Aging skin is a part of getting older. Unfortunately, fighting the signs of aging can be expensive. From an array of procedures and products, the costs can be outrageous. So how can you fight the signs of aging without maxing out a credit card? For as little as $20 you can use the gold standard for fighting wrinkles, retinol, and you don’t need a prescription.
LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer
$19.99 Amazon w/ Free Prime Shipping
Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars, over 11,504 reviews.
While retinol has been around for many years, I shied away from it after hearing of the side effects from friends using it for acne years ago. But, I have constantly seen prescription-strength retinol to help in wrinkle reduction at dermatology offices advertised. Therefore, I thought that the over the counter retinol products I was seeing in drugstores could not compare. I was WRONG.
Over the counter retinol is extremely affordable in cost comparison to products and procedures advertised to fight wrinkles. There are several studies on retinol and wrinkles. Specifically, a study on the Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin With Vitamin A (Retinol) to evaluate the effectiveness of topical retinol (vitamin A) in improving the clinical signs of naturally aged skin. The study was on a prescription-strength of 0.4% retinol and its effectiveness.
Tree of Life Retinol Serum for Face and Skin
$10.95 Amazon Free Shipping Prime
Reviews: 4. 5 out of 5 stars and 8674 reviews
"As human skin naturally ages, it becomes thin, lax, and finely wrinkled. Of these changes, fine wrinkles are most easily appreciated clinically, with severity correlating strongly with age. We have demonstrated through this randomized controlled clinical trial that topical 0.4% retinol improves the clinical appearance of naturally aged human skin."
But, what about over the counter retinols, do they work too?
“Over-the-counter retinols can give you the same results of a prescription,” said Marnie Nussbaum, a dermatologist in Manhattan and an assistant professor at Cornell NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “It will just take longer.”
NEW YORK TIMES (MARCH, 14 2019) BY TATIANA BONCOMPAGNI
Maryann Organics Anti Aging Retinol Moisturizer Cream for Face – Natural and Organic Night Cream
$20.89 Amazon Free Prime Shipping
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 1300 reviews
Not only do many dermatologists state they work, but the lower percentage of retinol can help aid in fewer side effects.
Dr. Kellie Reed, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, Austin. “Typically, retinols found in OTC are weaker as compared to prescription-only retinoids (such as tretinoin),” says the dermatologist. “It can take longer to achieve your goals with OTC retinols since they have to undergo conversion to the active form, but for some, these products are better tolerated and less irritating,” notes Dr. Reed.
Forbes Magazine February 16, 2020 by Noma Nazish
YEOUTH Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
$19.95 Amazon Free Prime Shipping
Reviews: 4.5 stars out of 5 with over 3400 reviews
HOW TO USE
- Start with a pea-size amount.
- Use at night, as retinol can cause skin sensitivity in sunlight and hurt skin instead of helping it.
- Use one time per week to start.
Retinols are suggested to be applied at night but don’t work overnight. Often taking 1-3 months before seeing visible differences. Additionally, the most common side effects are redness and irritation. But, generally dissipate after a couple of weeks. Start slow and work up to applying more than one time a week, if desired.
Study for reference:
*If you are allergic to any of its components do not use it. If you have an undesired reaction, stop the use of it. Please read all instructions before use. I am not a physician.
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