same range, to your daytime regime for added retinol benefits. This can save you a lot of stress before shelling out cash on a product that may have unpleasant side effects. Skin typeRetinol helps speed up this turnover process and promote brighter, smoother skin. It also goes deeper into the skin to encourage collagen production and further plump the skin. Sun damage In your twenties, starting a healthy skincare regimen when you're young will help you to age gracefully and keep your skin in the best shape possible," says Dr. Farber. "Women should start off using retinol creams during their twenties, as this is the time when sun damage starts to become apparent." How to Incorporate Retinol Retinol remains very effective for its original purpose of acne treatment and, since it boosts skin renewal, it’s also good for healing acne-related scars. The Mayo Clinic also notes that retinol can be effective for the treatment of other kinds of skin damage, including sun damage. In what forms is retinol available? Like a facial in a bottle, this multitasking formula uses all the anti-aging heavy-hitters to give your skin a spa-like glow. Glycolic acid and lactic acids (two chemical exfoliators) help dissolve dead skin cells to resurface your skin, while the retinol helps boost collagen and elastin long-term. I’ve applied this lightweight cream before bed on several occasions where I really wanted to my skin to look good the next day, and it never lets me down. It's just one of those products you can count on the get the job done. Mukherjee S, et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety.

A buildup of dead skin cells can leave your skin drier than you’d like. Removing those dead cells, with the help of retinol, can lead to more hydrated skin. Vitamin B3 and retinol work well together to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and the gentle formula is suitable for more sensitive skins or those new to retinol. Skin feels fresh and hydrated immediately after using and well into the next day, and the wrinkle-reducing effects are visible within 4-5 weeks. Retinol comes in strengths ranging from 0.0015% to 1% or higher. Many creams fall in the middle of this range, at around 0.1% to 0.3%. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety suggests that 0.3% is the maximum safe concentration for face or hand creams.

The best retinol creams and serums you can buy in 2023

Retinyl palmitate, the ester of retinol combined with palmitic acid, is also frequently found in skin care. Retinol esters, in general, are precursor molecules to retinol, which means they need to be broken down first into retinol and then into retinoic acid. "Therefore, they are less potent than retinol," Dr. Chang says. As with other strong retinol products, use a small amount of this serum every other night to begin, building up usage over time. Once your skin has built up a tolerance, you can consider adding the Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum from the same range to your daytime regime for added retinol benefits. Each week, if your skin has done well, add at night until you’re applying it every night or as instructed,” Panzica adds.