CNN
–
Skin Care It can be a science – but it’s different for everyone so it’s often hard to figure out what works for you without some trial and error. But there are a few facts about skin care that are almost universally accepted: avoid the sunDrink lots of water and start using retinol.
Even if your goal isn’t to look a decade or two younger, anti-wrinkle retinol can work wonders to keep your skin healthy, toned, plump and clear. In fact, it’s known as a miracle ingredient to dermatologists, many of whom spoke to to find out exactly what retinol can do to benefit our skin. , as well as the best retinol moisturizers, serums, and eye creams on the market.
“Retinol is probably the most well-researched ingredient we have for combating the appearance of wrinkles,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology department of Mount Sinai Hospital. “It’s a form of vitamin A that stimulates our skin cells to encourage collagen and elastin production. This strengthens the skin’s foundation and can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. ”
Bottom line: It keeps your skin functioning like it did in the first place. Because retinol works to increase turnover of your skin cells, it essentially means your skin cells reproduce at a faster rate, which helps increase collagen production, improving texture. skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, plastic surgeon Dr. Julius Few. But it’s not all sunshine and roses: “Retinol varies in quality, effectiveness and tolerability,” he says. And because retinol speeds up cell turnover, it can increase skin sensitivity: “The main complaints with most retinoids are dryness, irritation, and flaking,” he says. More on that below.
Basically, right now. While most people start using products like retinol when they see visible changes in their skin, Dr. Ava Shambania board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles and the founder of Ava MD Dermatology, SkinFive Medical Spa and The Box by Dr. Avasaid, “It’s almost never too early [to start using retinol because] promoting natural elastin and collagen production is preventive. Our collagen levels start to slow down around the age of 30, and those losses are much greater as we age and our hormone levels drop, which is why women notice big changes. during perimenopause and post-menopause. ”
It’s also never too late to start. Dr. Loretta Ciraldoa board-certified dermatologist based in Miami and the founder of Dr. Lorettaindicates that studies have proven that retinol can help very aging skin: “A left-right arm comparison study Patients age 80 and older show that 24 weeks of treatment with 1% retinol stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen and also reduces collagen breakdown,” she says. In expert terms, the energizing ingredient can even help skin repair itself better in your 80s.
Because retinol is potent enough to cause dryness and flaking of the skin, Zeichner recommends starting by using it once or twice a week, and finally using it spaced out – then every night. “We know that the skin goes through a circadian rhythm every day, where specific activities take place in the morning and others in the evening,” says Zeichner, who recommends applying retinol in the morning. Night with moisturizer. “The skin cell renewal and repair mechanisms are at their maximum at night. So it makes sense to enhance these activities by applying retinol.”
When it comes to retinol, some experts will recommend a topical prescription for Altreno Lotion, a premium, FDA-approved retinol that also helps with adult acne, but what if you’re just looking for a solution? problem solving and good elimination. lines and wrinkles, tips we talked about to emphasize that Rx is not always necessary.
Dr. Carlos Charles, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of 4.5.6 Skin, calls this moisturizer “a great retinol for beginners, because it’s gentle and less irritating. It also contains niacinamide and B3 to help calm inflammation that can cause aging. ”
“Dr. Loretta Concentrated Firming Moisturizer comes in the most skin-friendly form of retinol, a Retinoic ester combined with the antioxidants Lipochroman and CoQ10,” says Loretta of her best-selling retinol moisturizer.
“While this retinol cream can be a great option, it’s a great choice for people who want to actively treat fine lines and wrinkles but have sensitive skin,” says Charles.
Algae extract provides a moisturizing buffer to the retinol, making it a Shamban favorite.
“Previously available only by prescription, the active ingredient is a gentle retinoid called adapelene,” says Charles. “This is a great option for those who want the power of an over-the-counter retinoid that is gentle enough for sensitive mature skin. It is also a great choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. ”
Aforé Maintenance-R Retinol Cream
Some of their own retinol creams are “designed to continuously enhance the skin’s texture to ensure firmness and smoothness”. Start with every third night, then work your way up to nightly use.
Retinol serums are a great alternative to traditional creams because they can be mixed with an inactive moisturizer. “Serums that incorporate hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, ceramides, or other emollients and moisturizers are a good go-to ingredient for retinol because they can be drying or irritating or exfoliating as the skin adapts,” says Ava. . “Antioxidants are always a good pairing for retinoids.”
The benefit of a retinol serum over a retinol cream is that you can coat it under favorite moisturizerand preferably one with enough nutrients to help dry out the skin. Some serum formulations can also be less harsh on the skin, making them ideal for more sensitive skin types or first-time retinol users.
Ava recommends Instyt Sputum RetinOil because of its inactive format. (That’s just a fancy way of getting your skin to recognize it more easily than other forms of vitamin A, which means you’ll experience less irritation.)
“It provides 0.5% retinol in a lipid replacement base to replenish the skin’s natural lipid content that is often diminished with aging and retinol use, as it removes dead cells,” says Loretta. lipid storage between them,” says Loretta. “For normal/oily skin, use it before bed. For normal/dry skin, start every other day for the first two weeks. For sensitive skin, use this product only twice a week in the evening for the first two weeks. ”
“RocRetinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum provides 0.1% retinol and is a good start if you want to use a retinol every night but have sensitive skin,” says Loretta. Zeichner also recommends it, because “it uses a stable form of retinol in the moisture delivery system to help minimize potential irritation.”
This ceramide-rich retinol serum is a favorite among the derms we talked to and an editors favorite at such a low price.
There’s a reason (or seven) why this is one of Sephora’s best-selling retinol serums: It’s smooth, doesn’t irritate the skin, and works well in just a few weeks. Trust us, we tried it.
This exceptionally gentle retinol formula works to gently remove lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
Most people start to notice wrinkles around their eyes first. While most experts recommend using retinol all over your face and neck (and even your hands, if you’re so inclined), focusing on the eyes is never an idea. bad.
While this retinol cream is approved for use anywhere on the face, we tested it under the eyes and were impressed with how lightweight the formula is, making it ideal for the thinner skin around. your eyes.
This editor-favorite retinol eye cream has more than 8,000 5-star reviews, thanks to its ability to smooth wrinkles without irritating skin. Like It Cosmetics’ formula, it’s mild enough to not clog the smaller and more sensitive pores under your eyes.
This retinol eye cream also has antioxidants like blueberry extract – a must-have, according to Ava.
Ideal for dry skin types or for winter use, Dermalogica’s eye cream formula includes moisturizing niacinamide and ash bark extract to combat dryness.
A favorite among the derms we talked to, L’Oréal’s eye cream also helps eliminate puffiness and brightens for well-rested skin.
