Ask anyone with glowing skin, and they’ll likely tell you it’s thanks to the best retinol creams (and, OK, maybe genetics). The ingredient is often hailed as the gold standard for both reducing wrinkles and fighting acne. But while retinol is extremely effective, it’s also notoriously tricky to get right.
First things first, it helps to know what is retinol exactly? It’s often used as a catchall term for topical products containing a vitamin A derivative, but technically retinol is a type of retinoid, of which there are several variations that work at different levels in your skin care. “Retinoids work by increasing collagen production as well as increasing the rate of skin cell turnover,” says New York dermatologist Shari Marchbein, M.D. “They also help treat acne, blackheads, and clogged pores by reducing the stickiness of the cells that clog pores, as well as speeding up the rate at which the skin turns over and regenerates.” Because of this, retinol creams and serums are ideal for improving your skin’s overall texture, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and decreasing pore size.
But all this turnover can also lead to irritation, including redness, peeling, and increased breakouts (known as “purging”). Most derms recommend easing yourself into retinol, starting with one or two applications a week to build up your tolerance. You can also try buffering—i.e., sandwiching retinol between two layers of moisturizer—to keep irritation at bay.
If used correctly and carefully, though, a good retinol product can truly revolutionize your skin care routine—something our editors can say with certainty. We polled Glamour staffers (and a few experts) and asked them to share the retinols that deliver results without the irritation. Read on for the best retinol creams, serums, and oils they swear by.
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