Retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A and has truly astounding anti-aging benefits for skin and highly effective in reversing sun damage and signs of aging. Retinoids have more proven skin benefits than any other anti-aging or anti-breakout compound.

Products containing retinol can help increase the appearance of firmness, improve uneven skin tone and smooth and refine the surface of skin.

Retinol can:

Visibly diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles

Boost collagen to soften lines

Increase cellular turnover

Dissolve oil to make pores appear tighter and smoother

Discourage clogging

Gradually disperse melanin clusters to even skin tone and fade dark spots.

What You Need to Know Before Using Retinol

Start using retinol slowly; mix it with your usual moisturizer or serum to see how your skin responds.

Look for mild cleansers, calming toners, well-formulated moisturizers, and serums loaded with antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients to help your skin get maximum benefits from the retinol.

Retinol can deteriorate when exposed to air and light so buy retinol products packaged in airtight, opaque containers

Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater; 90 percent of the visible signs of skin aging come from the sun’s UV rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

If you aren’t diligent about sun protection, even the most effective anti-aging ingredients won’t be able to deliver the results you want.

Vitamin C is great to use in the morning as an adjunct: A 2005 study showed that repeated topical use of both retinol and vitamin C may lessen signs of photoaging in skin.