Tuesday, March 31, 2020
As far as ingredients and actives that are consistently recommended—and receive top marks from dermatologists—vitamin A (aka retinols and their more powerful cousins, retinoids) is tough to beat. Beloved for its ability to encourage cell-turnover, the process that replaces your tired-out skin cells with fresh new ones, a retinol product can boost skin's natural collagen levels, smooth wrinkles, fade dark spots, and even help clear away acne. But with so many retinol and retinoid products on the market, choosing one can be overwhelming. And of course, there's always the distinction between Retin-A (a prescription, high concentration retinoid) opposed to a retinol (a subset of retinoids that errs on the more gentle side), which you can snap up without a doctor's rec. It all comes down to how intense you want the product to be. Worry not—we've put together a list of our favorite retinol and retinoid creams, serums, and treatments for every skin type and need.
Face masks are basically the ultimate self-care product in the realm of skincare, so if you’re looking for a way to ease into incorporating the magical ingredient into your routine, masks are a great entry-level place to start. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite mild, yet effective retinol masks to give you a flake-free glow.
1. Retinol Anti-Aging Sheet Mask
This dullness-reducing and skin-firming sheet mask contains a powerful blend of anti-aging ingredients that improve the appearance of the skin without overdrying or causing irritation. It contains Retinyl Palmitate, the most gentle form of retinoids to exfoliate, brighten and soften, along with moisturizing ingredients that helps counteract any side effects.
2. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Face Sleeping Mask
This creamy sleeping mask contains soothing avocado, encapsulated retinol, and matcha to help combat the signs of aging without compromising the skin’s moisture barrier. This nourishing mask contains encapsulated retinol, an advanced form of retinoids that releases antioxidants gradually after you apply, making it more gentle without reducing the effectiveness.
3. Global Beauty Care Retinol Spa Anti-Aging Treatment Mask
This retinol-infused sheet mask gently exfoliates the skin, resulting in instant brightness and improving the appearance of fine lines and texture with a few uses. Unlike other retinol products, this mask also contains nourishing ingredients like collagen and peptides to help hydrate and retain moisture in just fifteen minutes.