“OTC retinol goes through more conversion steps to provide benefits of retinoic acid, which makes them less potent than prescription retinoids,” Bruce Katz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 30 years of experience, told The Post. “The benefit of this is that OTC retinol is easier to adapt to than a prescription"...
Additionally, Dr. Katz notes retinol can help treat acne. As mentioned, the more conversion steps needed to convert retinoids to retinoic acid, the less potent the retinol will be, so a prescribed formula is “more powerful,” he said.
What are the benefits of using retinol?
“Retinol is one of the most powerful skincare ingredients available; nearly everyone should be using retinol daily, even if you don’t have acne, according to Dr. Katz.
“Retinol speeds up cell turnover on the skin, which in turn helps uncover and remove dirt, oil and debris stuck in the pores — which is why retinol is a great active ingredient to use if you have acne,” Dr. Katz adds. “For those who don’t have acne, retinol will help boost collagen production in the skin, which makes skin more supple, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles"...
How often should retinol be used?
Ideally, retinol is used daily. If you are new to retinol, start by using it two to three times per week, and increase as your skin tolerates it, Dr. Katz recommends.
“Eventually your skin will adapt to the retinol, but it may take some time,” Dr. Nazarian adds, agreeing with Dr. Katz’s advice of beginning with a two-to-three-nights-a-week system. “Slowly increase frequency as tolerated, with the goal being every night.”
Note: As long as you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, retinol is safe to use in your skincare routine, unless suggested otherwise by your dermatologist.
If you’re not convinced, Bakuchiol is a good retinol alternative. “It can help treat signs of aging like uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles and also helps increase cell turnover, which is why it is a good alternative to retinol,” Dr. Katz explains...
How can I incorporate retinol into my skincare routine?
“It’s best to incorporate retinol into your evening skincare routine, as retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays, and UV rays can break down the active retinol and make it less beneficial,” Dr, Katz explains. “If you use a product with retinol, it is essential you wear at least SPF 30 on your face every day to protect yourself from the sun"...
Also, it's completely normal to experience dry skin or some acne breakouts for the first month of retinol use. “Old skin cells are replaced with new ones, and dirt and debris are expunged from pores,” Dr. Katz notes. “Don’t stop using your retinol during this time period; continue to use it, alongside a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen daily, and you’ll begin to see results"...
Best Retinol Creams
1. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, $74
“With 1% retinol, most people will find they can acclimate to this product quickly with little dryness or irritation, and still results with continued use,” Dr. Katz said...
2. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask, $42
“This mask is ideal for people with dry skin,” Dr. Katz shares. “It’s a heavier mask that soaks into the skin and is meant to do its work overnight"...
3. Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol, $29.75 (originally $35)
“This is a strong choice for people with sensitive or dry skin, or people starting retinol for the first time,” Dr. Katz notes. “It’s more of a moisturizer with retinol, as the retinol is a lower consistency (.01%)"...
4. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Cream, $67
“This is an overnight retinol cream containing .5% retinol, which is most suitable for normal, oily and combination skin,” Dr. Katz said. It’s noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, which is great for acne-prone skin, too.
5. Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, $47.60 (originally $60)
“This is a great option for people who are new to retinol, as well as retinol veterans who may have taken a break from retinol,” Dr. Katz shared. “It works on all skin types; start by using it two to three times a week and build up to more if your skin tolerates it.”
Plus, it contains vitamin C, which is wonderful to brighten the skin for an even more youthful effect.
6. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream, $19.99 (originally $23.39)
“This is a good option for dry skin and people who haven’t used retinol before,” Dr. Katz highlights. “It has a lower retinol concentration to reduce signs of aging and is paired with hyaluronic acid and glycerin for moisture.”
Plus, It comes in a fragrance-free option which is best suited for sensitive skin...
Best Retinol Serums
1. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide, $62
“I like this treatment as it is paired with ceramides and peptides, which will help strengthen the skin barrier, adding moisture to the skin when it’s needed most,” Dr. Katz said...
2. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment, $85
“Retinol plays well with ferulic acid, another active ingredient in this serum,” Dr. Katz said. “Together the retinol and ferulic acid will help minimize pore size and reduce fine lines and wrinkles"...
3. Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Retinol Oil, $72
“A retinol oil is a great way to work retinol into your nighttime routine, especially if you have sensitive skin,” Dr. Katz said. “You can use this oil on its own before moisturizer at night, or you can mix a few drops into your evening moisturizer and apply together"...
4. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, $89...
And, Dr. Katz especially likes the inclusion of hyaluronic acid to counteract the drying effects of retinol.
5. Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum, $65
Dr. Katz recommends Peter Thomas Roth’s new Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum for advanced retinol users, specifically. “The combo of 1.5% retinol and 15% glycolic acid would be too high for a retinol newbie or someone with sensitive skin,” he shares.
“But if you use retinol and want to take your exfoliation up a notch, the glycolic acid in this serum will do it — resulting in soft, smooth skin over time"...
6. Dr. Zenovia Skincare Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment, $72
As a skincare brand known for helping treat hormonal acne, its retinol serum is one backed by Dr. Katz. “This nighttime treatment uses a combination of retinol, bakuchiol, Vitamin E, caffeine and other ingredients to help accelerate skin cell turnover and soothe skin,” he adds.
7. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 1% in Squalane, $8
Yes, for less than $10, you can reap the benefits of retinol. “This is an accessible retinol best reserved for experienced retinol users who are looking to boost the efficacy of their skincare routine,” Dr. Katz said.
8. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum, $39.99
“This serum combats signs of aging, while also boosting the skin barrier with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3,” Dr. Katz shared. Not to mention, hyaluronic acid and glycerin help add moisture to the skin.
9. CeraVe Anti-Aging Retinol Serum, $22.33
Enter one of the best drugstore picks: CeraVe. “This uses retinol as well as ceramides and hyaluronic acid for moisture,” Dr. Katz vets. “It’s great for sensitive or dry skin as it will lessen irritation from the retinol"...
