Are You Team Retinol? Let Me Help You Decide!

Should Retinol be a part of your anti-aging skin care routine?
The short answer is “Yes, because I said so.” If you’ve been reading my blog for the last ten years and following  my skin care advice, you already know that I’ve never steered you wrong, SO for you, a simple “yes” is sufficient. But for the rest of you, I’ll explain : )

Retinol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended cosmetic anti-aging ingredient. Chances are, if you go to your derm today, and tell him or her that you’re concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, you’ll walk out with a retinol recommendation. But, why?  Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali of Sadick Dermatology  explains:  “Retinols and retinoids are BY FAR the best ingredients in dermatology, and especially when it comes to anti-aging.  They stimulate increased cell turnover and remove excess debris that can clog pores. I like to refer to this as the “detoxing” phase of skin rejuvenation.”

It’s the one ingredient that dermatologists  universally agree is effective in correcting the appearance of aging skin, but here’s the kicker….

1. Choose a formulation that is gentle.
2. Don’t break the bank — A good retinol based product doesn’t need to cost a lot.
3. Proceed with caution — Start with night time use and alternate nights to allow your skin to adjust.
4. Wear sunscreen everyday — But you’re already doing this anyway, right?!!

I’ve been using RoC retinol products for years  (reviews here and here). RoC  works and their products satisfy points 1 through 4 above. The pocket-book friendly line (yes, you can find it in your local drugstore) is formulated in such a way that it’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t cause excessive peeling or drying (a common side effect to retinol products that are way too strong).  As with all skincare, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily, but it’s especially important if you’re using retinol because retinol can make skin ultra sensitive to the sun.

Where should you start?

According to  Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, “Bottom line – everyone should use them!  Benefits include evening out of skin tone, decreasing acne, shrinking pores, decreasing redness, improving hyperpigmentation, increasing cell turnover, and most importantly, stimulating collagen which improve the appearance of wrinkles.”

I recommend adding your retinol step to your nighttime routine. RoC offers four, yes FOUR, nighttime formulations to choose from:

RoC ^® RETINOL CORREXION ^® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream  — your go to if you have deep wrinkles
RoC ^® RETINOL CORREXION ^® Sensitive Night Cream  —  designed for the retinol newbie
RoC ^® MULTI CORREXION ^® LIFT Anti-Gravity Night Cream — if skin is showing signs of sagging (this is an anti-aging focus for many women of color *raises hand*)
RoC ^® MULTI CORREXION ^® 5 In 1 Restoring Night Cream — a good choice if dull tone and discoloration is also a focus

So —  Should Retinol be a part of your anti-aging skin care routine?
Absolutely! Take it from me &    Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali. We know a thing or two!

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