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This must-have skincare product will leave your skin looking better than ever.

Byrdie
Trendy skincare ingredients come and go, but an OG remains the reigning champion at delivering proven resultsretinol.
Retinol, a derivative ofvitamin A, is a powerhouse ingredient, saysDr.
Azadeh Shirazi, M.D.,a board-certified dermatologist.

PHOTO: Sephora
She explains that retinol stimulates collagen andhyaluronic acidproduction, boosts circulation in the skin, and minimizesfine lines.
Additionally, according to board-certified dermatologistDr.
In short, theres very littleretinoidsretinol includedcant do.
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After consulting with two board-certified dermatologists and compiling our insights, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Over time, with regular use, she also found that the retinol cream helped reduce hyperpigmentation.
This product is also super hydrating, with a creamy texture that still feels lightweight on the skin.

PHOTO: Rite Aid
I’d say after the first week, I started to see the difference.
I have mostly fine lines on my forehead and around my mouth, which seemed smoother.
This is also helping a lot with my hyperpigmentation.
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It’s not an overnight fix, but with everyday use, I’ve seen a difference.
We like the products creamy texture and quick absorption and how smooth and hydrated the skin feels after software.
I have a natural frown line that was smoothed over with the Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream.

PHOTO: Ulta
She was also impressed that it didnt irritate or dry out her skinespecially considering how effective it is.
However, she still needed to follow up with a moisturizer to keep her skin looking hydrated and healthy.
Its made with retinaldehyde, which is more potent than retinol and triggers a faster cell turnover process.
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She also mentioned that her fine lines were softening, and her overall skin texture felt smoother.
This cream has a gentle formula free of parabens, fragrances, and dyes and is dermatologist-tested.
It targets fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone, and improves skin texture.

PHOTO: Amazon
However, she didnt see as much improvement in her dark spots as shed hoped.
Joline, tester with acne-prone skin:This retinol cream didn’t irritate my skin at all.
There was no redness, peeling, sensitivity, or any other negative side effects.
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I’ve used prescription retinol products in the past, but they’ve always made my skin very dry.
This retinol was gentle enough for everyday use.
I also saw some softening on the lines around my mouth.

PHOTO: Sephora
Also, despite having sensitive skin, she didnt experience any irritation with this product.
To my folks with eyebags and puffiness for days: there is a solution!
Its also made with ateff peptideandceramideNP blend, which help plump the skin and boost its naturalbarrier.
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Our tester, who is prone to hormonal breakouts, did not experience any adverse reactions to the product.
I notice less redness and blemishes and my skin overall looks firmer and tight.
I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on my skin and I fully attribute that to this moisturizer!

PHOTO: Sephora
Retinoids have many mechanisms of action, says Dr. Kobets.
These include influencing how cells proliferate, increasing skin cell turnover, and increasing collagen production.
Yes, with one big caveat.
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Yes, but dont forget your SPF.
She uses a retinol cream regularly as part of her skin cycling routine.
Ashley Ziegleris a lifestyle writer specializing in beauty and fashion.

PHOTO: SkinBetter
She tests products and services so she can stand behind her recommendations.
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PHOTO: Ulta
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PHOTO: Amazon
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PHOTO: Sephora
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