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Is SkinMedica Retinol the Anti-Ager You Need?

Retinol Complex from SkinMedica promises to improve skin's texture and knock out lines and wrinkles

Skin Medica's Retinol Complex improves skin texture
Skin Medica's Retinol Complex improves skin texture


SkinMedica Retinol Complex contains a vitamin A derivative that may help reduce signs of aging. Retinol can fill in wrinkles and fine lines to give you a more youthful appearance, and SkinMedica's formula pairs it with a lineup of skin-nourishing ingredients. Ahead, read more about SkinMedica Retinol Complex to learn if it's right for you.

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0


The Concentrations
This complex comes in three different concentrations of retinol, a vitamin A derivative. The weakest concentration is found in Retinol Complex 0.25, $62. It's followed by Retinol Complex 0.5, $78. The strongest version is Retinol Complex 1.0, $93.

SkinMedica recommends starting with a low concentration and working your way up to a higher one. Retinol can cause skin irritation, so starting with a lower level allows your skin time to become accustomed to it.

The Benefits
SkinMedica Retinol Complex claims that it will strengthen your skin, improve its texture and even out your coloring. It is also supposed to reduce both your fine lines and your more serious wrinkles.

Considering that the superstar ingredient in this product is retinol, those claims make sense. Retinol has been proven to boost collagen production. As your collagen level increases, your skin's texture will become smoother, and wrinkles will even out.

Plus, research shows that retinol can benefit skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation. Usually, tone begins to improve after one to two months of using retinol, and wrinkle reduction is seen after two to three months.

SkinMedica Retinol Complex isn't just straight retinol. The lotion-like product also contains other good-for-skin ingredients. These include antioxidants for fighting free radicals and bisabolol to tame inflammation.

The Directions
Retinol should be applied once a day, preferably in the evening. Cleanse and dry your face. Smooth one pump of Retinol Complex over your face. If desired, apply it to your neck or chest. Then, top it off with a moisturizer.

While using this product, be sure to also use sun protection. Although it has been proven that retinol doesn't make you more susceptible to sunburn, sun damage will counter the product's anti-aging effects.

Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding are advised not to use retinol.

The Reviews
Beauty reviewers generally rate SkinMedica Retinol Complex with high marks for its anti-aging properties. They note that the product smoothes their skin and is even comfortable to use around delicate eyes to banish crow's feet.

Some reviewers do point out that there are cheaper retinol products on the market. However, these alternatives are often straight retinol without other beneficial ingredients, or they offer lower concentrations of the active ingredient.

Some users also get an added benefit from this product: acne control. Retinol can increase your skin's rate of cell turnover, thereby reducing stubborn cystic acne. Even if you aren't currently battling major breakouts, if your skin bears the marks of past struggles, you'll appreciate retinol's ability to help even out dark acne scars.

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