Best Retinol Products for Anti-Aging
Retinol is the ingredient du jour for the latest generation of anti-aging skincare. With new retinol products being advertised everywhere from your local drugstore to high end boutiques, it’s important to do your research to find the best fit for your skin.
Many people have heard of Retin-A, the prescription cream or gel used to fight aging (and sometimes acne). Retinol, an over the counter version, is similar in how it remodels skin. Working beneath the surface, retinol helps to boost collagen production and repair skin cells from the inside out. With repeated use, the result can be skin with a more even tone and less wrinkles to boot. Many retinol products deliver more than just anti-aging benefits in the form of reduced pore size, improved skin texture, and cell stimulation. The most effective retinol products should also contain vitamin A to help increase the absorption rate. A high concentration of retinol as a percentage of the overall product is something else to look for. Many high end products now also include pro-retinol compounds to enhance the effects of retinol on your skin.
Eau Thermale’s Avene Retrinal Anti-Aging Cream, $55-$65, has 0.1% retrinal, an advanced form of retinol and the highest concentration available in an over the counter product. For more sensitive skin, it’s also available in a lighter 0.025% and 0.05% concentration. With Avene’s high end reputation, the France-based manufacturer is favored by dermatologists for their quality of ingredients and patient results.
Skinceutical’s Retinol Refining Night Cream (available in 1.0% and 0.5% concentrations), $42, packs a lot of bang for the buck. Glowing reviews and a base which helps maximize the delivery of retinol to your skin make this one a solid anti-aging product. In addition, Skinceuticals promises their formula will be extra gentle on skin not accustomed to retinol.
It’s usually wise to check with your dermatologist before beginning retinol use, just to get a few pointers. If you decide to start using a retinol treatment as part of your regimen, make sure to build up gradually to avoid face irritation, and wear your sunscreen as retinol makes skin much more sensitive to light.
