Skin renewing retinol serum vs resurfacing retinol serum

WITH MVE DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY ENCAPSULATED RETINOL

Anti-aging retinol serum for fine lines

Retinol is an essential ingredient in any anti-aging skincare routine. A retinol serum is an effective product for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and radiance.When looking for a face serum to add to your skincare routine, look for ingredients like ceramides that help restore and protect your skin barrier. It may take some time for your skin to adapt to retinol, so plan to slowly work your way up to daily use to avoid skin irritation. To help your skin look and feel its best, look for a face serum formulated with hydrating and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is a gentle, yet effective daily retinol serum that provides your skin with a variety of anti-aging benefits. Our retinol face serum is formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, niacinamide to soothe, and three essential ceramides that work together to lock in moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier. It’s also formulated with MVE Technology that encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within your skin’s barrier and slow release over time, supporting your protective skin barrier long after you’ve finished applying.

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Peg-40 Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Isoceteth-10, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract / Chicory Root Extract, Lecithin, Retinol, Silica, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Ethylhexylglycerin

Please be aware that ingredient lists for the products of our brand are updated regularly. Please refer to the ingredient list on your product package for the most up to date list of ingredients to ensure it is suitable to your personal use.

(For refilled products in the store, the most up to date list of ingredients should be obtained locally after refill of the product on the point of sale).

• Improves skin texture and radiance
• MVE Technology: Encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within your skin’s barrier and slow release over time, supporting your protective skin barrier long after you’ve finished applying
• Encapsulated retinol: Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Three essential ceramides: That work together to lock in moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier
• Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain your skin’s natural moisture
• Niacinamide: Helps calm your skin
• Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free
• Developed with dermatologists

• Apply Skin Renewing Retinol Serum in small dots where needed around your face
• Gently smooth serum onto your skin until it’s thoroughly absorbed
• Use alone or under makeup once or twice per day. It may take your skin some time to get used to retinol, so plan to slowly work your way up to daily use.

Warnings: For external use only. When using this product, avoid getting it into your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. If skin irritation occurs, wash the product off and consult a physician. When first applying this product, you may experience a slight tingling sensation. This is an indication that the product is working. If the sensation is prolonged or becomes unpleasant, discontinue use and consult a physician. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen while using retinol products, since they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

What is retinol — and why should you use it?

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that occurs naturally in the skin. When absorbed topically, enzymes in the skin convert retinol to retinoic acid, stimulating the production of healthy new skin cells. The ingredient became popular as an anti-ager when patients using it to treat acne noticed it not only got rid of their blemishes but also helped diminish wrinkles and reduce pigmentation. It's also known to smooth the skin's texture and provide a brightening glow.

“The use of retinol is core to any anti-aging regime, especially if you’re over 30,” says board-certified dermatologist Alexis Young. “Retinol breaks up the top dead layer of the skin and increases cell turnover, allowing smoother skin to shine through.”

New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner suggests applying retinol two to three times a week, starting at the lowest concentration and adjusting accordingly.

“The body will develop a tolerance to retinol over one to two months — known as the retinization period — so any irritation experienced at the beginning of therapy should improve over time as your skin adjusts to the product," he told Shop TODAY.

Young agrees that it's best to start with a low percentage of retinol and then increase based on your skin's sensitivity.

“If your skin tends to be sensitive and dry, then start with a lower strength like 0.3%, increase to 0.5% and then ultimately 1%, if you can tolerate it, over weeks to months," said Young.

Can’t decide between a cream, serum, gel or lotion-based retinol? Most formulas are equally effective, so it’s just a matter of personal preference.

Does retinol have any side effects?

Given my roommate's skin reaction, I wanted to know more about retinol’s potential side effects, including increased sun sensitivity, a burning sensation upon application, peeling, redness and dryness.

In the past, dermatologists have instructed patients to apply retinol at night because earlier formulations were sensitive to sunlight. However, modern-day retinol products tend to have gentler formulations.

“The new generation of products release retinol slowly into the skin to minimize irritating effects, giving flexibility of use whenever it fits into your daily routine,” Zeichner said. “Just be sure to apply it after cleansing and before moisturizing, distributing a pea-sized amount on your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin before rubbing it in.” He also added that a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 is a must and should be applied on top of the retinol, while makeup can be applied over the SPF.

To further minimize side effects, Young recommends looking for retinol moisturizers that contain strong hydrating ingredients or using a separate moisturizer in addition to your retinol. Unlike prescription products, where the exact concentration of retinol is known, information about the percentage of retinol in over-the-counter products is sometimes nonexistent on the packaging.

“Companies don't want to say their product is biologically changing the skin because then they'd have to be FDA regulated,” said Young. “So you’ll need to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are very effective at adding and sealing moisture into the skin and preventing sensitivity. If a product is too irritating, switch to a different brand or use it more sparingly.”

Dr. Howard Murad, whose eponymous skincare line includes a retinol, argues the percentage of retinol itself isn’t always so telling.

“Oftentimes, it’s about the ingredient pairings which ultimately act as retinol boosters — meaning the percentage isn’t always the best way to gauge efficacy," he told us.

Decades of scientific studies have revealed retinol’s skin benefits, but some wonder whether retinol thins the skin and causes chronic inflammation, leading to premature aging.

“The truth is retinol actually thickens the skin’s top layer, the epidermis, by stimulating collagen and elastin, but it can also thin the stratum corneum, the very top layer of the epidermis, which explains the retinol ‘glow’ that some patients experience,” said Zeichner. “The glow occurs because retinol improves light reflection off of the skin’s surface. Thinning of the stratum corneum will not ‘weaken’ the skin, but it can make it more sensitive to sunburn and physical trauma. So you’ll need to be careful when it comes to sun exposure, hair removal, facial scrubs or anything that exposes the face to trauma or irritants."

"If you’re undergoing a chemical peel, facial waxing, or if you’re pregnant, hit pause on your retinol. But you should try to restart usage as soon as possible since tolerance to retinol could be lost," adds Young.

So, how is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

Truthfully, I'm mad at myself for not incorporating retinol earlier. The serum does sting for about 10 seconds upon application, and I did see some white flakes early on, but that’s about it. Better yet, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is expert approved.

“I like that it contains niacinamide and licorice root, effective anti-inflammatory agents that help improve the tolerability of a retinol, along with ceramides, which are critical to maintaining the skin barrier and preventing water loss,” Young said. “Plus, it doesn’t feel gritty or pasty like other retinol products, and one pump is the perfect dosage for the entire face.”

Adding this anti-aging ingredient to my skincare regime was an easy and inexpensive beauty move. I’m happy to say small areas of pigmentation have diminished and my skin looks fresher than ever. I’ve got a great glow on!

More retinol products to shop

Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream with Ferulic Acid

According to Medix, this treatment contains everything you need to diminish the appearance of fine lines and heal sun-damaged skin. Ingredients like retinol, chamomile and aloe vera offer the skin hydration and nourishment.

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules

These small capsules are filled with a lightweight serum containing wrinkle-smoothing retinol and moisture-boosting ceramides.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Thanks to its low concentration of encapsulated retinol (0.3%), this skin brightener is ideal for first-time users.

La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3

According to the brand, this gradual-release retinol is combined with moisturizing vitamin B3 and glycerin, which ensures the product is gentle on the skin.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

A fast-acting retinoid, time-released retinol and a retinol booster work synergistically within one formula to deliver results quickly while minimizing irritation.

Eve Lom Time Retreat Radiance Essence

This lotion contains a liposome-encapsulated retinol to reduce signs of aging and stave off wrinkles.

For more stories like this, check out:

• How to build the best skin care routine for healthy, glowing skin in your 50s
• Your 60s come with unique skin concerns — experts share how to take care of each
• Can you overwash your face? Here’s what an expert says

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What is the difference between CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Skin Renewing Retinol Serum?

What is Resurfacing Retinol Serum used for?

What percentage of retinol is in CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum?

Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum good for anti aging?