Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is used in many over-the-counter skin care and anti aging products in the market today. Its main benefit is that it stimulates the skin to produce new collagen to replace those that are destroyed by external factors and those that naturally degenerate as we age. External factors include getting exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun for prolonged periods and having a very unhealthy lifestyle.
When formulated with other good anti aging substances, retinol products can become potent wrinkle fighters (it is also used in some cellulite elimination formulations). While vitamin A is a vitamin that is present in many fruits and vegetables, it is only in its retinoid form that it can be used as a topical medium that can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin where it can actually do its good work. Below is a listing of popular products that utilize the beneficial Retinol in their formulas. A little reminder though— a certain fraction of users may bad reaction (erythema, irritation, etc) to topical creams with retinol. Be sure to try the products on a small portion of your skin first or better yet, consult your friendly neighborhood dermatologist first.
Here they are in no particular order:
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer , SPF 30
An anti wrinkle moisturizing cream formulated with a mix of retinol and an essential mineral complex with an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect you from the harmful UV-A and UV-B sun rays. It is actually recommended that you use it as a sunscreen, hence, you should apply it before leaving the house. It is a dermatologically tested day cream that helps to reduce those deeper wrinkles especially when used in conjunction with the Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. RoC, which is one of the more popular skin care brands out there, claims that you will see positive effects after 12 weeks of proper use.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream
This anti wrinkle product is rated 1.0% pure retinol and is formulated optimally to minimize the likelihood of irritation that is seen is a fraction of retinol users. This is considered a high dose of retinol aimed at revitalizing skin, reducing wrinkles and repair damage caused by the sun. For proper use and safety remember to read the product insert thoroughly. SkinCeuticals also produce retinol products that have lower retinol concentrations like the 0.5 Refining Night Cream or Serum.
Good n Natural Retinol Cream (Vitamin A 100,000 IU Per Ounce)
The manufacturer, Good n Natural, creates no fanfare around their product. I guess that is why it is cheaper than most other products in this list. It has received some really good feedback and appears to be formulated well. It is cream-based and intended to be absorbed deeply into the site of action. It also contains vitamin E so this might be an issue for those who are allergic to this substance.
Philosophy | Help me | Retinol Night Time Cream
This is an odd-named retinol facial skin care product that is formulated quite well. It is clinically tested and uses an innovative timed release technology that makes sure that retinol is gradually delivered to the site of action to reduce the chances of irritation or any bad reaction. Expected benefits will be improved appearance of large pores, fine lines and helps even out age spots.
Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum 10x
A strong 1% formula recommended for those with high tolerance of retinol. Replenix claims it is good for smoothening those rough spots and for firming those loose and sagging areas. It is also good for improving skin color and brightening up those uneven-colored spots. This is a night time application so be sure to cleanse your face first before applying.
