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How do I Choose the Best Retinol Treatment?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

The best way to choose a retinol treatment is to consider the type of skin that you have. If you have sensitive skin, speak with your doctor before applying any kind of retinol treatment. If you have dry or combination skin, you should be able to use over-the-counter retinol treatments without causing skin irritation.

Retinol is a natural ingredient that is found in various animal and plant products. Skin experts believe that retinol has the ability to reduce the number of free radicals that exist inside of skin by encouraging cell growth. Various prescription retinol creams and over-the-counter creams exist.

Retinol face cream may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Retinol face cream may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

People who have sensitive skin should use a hypo-allergenic retinol treatment. Hypo-allergenic treatments are made for sensitive skin, and, unlike regular treatments, this kind of treatment can be applied to skin twice per week. Aside from considering the type of skin that you have, it is also important to think about how you intend to use a retinol cream.

In order to effectively reduce wrinkles, a product must contain a large percentage of retinol.
In order to effectively reduce wrinkles, a product must contain a large percentage of retinol.

Some retinol creams were formulated specifically to treat acne. Other creams were created to treat acne and wrinkles. Before selecting a retinol treatment, make sure to read a product's label carefully. Selecting a cream that was not intended to treat your specific skin issues is not recommended.

Likewise, choose a cream that works with your schedule. Both night and day creams can be purchased, and selecting the one will work with your lifestyle is a wise idea. You can determine what kind of cream you should use by reading a product's label.

When using any retinol treatment, it's still essential to apply a moisturizer with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
When using any retinol treatment, it's still essential to apply a moisturizer with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

After purchasing a retinol treatment, use the product that you have purchased according to package directions. If you notice any red, swollen, or itchy skin, stop using a product immediately. If you do not notice desired results following treatment, consult your dermatologist.

While over-the-counter treatments are helpful, some people may require a prescription treatment. Typically, drugstore creams do not contain as much retinol as prescription creams. However, depending on your skin type, some over-the-counter brands may work for you. In most instances, drugstore creams are less expensive than prescription creams, though this is not always the case.

Some retinol creams are formulated to treat acne.
Some retinol creams are formulated to treat acne.

Keep in mind that any type of retinol may cause skin sensitivity. This is especially important to note if you plan on spending a large amount of time outdoors. Applying sunblock on a regular basis is a wise idea if you plan on using a retinol treatment.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

I think when it comes to retinol lotions and creams, the simpler the formula, the better. I try to avoid lotions with lots of ingredients, especially ingredients like chemicals and fragrances.

After trying many different products, I've finally found one that I like. It's actually an organic retinol treatment. Not many people have heard of this type of product but I highly recommend it. It's made with all natural ingredients and works great on sensitive skin. This is the only retinol product that I have been able to use consistently and we all know that consistency is important when it comes to retinol. My wrinkles are not as apparent as before and my skin feels silky smooth so I know that it's working.

burcinc

@literally45-- First of all, if you are just starting retinol products, use a treatment with a low concentration of retinol. This will prevent side effects and allow your skin to adjust. You can increase the concentration later on if your skin reacts well.

Secondly, all retinol products are not suitable for oily and acne prone skin. You certainly don't want to use something that's going to make your skin more oily or cause you to break out. Retinol can actually get rid of acne as well as blemishes because of its exfoliating effects. But the treatment should be in an oil-free base. Products with natural or mineral oil will probably make your skin worse.

As far as I know, there are retinol treatments out there specifically formulated for acne skin. Or you could search for retinol gel which is suited for oily, problem skin.

literally45

There are so many retinol products on the market. I want to use a retinol treatment for my oily, acne-prone skin but I'm not sure which type is best. It's very confusing.

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    • Retinol face cream may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Retinol face cream may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
    • In order to effectively reduce wrinkles, a product must contain a large percentage of retinol.
      By: Jan S.
      In order to effectively reduce wrinkles, a product must contain a large percentage of retinol.
    • When using any retinol treatment, it's still essential to apply a moisturizer with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
      By: Africa Studio
      When using any retinol treatment, it's still essential to apply a moisturizer with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
    • Some retinol creams are formulated to treat acne.
      By: phasinphoto
      Some retinol creams are formulated to treat acne.
    • The use of any type of retinol may cause skin sensitivity.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      The use of any type of retinol may cause skin sensitivity.
    • Some creams that contain retinol are inexpensive and compare favorably with higher-priced products.
      By: luiscarceller
      Some creams that contain retinol are inexpensive and compare favorably with higher-priced products.
    • Using retinol cream can help increase collagen and tighten facial skin.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Using retinol cream can help increase collagen and tighten facial skin.
    • If you notice itchy skin following retinol treatment, you should stop using that product.
      By: librakv
      If you notice itchy skin following retinol treatment, you should stop using that product.
    • Some retinol creams are available by prescription only.
      By: Kaspars Grinvalds
      Some retinol creams are available by prescription only.