Retinol cream is a vitamin A metabolite in a cream form used to treat skin conditions such as acne while also acting as an anti-aging product. On the other hand, retinol serum is a water-based vitamin A metabolite in serum form used to treat skin conditions such as acne while also acting as an anti-aging product.
Serums contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, and since they're so thin and light, Dr. Van Dyke says, they penetrate skin more efficiently than creams. And since they're grease-free, serums work especially well for people with oily skin.
Different forms of Vitamin A
Both retinoid and retinol are derivatives of vitamin A, just with slightly different molecular structures. Retinols have a molecular structure that causes it to convert more slowly. In short, all retinols are retinoids, but not all retinoids are retinols.
"The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams form a barrier on your skin," Wilson says. "That's great for locking moisture in. But it can also lock active ingredients out. Without these hindrances, the active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively."
The best product you can use in conjunction with retinol, according to Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturizer, which can help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation from retinol. “Some people even prefer to mix their retinol with a moisturizing cream to dilute it out,” he says.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
There's not much of a difference between a night cream and a night serum per se. However, night serums are lighter in texture and weight as compared to night creams and they also absorb quickly. Nonetheless, they are equally beneficial when it comes to taking good care of your skin at night.
A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.
These two anti-aging ingredients aren't entirely different. In fact, retinol is a type of retinoid. However, retinoid most often describes more powerful prescription products, while retinol generally refers to weaker over-the-counter (OTC) formulas. As board certified dermatologist Dr.
Can you use both the Olay Retinol Serum & moisturizer together? No. It's not needed since both the products contain retinol and overdose of the same will increase your chances of irritation.
Best Overall Anti-Aging Serum: Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum. Best Drugstore Value Anti-Aging Serum: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum Bottle. Best Anti-Aging Serum for Sensitive Skin: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ampoules.
Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.
Nighttime Serums: Resurfacing, Repairing
“Night is the body's time to repair itself. Look for stem cells for collagen production, olive oil as an anti-inflammatory and rosehips.” Dr. Tanzi agrees: “Hydrating serums under a moisturizer will maximize hydration while you sleep,” she explains.
While Vitamin C serum predominantly protects your skin from damage, retinol serum actively heals the damage on your skin. Vitamin C serum protects the collagens while the Retinol serum helps in cell turn over thereby creating new collagens.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.
25%, which may not give you the full benefits of retinol. “Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.” When choosing a retinol product, Dr.
Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s
"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."
Engelman agrees: "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin."This mixture has the added bonus of hyaluronic acid, which "can smooth, firm, and tighten the appearance of the skin," Dr. Bowe says.