August 12, 2020
*AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. I only link to products that I have personally used or use and endorse. You can review my full policy here.
Do you want a more youthful complexion? Are you ready to upgrade your weekly skincare routine, but need to keep it simple? If so, retinol may be your new best friend.
Perhaps you already know and love the benefits of retinol, but don't want to deal with the irritation, peeling or redness that sometimes result from regular use? Trust me, I can relate! Over the past 20 years, I've used many different products that contain Vitamin A.
Dermatologists often recommend tretinoin cream (usually known as Retin A), from relatively mild (0.25%) to a strong (0.1%) formulation.
You probably already know that tretinoin is clinically proven to control acne. In recent years, it has also been become a very popular way to treat many of the common signs of aging. Tretinoin can help to minimize fine fines and wrinkles, reduce pigmentation and give your complexion a brighter, refreshed appearance.
While the prescription medication tretinoin is stronger than over the counter retinol, it commonly causes redness, peeling or irritation during the first 8-12 weeks of use as your skin adjusts. It also makes your skin more sun sensitive. Understandably, not everyone is willing to deal with the downtime of the adjustment period or the increased sensitivity.
Tretinoin in a 0.25% formula tends to cause less irritation than the full strength version. Some skincare professionals recommend starting slow and gradually using a higher percentage once you skin starts to adjust. Or, you can use a 0.1% cream but limit use to 2-3 nights per week. Some physicians suggest mixing it with your night cream or lotion to dilute it a bit. All of these options can help control irritation and peeling.
If you want something gentler than tretinoin, spa and drugstore brand retinol formulas are plentiful. They are also affordable, typically costing around $20 to $100 or more. I kept hoping to find a Vitamin A based product that offers real results without irritation. So last year, I was incredibly excited to find Cody Montarbo's Professional Repairing Retinol. This superstars product offer all the benefits of retinol without the redness or downtime of similar products.
Professional Repairing Retinol combines a powerful 3% retinol in a moisturizing base of hyaluronic acid and squalane. This elegant formulation goes on like a luxurious moisturizing cream, but with a generous, effective dose of retinol.
Instead of seeing redness or irritation, you wake up with clearer, glowing skin! This formula works well for all skin types but will likely be especially loved by normal to dry or mature skin types.
Dry skin? No problem! You will wake up with smooth, soft skin that is well moisturized.
If you want one single product to up your skincare game, this retinol cream is a fantastic option for improving the appearance of aging skin.
Creator Cody Montarbo is an experienced, dedicated esthetician who specializes in treating aging skin, pigmentation and acne. To view Cody's educational, honest and in-depth videos, check out his YouTube channel. You will sense his deep knowledge, passion and dedication to his craft.
While there is no "miracle" product for every skin issue, retinol is a proven, effective way to improve aging skin's health and appearance. This product can be used on your neck, chest and hands, too.
I suggest the following for maximum benefits:
Additional note from the Montarbo site:
Retinol is a very active ingredient that stimulates the skin, often causing redness, peeling and flaking. Less is more. A pea size amount is recommended until tolerance is built up.
Mild acne purging can occur if you have hidden congestion beneath the skin. Using a moisturizing mask 3 times a week while using our Professional Repairing Retinol is recommended to ensure adequate hydration.
Finally, do remember to protect your skin with a mineral-based SPF 30 or higher during sun exposure. Please consider taking a break from this product (or any retinoid product) if you're on a sunny vacation or during times when you get a lot of sun exposure.
If you have questions, please let me know in the comments below.
If you found this information useful, share this post with friends or on your social media, as it allows me to grow my audience and help more women with their beauty needs.
For more tips, please subscribe to my Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest.
Please note: I only share products I’ve used personally and wholeheartedly recommend. All products are Cruelty-Free.
Michelle Ray is a skin care brand consultant with 13 years of experience in medical aesthetics sales, product development and marketing. She is also a former yoga teacher/massage therapist and a lifelong beauty-product junkie.
Michelle operates the Smart Beauty Rituals website where she shares honest, accurate information about quality products that can make a real difference in your skin's health and appearance.