Ever wondered what the best Paula’s Choice retinol products are for you and your unique needs? A common mistake you can make with retinol is thinking you’re special and can skip to the highest concentrations without irritating your skin. Hint: you’re NOT special.
Retinol is a double-edged sword. Yes, it makes your skin smoother, brightens it up and kicks wrinkles away from your face. But when you use too much too soon, it’s gonna make your skin all red and flaky. The trick is to start with the smallest concentration you can find and work your way up. I’ve written a post on how to do this here.
FYI, I recommend Paula’s Choice retinol products for this. The brand has more than half a dozen, all with different concentrations, making it easy for you to up your retinol game when you’re ready. (P.S. If you prefer The Ordinary, I’ve got a guide to their retinoid products, too. Check it out here.)
Here’s a quick guide to Paula’s Choice retinol products to help you choose which one to begin with and which one to upgrade to when the time comes:
- FAQ ON RETINOL
- Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturiser With Retinol ($38.00)
- Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream ($38.00)
- Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream ($49.00)
- Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Retinol ($34.00)
- Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate With Retinol ($34.00)
- Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment ($54.00)
- Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturiser ($63.00)
- Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum ($46.00)
- Paula’s Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment ($29.00)
- Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster ($52.00)
- Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment ($64.00)
FAQ ON RETINOL
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A – and an anti-aging superstar. It’s the only thing that’s been proven, so far, to reduce the wrinkles you already have, not just their appearance.
What are the benefits of retinol?
Retinol fights wrinkles in three ways: it fights free radicals, boosts the production of collagen, and speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliating process – and in so doing, it also helps treat acne and fade away dark spots. “Retinols increase skin cell turnover and slough away dead skin cells,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum. “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.”
Does retinol has any side effects?
Retinol is powerful and powerful ingredients can cause side effects. It can cause dryness, irritation, redness and flaky, especially when you start using it.
When should you use retinol?
At night. Retinol gets deactivated by sunlight, so there’s no point in using it during the day. Start with a small concentration a couple of times a week and increase both dose and frequency overtime as your skin gets used to it.
How often should you use retinol?
When you first start out, a couple of nights a week. As you get used to it, increase it to every other night (on nights you exfoliate, NEVER use retinol).
Who should you use retinol?
Retinol is suitable for all skin types (bar maybe sensitive). If you’re serious about anti-aging, this is for you.
Who should NOT use retinol?
- Anyone under 25: You don’t need it.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Vitamin A can cause birth defects in rats.
- Very sensitive skin: If even the smallest concentrations of retinol irritate your skin, it’s not for you.
How do I know what concentration of retinol do I need?
If you’ve never used retinol before, you need the lowest concentration you can find. That’s usually between 0.01 and 0.03%. If you’ve been using retinol for a while, you can upgrade to middle strength, around 0.1-0.5%. And if you’ve been using it for years, you can go all the way up to 1%. As a rule, if a concentration irritates your skin, cut back usage.
How do I know when to upgrade to a higher retinol dose?
You know it’s time to upgrade to a higher dose when your skin is experiencing a plateau. You started using retinol and your skin improved and then… things stabilised. You’re not experiencing any side effects, like dryness and irritations. Things are just ok. That’s your cue you’re ready for the next level. The catch? You need to introduce it slowly. Go back to twice a week and build up frequency gradually. If your skin gets irritated, you may have upgraded too soon.
Beginner Retinol Products
Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturiser With Retinol ($38.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
Our most advanced anti-ageing formula for dry skin. This skin-reviving moisturiser is infused with retinol and contains a potent mix of antioxidants to strengthen skin and promote younger-looking, firmer skin. The hydrating, creamy formula provides long-lasting moisture for softer, smoother more radiant skin.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.01%. I know it seems useless, but it’s enough to kickstart the anti-aging process.
OTHER KEY INGREDIENTS
Shea butter creates a protective barrier on the skin that keeps moisture in and germs out. It’s deeply moisturising and soothing. Plus, the cream contains a bunch of antioxidants to prevent premature wrinkles.
PERFORMANCE
This creamy, lightweight lotion is ideal for retinol beginners. Retinol can be drying when you first start using it, but the small concentration paired with the moisturising shea butter base counteracts that, giving you all the benefits without the side effects.
My only issue is the moisturiser format. People are used to applying the same moisturiser every night until it runs out. But you shouldn’t use retinol daily. Three nights a week is more than enough. Use it more and you may risk dryness or irritation.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it’s fragrance-free.
SKIN TYPE
Due to the moisturising shea butter base, it works better for normal and dry skin types.
BEST FOR
I recommend this to first-time retinol users with dry skin. If you want to start introducing retinol in your skincare routine and you prefer a moisturising formula, this is a great option to consider.
Available at: Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream ($38.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
A concentrated anti-aging moisturizing cream infused with skin-restoring ingredients to significantly improve skin’s texture, smoothness, and hydration, renewing a beautifully youthful and healthy glow.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.01%. Seems tiny, but it’s enough to give beginners results.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Jojoba oil and ceramides create a protective barrier on the skin that trap moisture in, helping to keep it moisturised for hours. Antioxidants (and there are soooo many here!) fight free radicals before they can give you premature wrinkles. Finally, you’ll find a few peptides here. The brand (now that Paula Begoun has left – she does know better!) swear they firm skin, but the only proof of that comes from the manufacturer.
PERFORMANCE
A rich cream that deeply moisturises skin while treating wrinkles. If you have oily skin, this could give you breakouts – but then this isn’t formulated for your skin type. It’s a great cream for the winter months when your skin feels drier than usual. Just don’t use it every day. Even at these small concentrations, retinol isn’t meant to be used daily.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrance.
SKIN TYPE
Dry skin.
BEST FOR
Beginners with dry skin looking for their first retinol products and who prefer a rich and creamy formula. It’s also great for colder winter months.
Available at: Dermstore, Paula’s Choice and Sephora
Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream ($49.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
This hydrating eye cream visibly smooths under eye wrinkles with a concentrated blend of five replenishing ceramides, four forms of brightening vitamin C, two peptides and clinically proven retinol.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.01%. But it’s a good concentration for an eye cream. The skin here is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face, so the more you use, the more irritating it gets. Small and steady wins the anti-aging race here.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Ceramides strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. This is super important for the eye area that’s more prone to environmental aggressions. Ceramides help to keep it softer and smoother. Plus, it has two Vitamin C derivatives and a bunch of other antioxidants that helps prevent wrinkles. But there’s nothing here specifically for dark circles or puffy eyes.
PERFORMANCE
First of all, let me say you do NOT need an eye cream. Eye creams are just facial moisturiser in smaller tubes – and they usually cost more! This eye cream in particular is a rich anti-aging moisturiser. If you have dry skin, you can just use one of the two moisturisers above all over your face and you’ll get the same results. But if you want a separate eye cream, this helps to prevent wrinkles while the rich texture counteracts dryness.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrance.
SKIN TYPE
Normal and dry skin.
BEST FOR
Anyone with dry skin who wants to use a separate anti-aging eye cream (even though you don’t need to!)
Available at: Cult Beauty, Net-A-Porter, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK
Related: Do You Really Need An Eye Cream?
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Retinol ($34.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
A rich, concentrated antioxidant serum with an effective but gentle amount of retinol that restores moisture while defending against environmental stressors and signs of aging.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.01%. Again, a small percentage. But it gets your skin used to retinol without drying it out.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
It has a bunch of natural oils, including olive and grape seed, that deeply moisturising skin. Plus, it uses a mix of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that can fight wrinkles and reduce irritations.
PERFORMANCE
The siliconey base gives it a silky smooth texture that doesn’t clog pores or suffocate skin (click the link to debunk these myths). It’s richer than most serums, though, and packs a little moisturising punch. It serves to counteract the potentially drying effects of retinol, so you can fight wrinkles without side effects.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it is fragrance-free.
SKIN TYPE
Dry and sensitive skin.
BEST FOR
Anyone with dry and sensitive skin looking for their first retinol serum. Compared to other products here, this is more soothing.
Available at: Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate With Retinol ($34.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
A skin-renewing antioxidant serum with an effective but gentle amount of retinol that helps develop a balanced-looking complexion while helping defend against environmental stressors.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.03%. Because oily skin can take it.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
It has a bunch of antioxidants and soothing ingredients to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, two of the main causes of premature aging.
PERFORMANCE
The siliconey base gives it a silky, gel-like texture – and no, it doesn’t clog pores (click the link to debunk these myths)! It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly and helps prevent wrinkles. It’s not as moisturising as other products in this section, but that’s because oily skin doesn’t need that as much.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it is fragrance-free.
SKIN TYPE
Oily and acne-prone skin.
BEST FOR
Anyone with oily and acne-prone skin looking for their first retinol serum.
Available at: Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment ($54.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
Triple-action retinol, bakuchiol and peptides support collagen-depleted skin to target fine lines, deep wrinkles, enlarged pores and loss of firmness.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.3% retinol. Higher than the others, but still low enough for a beginner.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Bakuchiol is called natural retinol. Studies show that it reduces fine lines and wrinkles as well as retinol. The catch? You need to apply it twice a day to see the same results retinol gives you when used every other day. It’s good to have both in a product, but it’s not exactly the miracle worker brands make it out to be. As for the peptides, the only proof they work come from the manufacturer.
PERFORMANCE
This fast-absorbing, lightweight lotion helps prevent new wrinkles from forming as well as reducing the ones you already have. It’s not as hydrating as other formulas and doesn’t contain that many extra antioxidants either. But retinol and bakuchiol together will help you fight wrinkles faster than the other products in the beginner category – and you can always upgrade from there later on.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it is fragrance-free.
SKIN TYPE
All skin types.
BEST FOR
Anyone who wants to try bakuchiol but is not ready to ditch retinol yet.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK
Related: Is Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol?
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Intermediate Retinol Products
Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturiser ($63.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
Visibly smooth wrinkles, renew a firmer feel and enhance moisture balance with a concentrated blend of ceramides plus a potent blend of vitamin c and retinol that plumps skin and fortifies skin’s protective barrier.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.1%. I know it sound small, but this percentage is starting to get intense. We’re definitely not at the beginner level anymore.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Ceramides have two jobs: they strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and make your skin softer and smoother. And, they also make retinol easier to tolerate. The stronger your skin’s protective barrier is, the less likely you are to experience retinol irritation. Plus, the cream has a bunch of antioxidants, including a Vitamin C derivative, to fight free radicals and prevent wrinkles.
PERFORMANCE
This lightweight creamy lotion takes a few seconds to sink in, but does a great job at moisturising skin. After every use, your skin is softer and brighter. That’s in the short-term. In the long-term, it helps to prevent and reduce wrinkles for a younger-looking complexion. My only issue is that you’ll be tempted to use it every day. Aren’t moisturisers supposed to be used every night? Yes, but not when they contain retinol. Every other night is more than enough. Don’t overdo it!
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrance.
SKIN TYPE
Dry skin.
BEST FOR
Intermediate retinol users looking for an anti-aging moisturiser that really delivers.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Net-A-Porter, and Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum ($46.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
This extravagantly silky serum blends pure retinol and potent antioxidants to help impart firmer-feeling skin, smooth and soften fine lines and wrinkles, and provide hydration so skin of any age can look radiant and revitalized.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.1%. A good medium-strength dose.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
It has a bunch of antioxidants and soothing agents to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, the two main causes of aging.
PERFORMANCE
There’s a reason this serum is so silky and an absolute pleasure to use. It’s loaded with silicones. That’s not a bad thing. Contrary to popular opinion, silicones don’t suffocate skin or clog pores. They have a big molecular structure made up of gaps in between molecules, so skin can perspire through these gaps. Instead, they make the serum a pleasure to use and fill in fine lines and wrinkles, so they look smaller while retinol slowly works its anti-aging magic.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrance.
SKIN TYPE
All skin types can use it. But it’s best for combination to oily skin.
BEST FOR
Intermediate retinol users who want to make wrinkles look smaller in the short-term while retinol works on them long-term.
Available at: Paula’s Choice
Related: Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum Full Review
Paula’s Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment ($29.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
An advanced moisturizing body lotion that gently gives skin the transforming power of pure retinol to help diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone and rejuvenate the feeling of soft firmer skin.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
0.1%. A good medium-strength dose that gets results without excessive irritation.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Shea butter, natural oils, and synthetic emollients to deeply moisturise even the driest of body skin.
PERFORMANCE
A rich, but non-greasy lotion that does a fantastic job at smoothening out skin. It has so many emollients (including shea butter and natural oils) that deeply moisturise skin and fill in nooks and crannies in your skin – a sure way to smoothen out any imperfections in seconds. Retinol also smoothens out skin by speeding up exfoliation and fading away wrinkles, but that requires regular use over a few months. Still, you’ll see visible results quickly.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrance.
SKIN TYPE
All skin types.
BEST FOR
Anyone who wants to fight premature wrinkles all over your body, not just your face. Cos your body deserves some love too.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice, and SpaceNK
Advanced Retinol Products
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster ($52.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
This lightweight, concentrated booster with 1% encapsulated retinol helps to even skin tone, renew radiance, brighten, improve the appearance of wrinkles and create a smooth complexion.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
1%, the highest available OTC. Keep in mind that, if you mix it with a moisturiser or serum, you’ll get less than 1% when you apply to your skin.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Natural oils and ceramides moisturise skin and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier to counteract the drying effects of retinol. Plus, there’s a sprinkle of antioxidants to fight wrinkles and prevent premature aging.
PERFORMANCE
A fluid, fast-absorbing lotion you can use it on its own for maximum strength or, if your skin isn’t ready for it yet, mix with your fave moisturiser or serum to make retinol gentler for you. It makes skin smoother, more-even toned and even helps fight acne. The moisturising base helps contact dryness, too.
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it’s fragrance-free.
SKIN TYPE
Best for combination, normal, and dry skin.
BEST FOR
Advanced retinol users who want the freedom to mix retinol with their fave serums and moisturisers.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Net-A-Porter, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment ($64.00)
WHAT PAULA’S CHOICE SAYS
A potent and uniquely formulated retinol solution that hydrates and delivers remarkable anti-aging benefits with a controlled-release delivery system to allow for even, consistent absorption.
RETINOL PERCENTAGE
1%, the maximum allowed in skincare products OTC.
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Ceramides to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, moisturise skin, and counteract the drying effects of retinol. Plus, a sprinkle of antioxidants to prevent new wrinkles.
PERFORMANCE
A lightweight lotion that helps reduce wrinkles, treat acne, shrink pores, and even fade away dark spots. The moisturising base helps counteract dryness to an extent – if you have dry skin, you’ll still need to use a separate moisturiser. This is the most powerful retinol product from Paula’s Choice, so you need to work your way up here slowly. If your skin isn’t ready, there’ll be side effects (think dryness and irritation).
FRAGRANCE-FREE
Yes, it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrance.
SKIN TYPE
All skin types bar sensitive.
BEST FOR
Advanced retinol users. You’ve been using retinol for years and worked your way up to 1%.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Net-A-Porter, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK
The Verdict
There you have it, your complete guide to Paula’s Choice Retinol products. The truth is, you can’t go wrong with any of them. They all work and do what they say on the tin. The trick is to pick a serum or cream with the right formula, with the right concentration of retinol, texture, and supporting actives, for your unique skin type and needs.
May I use Eucerine even brighter spot corrector and concentrate in the morning and retinol 0.5 ,from dermaceutic at night..
Why you did not condider b resorcinol as an alternative to hydroquinon on your blog “skin whitening …..alernative to hydroquinon”
Devika, yes to your first question. For the second question, there isn’t much independent research showing that B-resorcinol is very effective yet. If I had hyperpigmnetation, I’d use hydroquinone for 4 months, then switch to either azelaic acid or alpha arbutin for 4 months, and start the cycle again. Hydroquinone is the most effective treatments for dark spots we currently have and I don’t believe B-resorcinol has proved itself to be a valid alternative. Of course, this may change as more research is done.
Needs product suggestions for Azelaic Acid and Alpha Arbutin please. Is Alpha Arbutin proven to be better than Arbutin? Thanks!
Kaido, alpha arbutin is the most effective type of arbutin. But what’s the best skin-lightener for your skin depends on your skin! Different people react better to a different ingredient so it’s a matter of experimenting to find out what works best for you. The Ordinary has cheap azelaic acid and arbutin products you can try to see which one your skin likes best. Paula’s Choice makes some good products with them too but it’s more expensive.
Great article! Been using TO Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for probably 1 year before stepping up to PC Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment and quickly realized that’s a step too big. Currently buffering by applying Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion and then the treatment after the lotion is completely dry. This helps reduce the dryness and flaking on my skin. Any idea the retinol % for the emulsion? Do you recommend to continue with PC 1% or should I step down a level first? Thanks Gio.
Kaido, ouch! I hate it when that happens! I’m not 100% sure because TO doesn’t list the % but I’ve heard it’s 1% too. The difference is that TO is micro encapsulated so it doesn’t hit your skin at all once so it’s not as irritating.
I’d definitely try a smaller, non micronecapsulated concentration or just use PC 1% less often to give your skin more time to get used to it.
Hi Gio 🙂
I have not been able to find recommendations from you on sunscreens from Paula’s Choice. I have been following your blog for some time now, so I know you like that brand. Are the sunscreens just no good? I have been looking at Paula’s Choice Calm Mineral Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dry Skin and Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 30 because I want a sunscreen with a mineral filter. I broke out really badly this summer (looked almost like acne which I have never had before) when I started using the mineral sunscreen from Madara. Maybe it was the scent or something. My skin is starting to improve a lot, but it is still not the way it was before. I started a lot of very active ingredients this summer (vitamin c, granactive retinoid 2%, glycolic acid), so maybe it was just a combination of all of them, but I thought maybe Paula’s Choice would be the way to go from here on regarding sunscreen.
And thank you for an amazing blog and great advice!
Sofie, Paula’s Choice sunscreens are good. Sure, like all mineral sunscreen, they can feel a little heavy or greasy, especially if your skin is oily. But they offer excellent protection. I just haven’t mentioned them often because there are so many good products out there and I don’t want to list 10+ in every post or it gets overwhelming for the reader!
What a great site! I just came across it this morning, so informative!
I have a question re retinol and skin cancer, hoping you could share your thoughts 🙂 4 years ago I began a prescription grade retinol and about 8 weeks after use I noticed a BCC had appeared on my forehead. I was careful to use sunscreen of course but at the time lived in Australia so.. maybe I wasn’t protected 100% all the time? Anyway, it scared me off retinol for a few years. Until the middle of 2017 when I began using the PC Retinol (first one you review) and a serum with retinol in it-
Assuming the first BCC was an unlucky coincidence. However, 6 weeks later a second BCC appeared on my forehead (I’m 37 years-old). What on earth! I know the literature suggests retinol has a positive effect on skin cancers, right? So do you have any other theories? In my experience, retinol use has resulted in 2 scars on my forehead!! I use sunscreen everyday but admittedly did not reapply before I left work and walked home. I now live in Sweden, so at least I am no longer living in the harsh sunny climate of Australia.. But still trying to figure out whether what I am putting on my skin is exacerbating my chance of getting BCCs and also, how to avoid future ones!!
Laura, I’m sorry this is happening to you. It must be very frustrating. Retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage if you aren’t religious with sunscreen. But if you really want to figure out if this is what happened, you need to consult a doctor. In the meantime, avoid retinol just to be on the safe side.
Hi Gio! Is SKIN RECOVERY SUPER ANTIOXIDANT CONCENTRATE SERUM WITH RETINOL a silicone based product?
Elisa, yes it is.
Hi, Gio! I’m 23 and I’d like to ask if there’s a time when it’s too early to use retinol. Could it be wrong to use retinol before your 30s? If that’s the case, why would that be? Thank you so much and keep up your amazing work!
Lucy, there is no clear date. But if you’re diligent with sunscreen, I wouldn’t bother with retinol until you’re 25 at least. Don’t get sucked up by the hype. Use what you need when you need it.
Hi Gio, really hoping you can help. Your website convinced me to buy my first retinol- RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol by Paula’s choice. I’ve been using it for past 4 months with little results and am wondering if I have been applying enough. I’ve been applying only one pump (ie one pea size). Is this not enough given that the retinol is diluted in the moisterizer and a low %? Does the pea sized application apply to concentrated serums (at higher strengths) only? Should I instead apply enough of this product to moisterizer my face? You are my last resort because I can’t find this information anywhere. THANK YOU!!
Alyssa, I think your expectations are just too high. Retinol works… SLOWLY. It takes at least 2 months before it can start affecting collagen production. At first you will see just an improvement in the texture of your skin and only with constant use a difference in your wrinkles.
Do keep using this moisturiser for the time being and then upgrade to a serum with a slightly higher dose so you can see results a little faster. Ideally, you should build up tolerance until you’re ready for prescription tretinoin, as that works the fastest. But it’s very harsh and can dry out your skin massively if your skin isn’t ready for it.