The 5 Best Products With Retinoid In Them
When it comes to skincare, retinoids are undisputed game-changers. Retinoids can address a wide range of concerns, from acne to aging. But not all retinoids are created equal.
Who are Retinoids Best For:
Retinoids are a skincare powerhouse suitable for a wide range of concerns. Whether you're dealing with breakouts, fine lines, uneven skin tone, or aging, incorporating a retinoid into your routine can be highly beneficial. However, it's essential to approach retinoids correctly to avoid potential skin irritation.
Choosing the Right Retinoid:
When it comes to retinoids, there are various options to choose from, including retinol, retinaldehyde, and tretinoin, among others. Each of these offers unique benefits, and the key to success with retinoids is consistency. While I personally rotate through different retinoids due to my profession, if you're new to retinoids, selecting one and sticking to it is often the best approach.
Why Use Retinoid:
The benefits of incorporating a retinoid into your skincare routine are numerous. These powerful ingredients can help address various concerns, such as breakouts, fine lines, skin texture, and even collagen production. However, it's crucial to use retinoids consistently to reap these rewards.
Here are 5 of my favorite retinoid products:
Shani Darden's Retinol Reform is one of my favorites for its balanced approach to retinoid skincare. It's an excellent choice for those new to retinoids but still wanting to make an impact. This formula uses an encapsulated retinol which releases slowly rather than all at once, aiding in your skin’s tolerance to the ingredient. It also has a bit of lactic acid for a super gentle exfoliation. This is one of my favorite retinols you can get your hands on at Sephora!
Naturium's Retinaldehyde Serum offers a gentle yet effective form of retinoid, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Retinaldehyde requires only one step to convert to retinoid acid, the active form of retinoid used by our skin, as opposed to retinol’s two step conversion. This translates to better efficacy yet it’s still generally better tolerated. This serum works on signs of aging and uneven skin tone while providing essential hydration. I also highly recommend using this retinoid on your neck and chest because of its gentle nature.
SkinMedica's 1.0 Retinol contains a higher retinol concentration, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. It's a powerful option for individuals seeking more significant results from their retinoid products, or if their skin has had time to adapt to retinoids. This is often a formulation I’ll recommend to patients as a step before prescription strength.
Adapalene 0.1% is an FDA approved OTC acne medication. For those with mild to moderate acne that aren’t able to get to a Dermatologist right away, this is an easily accessible product. It was previously only available by prescription!
Apostrophe's Tretinoin (you can use code AMYKOBERLING for a $5 consult), provides prescription-strength retinoid treatment tailored to your specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most effective retinoid regimen for your skin. My personal Apostrophe formulation is 0.025% tretinoin mixed with 15% Azelaic Acid and it’s been a dream for my skin. I’ve noticed an improvement in my melasma, skin texture and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Retinoids are essential in an “anti-aging” skincare routine. These five products are some of the best retinoids available, catering to both beginners and experienced users. When incorporating retinoids, remember to start slowly and use sunscreen diligently. The right routine can really make or break your retinoid experience so check out my Retinoid Skincare Routine Post (hyperlink blog). Finally, remember that consistency is key! You will only start to see progress by using retinoids consistently and this can take weeks to months depending on your concerns!
Looking to build out a skincare routine with retinoids? Watch my recent youtube video on a Derm PA’s Tretinoin Skincare Routine for Beginners.
**Disclaimer: This post does not constitute medical device. Please speak to your Dermatology provider before adding any at home procedures or products into your routine!
