Our top choice, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol, comes recommended by dermatologists thanks to its blend of powerful retinol and skin-soothing ingredients. We also liked Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+, a high-strength retinol with a smooth, fast-absorbing application.
Tretinoin is considered to be the most widely used prescription retinoid treatment for wrinkles. It comes in the form of a gel. During use, you must wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sunburn and photoaging.
The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results.
1. SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream. Formulated with the highest concentration of 1.0% pure retinol and botanical extracts, this cream is enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to preserve retinol potency and ensure maximum efficacy and stability.
“OTC retinols are not as strong, but they will still help keep pores free from debris," says Dr. Jegasothy. "So, while they may not be as antiaging as a prescription, they can still help the skin.” If you're still looking to get those antiaging benefits at a low cost, Dr.
A 0.5-percent concentration is a good baseline.
For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results.
Bakuchiol, derived from the traditional Indian and Chinese medicinal plant babchi, is the only plant-based alternative to retinol that's clinically proven to have similar effects as synthetic retinol like: Improved skin texture.
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion ($9.80) is a retinoid active, part of the family of age-defiers that helps reduce wrinkles. While retinoids (a.k.a. a vitamin A derivatives) often get a bad rep for being irritating, The Ordinary's formula is designed to make the serum gentle while still being effective.
Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.
Bakuchiol is a great retinol alternative for everyone that is sensitive to retinol side effects, but there is no need to replace the retinoids that have been working for you. And if you are on prescription strength, you won't find the same effects in Bakuchiol products.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
First-time retinol users have reported irritation, including redness, dryness, and peeling. If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Houshmand recommends RoC's Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, which is one of the highest-strength retinol you can get over the counter, meaning you may see its resurfacing effects sooner than with other products.
Side effects of using retinol may include:
Itching. Dry skin. Flaking and peeling of the skin. Increased sensitivity to the sun.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti Aging Retinol Cream
Formulated with the brand's highest concentration of pure retinol, this potent face cream wipes out dark spots (due to sun damage) and fine lines like a dog with a bone.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum claimed our top spot because the hardworking blend of actives is dermatologist-loved.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.
As Dr. King mentions, peptides make a great retinol alternative. Versions such as copper peptides, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and hexapeptides increase skin elasticity and firmness, stimulate cell regeneration, and diminish creasing, respectively, making them extremely versatile when it comes to antiaging.