Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is hailed as the most effective topical skin care ingredient for combating fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help clear acne. However, retinol comes with its fair share of drawbacks, most commonly including skin dryness and irritation.
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That’s why it’s essential to pair your retinol product with a high-quality moisturizer that’ll help rehydrate your skin. Just make sure you check the ingredient labels carefully, because you don’t want to be mixing a retinol serum with an exfoliating moisturizer containing ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or benzoyl peroxide.
In this article: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
When choosing a retinol product, it’s important to consider the retinol concentration in relation to your level of skin sensitivity, as well as how often you use the product. If your skin is easily irritated, try a lower concentration of retinol and only apply it every other day.
Since retinol can increase sun sensitivity, it’s recommended to use retinol at nighttime only. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, under the age of 25 or taking certain medications, you should also avoid retinol. When in doubt, it’s always best to check with your dermatologist.
As with incorporating any new skin care product into your beauty routine, a patch test on a small area of your skin can help you determine how your skin will react to the product before you apply it all over your face. Wait 24-48 hours after the patch test before applying all over.
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If you’re using a retinol serum, pick a high-quality, non-irritating moisturizer (such as the ones below) to apply on top. This will help replenish the moisture in your skin, as retinol can sometimes dry it out.
This deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid cream can be applied to your face and body to help restore your skin’s barrier. It’s fragrance-free, oil-free and safe for sensitive skin.
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator
With a pleasant, refreshing gel-like texture, this moisturizer boosts hydration instantly and for 72 hours following application. It leaves a velvety smooth finish.
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer + Barrier Strengthening
Ceramides help restore the skin's natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental stressors. They’re a key ingredient in this plumping moisturizer that blurs the appearance of fine lines.
Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream Refillable Barrier Moisturizer with Ceramides
This hydrating cream is another ceramide-packed product to go along with your retinol routine. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and red algae, it deeply nourishes dry skin.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer
Shea butter and ceramides work together in this lightweight moisturizer to hydrate skin and leave it feeling soft and silky. What it’s formulated without: a long list of harsh and toxic ingredients including alcohol, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, lanolin, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum and phthalates.
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
This noncomedogenic face cream is made with five key ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin to provide lasting hydration for sensitive skin.
Drench your skin in 72 hours of hydration with this balancing facial cream formulated with squalane and glacial glycoprotein. It works to reduce redness and has a calming feel to it.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This aptly monikered cream delivers a boost of hydration to your skin thanks to the hyaluronic acid formula. The gel texture is especially pleasant for people with oily skin.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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