Retinols and retinoids, also known as vitamin A, are often used interchangeably, and are truly the closest thing we have to The Fountain of Youth. When used appropriately, they are the most effective active skincare ingredient on the market to boost collagen and elastin, proteins that start to decline in production in most people around the age of 26 years old.
With everyday use of an SPF, 50 plus years of studies have proven that retinols delay the aging by increasing skin cell turnover and stimulating the production of collagen, resulting in improvement of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as minimizing the appearance of pores and dark spots. Retinoids are the purest form of vitamin A. Retinols and retinals are less potent derivates that are approved by FDA for over-the-counter us. They are found in most skincare products advertising retinol as their main active ingredient.
So, without further ado, I’ve listed 5 effective retinol serums from which I’ve seen great results.
1. Best Budget Friendly
Cerave is one of the most trusted and recommended brands among dermatologists. Their Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a great pick if you are want to start a retinoid, but don’t want to spend a ton of money. This is also a great product for those with dry and sensitive skin, since it’s formulated with encapsulated retinol.
Traditional retinols and retinoids start working immediately upon application. Encapsulated retinol is released after application in a time-dependent manner. The retinol will active slowly over-time, so it’s a gentler option than other forms of vitamin A. This serum also contains ceramides and niacinamide, which help heal inflammation and damage to the skin barrier. You can read my full review here.
2. Best For Dry Skin
Naturium’s Retinol Complex Serum is the best I have found for sensitive and dry skin. This serum, like The Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains encapsulated retinol, which makes it perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. The Retinol Complex Serum’s texture is more akin to a very light moisturizer than a traditional serum. The thicker texture allows the active ingredients to penetrate slower into the skin, creating a more gentle retinol product.
The Retinol Complex is also formulated with Bakuchiol, a plant-derived alternative to retinol. While it has not been shown to be as effective as a true retinol, it has shown promising results in reducing wrinkles. This serum is also formulated with vitamin E, an antioxidant, as well as hyaluronic acid to help promote hydration in the skin.
3. Best Retinol Serum
Murad is a well known cosmeceutical skincare line, and their Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is a wonderful option if you want a more luxurious experience from you retinol serum, but still want efficacy. The serum has a heavy consistency that your average serum and could double as a moisturizer for oily skin types.
The serum is formulated with 3 different kinds of retinol, and because of this I noticed results quicker than with other products. It also contains hyaluronic acid to support hydration in the skin, and ceramides to improve skin barrier texture and function.
4. Best Drugstore
When it comes to the best bang for your buck, you can’t beat Differin Gel. As a side note, this product is HSA and FSA (in the US) eligible so you can reimburse yourself through your health savings plan.Once available by prescription only to treat acne, The FDA approved Adapalene Gel .1% for over-the-counter use in the US in 2016.
The light gel texture is not the most glamorous, but it contains the active form of retinol, retinoid, and helps reduce dark spots, acne, and improves collagen production. Due to the potency, it’s recommended that a new retinoid or retinol user should start by layering the gel over their moisturizer 1–2 times per week until your skin has a tolerance.
When it comes to the best bang for your buck, you can’t beat Differin Gel. As a side note, this product is HSA and FSA (in the US) eligible so you can reimburse yourself through your health savings plan.Once available by prescription only to treat acne, The FDA approved Adapalene Gel .1% for over-the-counter use in the US in 2016.
5. Best Overall
As far as retinol cream goes, you can’t beat SkinCeutical’s retinol creams. Dermatologists consider Skinceuticals the gold standard when it comes to over the counter skincare. The Skinceuticals 1.0% Pure Retinol Cream is offered in many dermatology offices as an alternative to Tretinoin, a prescription retinoid.
The 1.0 Retinol Cream is a lightweight cream that can be used on its own or layered with your normal moisturizer. If you are new to retinoids or have sensitive skin and find the 1.0% too potent, it’s also available in .3% and .5%.
Conclusion
Regardless of your price point, there are plenty of great options when it comes to choosing a retinol that works for your skin type and concerns. If you haven’t tried one, I highly recommend starting one; if you are a seasoned retinol user, I hope you give one of these products a try. The retinols were highly effective and don’t add anytime to your nightly routine! These can all be found on Amazon.com or purchased directly from the brand.
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Please note that all links are Amazon affiliate links. All monies made will support this blog and product reviews.
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