When it comes to skin care, nothing is one size fits all. But if we had to pick just one ingredient that is most beneficial to most people, it would be retinol in all its forms. Which cream should I use with retinol? If you are looking for a night cream, then you have come to the right place.
ContentHow to buy and use a cream with retinol. Which cream to use with retinol: 5 best night creams
WomanEL reminds you that retinol is a type of vitamin A that is used to improve skin quality. It is one of the most well-studied ingredients for anti-aging skin. The list of benefits is long: it reduces wrinkles and dark spots, increases collagen production.
How to buy and use retinol cream correctly
Dermatologists Tiffany Jou Libby, Dylan Greaney and Dandy Engelman told Pure Wow how to choose the right retinol beauty product.
Read the product packaging carefully. Retinol in our skin is converted from retinol to retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is the most active form, but also the most irritating. Retinol is a great choice because it is well tolerated by most people's skin. Typically, the most effective retinoids are available by prescription only, with one exception, 0.1 percent adapalene (found in Differen), which is sold over-the-counter.
Retinol is a common culprit in skin irritation, which often results in redness. , peeling, burning and other irritations. However, when combined with gentle ingredients that nourish the skin barrier, such as niacinamide, some side effects can be mitigated, making it more tolerable to the skin.
Dr. Libby also suggests using a sandwich technique: Apply a thin layer of moisturizer first, then retinol, and then another thin layer of moisturizer on top to reduce the chance of irritation.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should, Dr. Libby says, Avoid retinols and retinoids as there is some evidence that high doses may pose a risk to the developing fetus or infant. Dr. Greaney also notes that people with a damaged skin barrier should avoid retinol.
Which cream to use with retinol: 5 best night creams
The best cream for youthful skin, Source: womanEL + amazon
Need specific brands and options for night creams? Here is a list of the top ones, according to dermatologists and customer reviews:
- SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream. The best in all respects.
- Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer. The best unscented.
- Cetaphil Healthy Renew Night Cream. Best for sensitive skin
- SkinMedica Retinol 1.0. Dermatologists' favorite retinol night cream.
- Palmer's Moisture Rich Night Cream. The best moisturizer.
As we said, retinol is not for everyone. But there is a safe alternative. Find out what bakuchiol is.