Retinol

Retinol is one of the most studied and proven skincare ingredients for improving the appearance of visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone—and it can help minimize the visibility of pores well. This form of vitamin A helps promote cellular turnover to keep fresh, healthy looking cells on the skin’s surface. SkinCeuticals’ offerings include Retinol 0.3 for first-time users, Retinol 0.5 for conditioned skin, and Retinol 1.0 for experienced users. These concentrated creams are formulated with delivery technology for a steady release of the retinol along with a soothing complex of bisabolol and boswellia serrata extract (derived from frankincense).

SkinCeuticals also offers a unique retinol formula called Tripeptide-R Neck Repair. Formulated specifically for delicate neck skin, this treatment provides improvement for early and advanced signs of neck aging including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven skin tone.

Although retinol serums and creams both contain this key skincare ingredient, the difference is the texture of the product itself. SkinCeuticals offers cream-based products.

Vitamin C and retinol are both valuable ingredients in any skincare routine. However, vitamin C is best applied in the morning to provide the skin with antioxidant protection throughout the day, while retinol should be applied in the evening.

Retinol is a member of a family of ingredients called retinoids which also includes retinoic acid, retinyl esters, and other molecules related to Vitamin A. These ingredients differ in terms of their potency and tolerability toward skin with retinoic acid (a prescription treatment) generally considered the most potent, but least well tolerated form of topical Vitamin A. Retinol is a precursor to retinoic acid which is naturally converted once it has been absorbed by skin. It offers a good balance of skin benefits and tolerability without a prescription.

In the evening after cleansing and toning, apply a pea-sized amount to the tips of the fingers. Using too much retinol can irritate the skin. Dab the product onto your face, avoiding the eye area and massage firmly until it has absorbed into skin. For optimal results, allow for absorption before applying other skincare products. Limit initial use to once or twice a week, gradually increasing frequency to nightly as tolerated. Pair with Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 to help shorten the adjustment period.

Due to the high concentration of pure retinol in SkinCeuticals products, use a retinol cream only at night to limit photosensitivity and irritation. Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day when using this product.