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If you’ve ever asked a derm for skincare non-negotiables, other than the profession’s obsession with SPF, she most likely listed retinol at the top of her list for nighttime use. That’s because this tried-and-true ingredient has been clinically proven to be a game changer for reducing all the signs of aging (think: fine lines, discoloration, even break-outs). But since retinol is notorious for its potential for causing irritation, the trick is to find a formula that works for your needs and skin type (some people tolerate the ingredient without an issue).
But, like most skincare products, it can be hard to know what’s best for you. We’ve jumped in to do a bit of research on the matter in the hopes of simplifying your routine…
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What Is Retinol Serum?
While you might be just learning about retinol, most likely you’ve heard of a serum. Serums are popular for their velvety, silky texture which easily penetrate into the skin, due to their molecule size (which is smaller than those in their cream cousins). Plus, they have the ability to deliver powerful ingredients without much risk of causing irritation. So what is a retinol serum? Skincare brands got savvy by packing serums with this powerful form of Vitamin A. But since serums are lighter in weight and texture, you need not worry about redness or flakiness. In essence, a serum is a great vehicle for this anti-aging powerhouse.
What Does It Do?
On its own, retinol is known for smoothing out fine lines and improving skin texture. But when layered into a serum, the product rises to superstar status as it can help hydrate, balance - basically do anything with the addition of other powerful actives. Be sure to use this serum at night as retinol can make skin photosensitive. In addition, skin does its best repair work while you sleep!
Who Should Use Retinol?
While it may seem like a young time to start, your mid-twenties are actually a good time to introduce a retinol into your routine, especially if you’re prone to breaking out as it will address mild acne. Keep it in the routine as it will aid the aging process, moving forward. In terms of skin type and skin tone, anyone can use the ingredient.
How To Pick The Right Retinol Serum For You
As everyone knows, the skincare isles (or screens) can be overwhelming. If you’re new to this ingredient, start with a gentle formula as you’ll need to build up a tolerance. Most dermatologists recommend beginning twice a week and then adding from there.
Consider Your Skin type
Identifying your skin type is key, and most of us tend to believe our skin is one thing when it’s actually another. It’s best to ask your dermatologist to help determine your skin type so that you can make product choices correctly. Typically, oily skin can handle a stronger dose of retinol while dry skin should choose a lighter potency. Those who are acne-prone may want to consider a product for sensitive skin.
Identify Your Main Skin concerns
Retinol addresses a range of skin concerns so considering exactly what you want to tackle will help you make the best choice in a sea of products. Do you want to squash your break-outs? Add hydration? Even-out skin tone? You’ll need to look for additional ingredients in the serum that will address these concerns. For instance, those with hyperpigmentation will want a serum that’s also loaded with skin brightening niacinamide.
Look at the Packaging
It’s important to look at the packaging when choosing a retinol serum. First and foremost, be sure to check the percentage (if you’re just starting out, .5% is the amount for you). Also be sure to read the other ingredients so that you’re able to make a choice that works for your needs. For example, Hyaluronic acid will add an extra dose of moisture to those on the drier side.
Our Top Picks
We scoured the market for the best new and established retinol serums that do everything from calm melasma to moisturize dry skin.
Best For Beginners
This serum rewinds the appearance of aging with gentle ingredients like Ginger Root Extract for reducing redness, Gardenia Stem Cells for boosting radiance and Four O’ Clock Flower Cells for boosting collagen.
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Best For Melasma
The YSE brand founder, Molly Sims, is open about her own struggles with Melasma, so she made a product that will target these pesky brown spots. A healthy dose of Niacinamide is what makes her Last Call Retinol Serum our pick for those struggling with the condition.
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Best For Acne
Retinol is known to help quell acne and CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum can even help improve post-acne marks with its combination of Retinol, Niacinimide and Ceramides which, all together, will combat break-outs and correct any scarring.
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Best For Wrinkles
Plastic surgeons have a unique perspective when it comes to skin, as they see every layer of the dermis, first-hand. Dr. Jason Diamond – who treats some of the most famous faces – now has two complimentary products, and the surgeon’s nighttime Emulsion delivers Bioactive Retinoids alongside Lipopeptides to speed up cell renewal to support collagen regeneration.
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Best For Combination Skin
This one started out as an under eye cream that was developed into a multi-faceted blend to be gentle enough for dry areas and effective for oilier zones as well. Extracts from Summer Snowflake Flower, Persian Silk Tree and Apple Fruit Cells work to brighten and promote elasticity.
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Best For Uneven Skin Texture
Skinbetter is a brand favored by most experts for its clinical testing and proven results. Its AlphaRet Clearing Serum uses Ginger Root Extract to reduce redness and Lactic Acid to retexture, along with their unique retinoid-AHA combination found in many of their other products to improve appearance of clarity, tone and texture.
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Best For Sensitive Skin
Celeb aesthetician Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform is now a mainstay in many-a-medicine-cabinet. Her calming serum is best for those who can’t tolerate a strong prescription or potent over-the-counter retinol.
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Best For Travel
We like UBeauty’s Resurfacing Compound for travel as it takes the place of your vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, and toner (which will simplify packing). Designed to resurface, tighten and defend with one complexion-boosting compound. A stabilized retinol will keep fine lines at bay.
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Best 0.5% Retinol Serum
This is a great choice for those who want medium-strength without the worry of irritation. Designed with stabilization and delivery technologies, the formula helps to diminish lines, even out discoloration and reduce pore size while protecting the barrier function.
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Retinol Serum FAQ
It can be overwhelming to introduce this mighty ingredient into your routine. Read on to answer basic questions.
How do I apply retinol?
For the most part, Retinol is better at nighttime, as it can make skin photosensitive to sunlight. Be sure to incorporate it into your PM routine, as it will repair skin as you sleep. Start by using it twice a week, and if your skin tolerates the ingredient, you can increase usage. While you can’t really overuse this ingredient, less is sometimes more.
Are retinol serums safe to use?
If you’re pregnant, it’s best to stay away from retinol as Vitamin A may interfere with the development of the baby (yes, even applied topically). For everyone else, yes. But it’s important not to rush into a five-night-a-week routine but rather ease into usage and build from there to reduce chances of irritation.
For more info on retinols, read our edit on how to use retinol if your skin is insanely sensitive. And make sure to browse our beauty shop to browse all our favorite picks!
