Stop Aging Now!

These over-the-counter products have been proven to slow down the ravages of time

-Paige Herman Axel, BettyConfidential.com

Ask any dermatologist what they recommend to minimize signs of aging, and I’m willing to bet they recommend a retinoid. There are many prescriptions that fall into this category, from Retin-A and Renova to Differin, but you don’t necessarily have to hit up your doctor. You can find over-the-counter versions of these drugs that contain retinol, so what are you waiting for?

Here are the basics about retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, it works in a few ways.  In terms of antiaging, it speeds up the rate at which new cells come to the surface and it prompts the skin to produce more collagen. It’s also effective for acne, since it prevents dead cells from accumulating and clogging pores.

Whether you opt for the drugstore or your local department store, check out a product’s ingredient list and see how close to the beginning the retinol (or retinyl palmitate) falls. The higher up on the ingredient list, the higher the concentration.

Here’s a list of the top products to try at a variety of price points:

$: RoC Retinol Correxion

With a daily moisturizer, serum, and eye cream, the budget-friendly RoC line is a one-stop retinol shop. I’d recommend starting off slow with the night cream, and slowing adding on the other products once you know your skin can handle the product. I’m a fan of the daily moisturizer because it simultaneously treats signs of aging with retinol and a slew of other ingredients, while shielding the skin from the sun with SPF 30. ($22.49 each, walgreens.com)

$$: DermaDoctor Poetry in Lotion

Created by dermatologist Audrey Kunin, MD, the DermaDoctor line never disappoints in terms of innovative offerings. One of the latest, Poetry in Lotion, tackles fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration with retinol along with a botanical-rich anti-irritant complex to make sure your skin doesn’t freak out. ($75, dermadoctor.com)

$$$: ZO Skin Health

This is another retinol-heavy line created by dermatologist Zein Obagi, MD. The Daily Power Defense, Growth Factor Serum, Daily Renewal Crème, Overnight Recovery Cream and Intense Eye Repair all contain high levels of retinol, so you can pick which are right for you depending on the depth of your wrinkles — and your pockets. (Starting at $95, zoskinhealth.com)

But take note, retinol isn’t for everyone — especially if you have sensitive skin. When starting to use products containing retinol, begin with applying it every other night to make sure your skin doesn’t get irritated, and then gradually work your way up to every night. It’s also important to make sure you use sunscreen every day when using retinol since it increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Read more about ­­­­wrinkles from BettyConfidential.com: Vitamins That Reduce Wrinkles and Bedtime Beauty Tips and Bargain Picks.