And now, for the million dollar question: how do you know which retinol cream to try? Your answer depends entirely on your skin type and its specific needs. If you notice the presence of pigment spots, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, it may be time to look for a retinol cream. “For sensitive skin, start with a low concentration of retinol and look for soothing ingredients like niacinamide, aloe, and ceramides,” shares Dr. Magovern along. ‘If you are trying to reverse deeper lines and wrinkles, I would try using a more powerful product. retinol cream.” Those with acne, clogged pores, and very oily skin may benefit from a stronger retinol prescription. However, it should be noted that the process of skin adapting to strong retinoids can often lead to redness, irritation and flaking at first.
“I love products that contain pure and stabilized retinol so I can be confident that the product is effective. Additionally, it is important to know the strength of the retinol and whether it is more than 0.25% because which can be a bit more irritating at first,” Dr. Farhang enthuses. Retinoid cream should not be used alone, and Dr. Magovern recommends combining soothing products such as aloe, pumpkin seed oil and using a vitamin C serum or cream for two active ingredients on the skin at the same time. For anyone looking for retinol-based products with anti-aging properties, both experts recommend introducing retinol in combination with a hydrating moisturizer. And in the meantime, don’t forget to keep your sunscreen on!