This rockstar skincare ingredient is the 'secret sauce of anti-aging,' according to 3 experts
Aging is a wonderful thing — some would even call it a luxury — but that doesn't mean you should feel guilty about wanting younger-looking skin. While wrinkles are signs of wisdom, many people would just rather not have them, and that's OK! If you love maturing but still want to keep your skin as tight and smooth as possible, skin care experts recommend investing in the popular "rock star ingredient" retinol.
Dr. Steve Gendron, who specializes in physiology-endocrinology, Texas-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jeneby and Dr. Jerald Friedman of North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, each rave about retinol, calling it one of the most restorative skincare ingredients for mature skin.
"When it comes to skincare for mature skin, retinol is the rockstar ingredient everyone raves about," Dr. Gendron says. "It's like the secret sauce of anti-aging." Jeneby also adds that the hype surrounding this well-known skincare powerhouse is real, adding that it's "the No. 1 most critical ingredient to look for" if you have mature skin.
But, what exactly is retinol? To put it plainly, it's a derivative of Vitamin A that's known for its long list of benefits on aging skin. Also, after reading the headline, "collagen" may have been the first ingredient that came to your mind — and you're not wrong, because it goes hand-in-hand with retinol.
"[Retinol] works by stimulating collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Jeneby says. "Additionally, retinol encourages cell turnover, helping to shed dead skin cells and reveal newer, younger-looking skin underneath."
Friedman also explains that retinol "can plump the skin and make fine lines look less visible" by boosting collagen production, resulting in younger-looking skin.
The best thing about retinol, though, is that you don't need a prescription to get it. In fact, some of our favorite affordable and well-known skincare brands have retinol formulas that thousands of shoppers say actually work. One of the most popular is this creamy, thick night moisturizer from Olay.
Another favorite we've found that both experts and everyday shoppers love is Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Cream. It's a favorite among estheticians, especially since it isn't harsh on the skin and has other gentle but effective ingredients, like Vitamin C to help brighten the skin while the retinol does its thing — we love a double-duty product!
Keep in mind, though, that experts recommend introducing retinol into your skincare routine slowly, starting with just a couple of times a week. After your skin acclimates and you see no signs of irritation, you can increase slowly. Also, be sure that you're always wearing sunscreen the day after you use retinol (if you use it at night) or immediately after leaving home (if you use it during the daytime) as your skin will be much more sensitive to sunlight after using this ingredient.
"Be aware that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so it's crucial to combine it with a high-SPF sunscreen during the day for optimal protection and results," Jeneby says.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)