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Retinol is the G.O.A.T.
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Dealing with acne or dark spots?
Fussing over enlarged pores?
Noticing fine lines popping up on your forehand?Retinoladdresses all of these concerns (and more!)
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and onlyoneof several types of retinoids.
The formula also has vitamin C to reduce discoloration and peptides to plump the appearance of fine lines.
In short, whatcan’tthis face serum do?
It also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and hydrate the skin.
The Medik8 Crystal Retinal is available in varying strengths from 0.01% up to 0.24%.
Most people start with this one, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3, which is 0.03% retinal.
This is a good starter retinaldehyde for those with very sensitive and dry skin, says Dr. Turegano.
These moisturizing and soothing ingredients can mitigate some unpleasant initial effects of retinol like flaking and redness.
Despite being powerful, its also gentle enough that your skin wont freak out when you use it.
This retinol serum is designed to be combined with (a.k.a.
diluted by) yourfavorite moisturizerornight cream, further dampening any potential irritation.
“I’d recommend this to anyone who asks about retinol,” saysAllurecommerce editor Sarah Han.
“It’s so gentle and doesn’t feel (or look) any different than a regular cream.
I alternate between Retinol 0.1 andRetinol 0.3and both make my skin look more even and smoother the morning after.
It balances a fast-acting retinoid, delayed-release retinol, and a retinol booster for powerful results sans skin irritation.
What else is there?
First things first, retinol is not a catch-all term.
What concentrations do you recommend for patients just starting out with retinoids?
Even for beginners, there’s no one correct dosage.
In terms of incorporating retinoids into your serums versuscreams, it’s up to your personal preferences.
What active ingredients should be avoided when using retinol?
Whatcannotbe avoided, at all costs, is sunscreen.
How often should you be using a retinol serum?
In an ideal world, every day, according to Dr. Kim.
But for those who can’t, he recommends two to three times a week.
If you have sensitive skin, try the dermatologist-approved sandwiching technique.
Does retinol help with acne?
In short, yes.
Because retinoids boost cell turnover, they do a fantastic job unclogging pores and targeting uneven texture.
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