This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
A well-rounded skincare routine is one of the best ways to ensure a flawless complexion, even as you age. While there are many accessory products on the market which can superficially hydrate or plump the skin, there are also ingredients out there that have the capability to dramatically improve your complexion, smoothing wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming. If you’re unsure which serums you actually need to be including in your skincare routine, dermatologists agree that this is the best ingredient for stopping aging in its tracks.
There are many products which can make a temporary difference in your skin, but if you want lasting results, dermatologists say that a retinol serum is going to make the biggest impact. Derived of vitamin A, retinol helps to increase collagen production in the skin, offering elasticity and firmness to your complexion. Collagen is one of the main factors in determining the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in your skin, but production naturally slows as you age. Therefore, using retinol to give your skin a boost is valuable in halting the formation of wrinkles while minimizing existing ones.
Not only does retinol minimize wrinkles, but it can also help to smooth skin texture, resulting in a more flawless appearance. New York-based board-certified dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum tells Byrdie, “Retinols increase skin cell turnover and slough away dead skin cells. By triggering the skin cells on the outermost layer of skin to turnover at a faster rate, new cells can generate, resulting in smoother, more even skin.” Increasing the rate of cell turnover will allow for an overall smoother complexion, as well as evening out fine lines thay may naturally develop over time.
Although retinol does have undeniable benefits, we would be remiss not to mention that in the beginning stages of using this serum in your routine you may be subject to redness, flakiness, and skin sensitivity as your face adjusts. However, there are ways to sidestep this to make the transition a little smoother. “Begin slowly by adding it into a nightly routine one to two times per week for the first week and increasing it gradually from there, depending on how the skin reacts. If there is visible redness or peeling, use it once per week for a month then increase to twice per week and monitor the skin for irritation before increasing use,” Amanda von dem Hagen, a licensed esthetician and international educator for Glo Skin Beauty tells TODAY.
Starting your skincare routine as early as possible is going to be integral in keeping signs of aging at bay, so you don’t have to wait until you already have fine lines and wrinkles to begin fighting against them with a retinol serum. While a good moisturizer and the daily use of SPF will also do wonders for your skin, increasing collagen production is going to make all the more difference in the long term appearance of your complexion. Smoothing the texture of the skin, increasing cell turnover, and minimizing the telltale signs of aging, retinol is a powerhouse serum to add to your lineup which will turn back the clock and preserve flawless skin--dermatologist approved.
