Research shows that retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is one of the most effective anti-aging skincare ingredients1—it protects against collagen degradation that tends to show up as sagginess, dullness, and fine lines. It also keeps skin smooth and clear by increasing skin cell turnover, explains Lindy Fox, MD, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at the University of California San Francisco. Retinol has many benefits; the catch is that the ingredient is extremely potent—and while over-the-counter versions are usually gentler than prescription-grade, they can still cause irritation while working their magic.
