There are a few different ways to determine your skin type. To monitor how your skin performs during the day (whether it feels oily, looks shiny, flakes or feels tight, itchy, or irritated), do a wash test with a mild cleanser and see how your skin feels after 30 minutes. Or you can visit a dermatologist for an examination and consultation. A buildup of dead skin cells can leave your skin drier than you’d like. Removing those dead cells, with the help of retinol, can lead to more hydrated skin. If you want to target deeper issues like fine lines and sun damage, you may eventually want to opt for a higher percentage. Retinol helps speed up this turnover process and promote brighter, smoother skin. It also goes deeper into the skin to encourage collagen production and further plump the skin. Sun damage

Retinol, to be precise, is the alcohol formulation of vitamin A, not to mention the version most commonly used in skin-care products, according to Dr. Chang. "Retinol has been shown to improve tone and texture, dyspigmentation, dryness, and fine lines," she says. But there's a catch. "It is less irritating than tretinoin, but also 20 times less potent because it needs to convert into retinoic acid." There are many buzzworthy skin care products and ingredients on the market these days, and retinol is one of the most well-known. Talk with your dermatologist about ingredients to look for or avoid. How different additives affect skin will vary from person to person.Retinol creams and serums containing higher concentrations of the active ingredient tend to be more expensive than lower-strength products, with some products boasting a more luxurious combination of ingredients alongside. Nevertheless, there are some excellent no-frills retinol products on the market that work every bit as well as their pricier counterparts for clearing skin and smoothing fine lines – and we’ve included recommendations below at a range of price points. How should I use retinol skincare? Retinol comes in strengths ranging from 0.0015% to 1% or higher. Many creams fall in the middle of this range, at around 0.1% to 0.3%. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety suggests that 0.3% is the maximum safe concentration for face or hand creams. Since this is one of the stronger treatments on our list, we definitely recommend building up tolerance gradually, especially if you have sensitive skin. Start with one of the other lighter formulations reviewed here, or incorporate the A-Passioni cream into your skincare routine very slowly over time, combining it with another moisturiser or oil if it’s causing dryness.

Since topical retinoids increase the skin cell turnover of the skin, they increase the glow and smoothness of the skin,” she says. “Moreover, topical retinoids can also help penetration of other active ingredients like topical lightening creams.” Those who have sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema or rosacea, would be wise to do a patch test first, or speak to a dermatologist before adding retinol to your skincare routine. It comes in three strengths — 0.25 percent, 0.5 percent, and 1 percent — so you can gradually move up if needed. Retinol is also a type of retinoid that is commonly available in various strengths in the form of gels, creams, and serums. Retinol works by penetrating the deep layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and elasticity.Don’t forget to do a patch test when testing it out to confirm that it’s a good match. To do a patch test, you’ll apply a small amount of the cream on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you notice any signs of irritation or an allergic reaction — like swelling or a rash — do not continue using the product. Cost To answer all of your burning retinol questions, we looked to the experts to decode the ingredient in the simplest terms. Ahead, we broke down the need-to-know info to add retinol into your routine, including the shopping tips and our favorite retinol creams and serums to date. What Is Retinol? It’s important to note that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. You may burn more easily, which can lead to more skin damage. It uses a retinoid complex and vitamin B3 to target fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help improve dark spots, brightness, and skin texture.