We’re kicking off this Q&A-focused beauty blog with a question about retinol — one of my (and most dermatologists’) favorites. Reader Devon asks, “Can you recommend a moisturizer with retinol? I am in desperate need!!”
First off, kudos to you for seeking out retinol, you’re obviously aware of its powerful anti-aging abilities. Retinol, which is a form of vitamin A, is part of the family of retinoids and the one you’ll most often find in over-the-counter creams. It helps to promote skin cell turnover to reveal youthful-looking skin that’s free of spots and wrinkles. And … it’s actually clinically proven to do this — not all anti-aging ingredients can make this claim and actually live up to it.
Now that our little chemistry lesson is out of the way, let’s get down to business. If you’re looking for a moisturizer that also contains retinol, I’d suggest checking out one of these three — depending on your budget and brand preference:
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $19.99
Though this says it’s for “deep wrinkles” don’t hesitate to give it a try if you’re only fighting fine lines. The key reason to use “anti-aging” products is to prevent deep wrinkles, right? Also, the concentrations of retinol in over-the-counter products will be much less potent than a prescription version, so you might benefit more from a product like this. In addition to retinol, this particular cream contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant, and glycerin, a hard-working moisturizing ingredient.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer, $20.99
In addition to retinol, this contains hyaluronic acid, which is one of the best moisturizing ingredients you can buy. I haven’t personally tried Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night, but my friends at Neutrogena say some of them can’t even get their hands on it because the stuff is in such high demand.
DDF Retinol Energizing Moisturizer, $88
Along with retinol, this moisturizer contains a milk-peptide complex that works to firm and smooth skin and borage seed oil, which is a great moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Hopefully one of these will suit your needs, and heads up, you will want to start off slow with any retinol-infused product. Try using it every other night to make sure you’re not extremely sensitive. You can expect to have some redness or sensitivity and a bit of peeling, but your face shouldn’t burn like you spent two too many hours in the sun.
After using one of these creams for a good amount of time, you may also want to consider talking to a dermatologist about a prescription retinoid to help you further along on your path to fabulous, youthful skin.
Oh, and when using products that slough off layers of skin, do be sure to wear lots of sunscreen as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
Do YOU have a beauty question? Ask it by commenting below.
Whenever I apply retinol based moisturiser over face, my skin turns turns red with pimples on thighs.Is it due to retinol effect?