Getting older is great. Some might even call it a luxury, but that doesn’t mean you should feel guilty about wanting younger-looking skin. Wrinkles are a sign of wisdom, but many of us just don’t want them, and that’s okay. If you’re happy to age but want to keep your skin as firm and smooth as possible, skincare experts recommend investing in the popular “rock star ingredient” retinol.
Dr. Steve Gendron, physiology and endocrinology specialist, Dr. Thomas Geneby, a Texas-based board-certified plastic surgeon, and Dr. Gerald Friedman of North Jersey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery all extol the power of retinol, calling it one of the most restorative skin care ingredients for mature skin.
“When it comes to skincare for mature skin, retinol is the go-to ingredient that everyone raves about,” says Dr Gendron, “It’s like the secret sauce for anti-aging.” Dr Genevie adds that the hype surrounding this famous skincare powerhouse is real, calling it “one of the most important ingredients” for anyone with mature skin.
But what exactly is retinol? Simply put, it’s a derivative of vitamin A that’s known for its many benefits to aging skin. And after reading the headline, the first ingredient that came to mind might have been “collagen.” And you’re not wrong, because collagen is closely related to retinol.
“[Retinol] “Retinol stimulates collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Genevieve. “Additionally, retinol promotes cell turnover, helping to slough off dead skin cells to reveal new, youthful skin underneath.”
Friedman also explains that retinol boosts collagen production, “which plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines,” resulting in younger-looking skin.
But the best thing about retinol is that it’s available without a prescription. In fact, some of our favorite affordable, well-known skin care brands have products with retinol that thousands of shoppers say actually work for them. One of the most popular is this creamy, rich nighttime moisturizer from Olay.
Olay
This moisturizing fragrance-free cream from Olay is formulated with retinol to address fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and more. It also contains niacinamide, which helps skin retain moisture, and amino peptides, which help make skin smoother and firmer. It’s also known for its balanced consistency, which is neither too light nor too thick, so it hydrates skin without feeling heavy or leaving a greasy residue.
With over 1,200 five-star reviews on Olay, over 7,000 perfect reviews on Target, and over 3,500 reviews on Amazon, it’s no wonder this retinol moisturizer is a hit, especially among mature shoppers.
“After using this product every night, I’ve noticed a noticeable improvement in the condition of my skin and my face feels so much softer,” wrote one impressed Olay shopper.
$30 at Olay
Another popular product that’s loved by experts and casual shoppers alike is Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Cream. It’s a favorite among aestheticians, especially since it’s non-irritating to the skin and contains gentle yet effective ingredients like Vitamin C, which brightens the skin while the retinol works its magic. We love a dual-use product.
Amazon
Though it’s a bit more expensive, this retinol cream is a more versatile option that can be used both morning and night. For example, it’s not as thick as the night cream and is a bit lighter, so it’s said to absorb faster into the skin and wear better under makeup.
This product is infused with deeply hydrating retinol and hyaluronic acid, as well as skin brightening vitamin C. And because some people need to get used to retinol products, this product starts at a 1% concentration, making it easy to get used to. It’s also fragrance- and paraben-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive, thin, or acne-prone skin.
“I’d never tried retinol before, but I absolutely love it,” one pleasantly surprised Amazon shopper wrote. “My skin tone has never been so even. [and] “My face has less wrinkles and a healthier glow,” the same shopper said, adding that her “only complaint is the price,” but later admitted that she’d spent $90 before for products that only treated the surface layer of skin. So, all in all, some shoppers feel they’re getting their money’s worth with their Paula’s Choice favorite.
$65 on Amazon
However, experts recommend gradually introducing retinol into your skincare routine, starting with two to three times a week. Once your skin gets used to it and you no longer experience any signs of irritation, you can gradually increase it. Also, be sure to apply sunscreen the day after using retinol (if used at night) or immediately after leaving the house (if used during the day), as your skin is very sensitive to sunlight after using this ingredient.
“Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use it with a high SPF sunscreen during the day for optimal protection and results,” says Genevy.
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