Retinol is far from a new skincare ingredient… In fact, it was first studied for the treatment of acne in the 1970s. But researchers began to notice this vitamin A derivative was improving the appearance of wrinkles in their study subjects, and retinol’s journey took a new anti-aging path. In the decades since, retinol has been proven to promote cellular turnover, which helps improve discoloration and keep fresh, healthy cells on the skin’s surface. Retinol has also been shown to increase the skin’s natural collagen production, which is key for smooth, youthful-looking skin. There’s a reason why dermatologist’s recommend this ingredient for virtually everyone, and here are the newest ways to get it.

Senté Intensive Bio Complete Cream
This advanced nighttime treatment combines 0.5% encapsulated pure retinol plus sulfonated glycosaminoglycan to deliver maximum improvement in wrinkles, skin tone and texture fast—with minimal risk of redness, dryness or irritation. In as little as two weeks, more than 77% of users agreed their overall skin appearance and smoothness improved, and four weeks of use delivers significant improvement in fine lines, firmness and discoloration.

Altreno
For the record, prescription-based retinoids are technically FDA-approved for the treatment of acne, but this doesn’t stop dermatologists from prescribing them for anti-aging. This new doctor-dispensed treatment takes a first-of-its-kind approach by offering all of the benefits of a retinoid in a lotion that feels more like a fancy skincare product than a prescription topical. It glides on smoothly and evenly while providing the skin with extra hydration thanks to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid).

Curology
Want a prescription-grade retinoid without a trip to the dermatologist’s office? Curology makes this wish a reality via a virtual questionnaire-based consultation that helps assess the state of your skin—and create a customized formulation to meet your needs. But the retinoid tretinoin is just one of the many actives your unique formula might include, and you may also get azelaic acid (for inflammation and discoloration), clindamycin (for acne), niacinamide (for antioxidant protection, dark spots, redness and wrinkles) or more. Rest assured your formula is created by a certified skincare expert who checks in with you periodically to see how things are going, and you can tweak your formula as needed and replenish your supply automatically.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
The latest addition to the SkinCeuticals retinol family is a 0.3% concentration that’s ideal for first-timers. Formulated to provide improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, blemishes and the appearance of pores—and serve as a stepping stone to the higher 0.5% and 1.0% formulas—it features cutting-edge stabilization and delivery-system technologies plus soothing bisabolol for optimal potency and minimal side effects.

Formulation and delivery-system innovations aside, proper application is key for optimal retinol or retinoid results. If you’re a first-time user, be sure to start by applying twice a week at first, then every other night, and gradually work your way up to nightly use as your skin demonstrates tolerance. This helps avoid unwanted side effects—and ensure that you see real results from your retinol or retinoid.