Working to rid your skin of wrinkles can feel like an uphill battle if you’re not using the right products and techniques. It turns out, retin-a is actually one of the most effective ways to improve your skin, as long as you use it properly with other treatments, products, and lifestyle changes. Here are seven tips on how to get the most out of your retin-a treatment so you can shed those pesky wrinkles!. If you want to find Retin-A. We’ve had a great time with this seller, and we recommend them.
1) Which retinol product should I start with?
There are lots of different ways to incorporate retinol into your skin care routine. (Some people swear by using retinol only at night, for example.) But for most people, starting with a mild formula like RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti Aging Daily Moisturizer is probably your best bet. It’s a lot more user friendly than stronger products that might irritate your skin if you aren’t accustomed to them. This stuff also has plenty of helpful ingredients in addition to retinol—like antioxidants and hydrators—so it’ll keep your skin looking fresh while you start making other changes, too. And if you don’t see any improvement after two months? Consider stepping up your game with a stronger product!
2) What are the best retinol products out there?
In addition to using retinol, it’s also a good idea to use an anti-aging moisturizer containing antioxidants. Look for vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, CoQ10, licorice root extract or caffeine. These ingredients can not only strengthen your skin’s ability to heal itself and stay hydrated (as it ages), but can also prevent inflammation that makes wrinkles look worse. And don’t forget SPF! When combined with retinol products in a daily skin care routine, sun protection can help prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place.
3) How do I work retinol into my daily routine?
While it’s important to use a retinol product with SPF, most dermatologists agree that using just one is enough. If you’re worried about wrinkles or anti-aging, start your routine by washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser (like Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser), followed by a light application of eye cream or gel (try Murad Essential-C Eye Cream). Next, layer on a good moisturizer such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. During these first few steps, you’ll also want to use your retinol product.
4) Is it time for prescription strength retinoids yet?
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s time for prescription strength retinoids, think about how deep your wrinkles are. Then ask yourself how good you feel about waiting a couple more months for them to get worse. If there is any chance you can tolerate prescription strength retinoids, it makes sense to start with them early on in your anti-aging routine. This is especially true if you have very sensitive skin that tends to flake and peel when using other products. Even though prescription strength retinoids work incredibly well at fighting wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming, they can be irritating (and expensive!) if not used correctly.
5) Can I trust this over-the-counter product?
OTC products are tricky, because you can’t get any medical advice from a sales associate. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid them entirely. Retinol, in particular, is used by dermatologists all over the world to treat wrinkles and acne scars. That said, it’s important not to use it at full strength without getting your doctor’s OK. You may be better off using some kind of OTC product in conjunction with a lower-dose prescription retinoid (like Renova or Tazorac) or over-the-counter Vitamin A cream (like Neutrogena Healthy Skin) if you’re struggling with bad skin as well as wrinkles.
6) How do I choose a sunscreen that doesn’t cancel out all the hard work I put in at night?
The first step in preventing wrinkles from forming on your face is using a sunscreen that prevents UVA/UVB rays from damaging your skin. Some products contain retinol, a vitamin A derivative that can prevent fine lines. If you’re using an over-the-counter retinol product, apply it before your sunscreen for maximum results. You might also want to try switching to a cream formula—most liquid sunscreens are not effective at protecting against UV rays because they evaporate off so quickly. Creams with higher SPF protection are more likely to offer both UVA and UVB protection, which will help you prevent future wrinkles as well as dark spots on your face.
7) Can vitamin C help boost my regimen?
Most doctors recommend using a retinoid with vitamin C, because it improves results. Why? Vitamin C enhances your skin’s natural exfoliation process and increases collagen production. A review published in Dermatologic Surgery shows that when patients used an 8 percent concentration of vitamin C daily for six months, they had greater improvements in fine lines and wrinkles than those who didn’t take it. Other research has found similar results—and though you can buy products with varying concentrations, some dermatologists recommend combining your retinoid cream with a serum or toner containing 10 percent to 20 percent vitamin C. If you’re not seeing results from one type, a derm might suggest trying another kind.
