The SkinMedica AHA BHA Exfoliating Cleanser was designed to serve as a gentle yet extremely effective exfoliating cleanser. For many of us, exfoliating cleansers are an excellent multipurpose option as it helps to lightly remove dead skin cells while also removing impurities from the skin. While exfoliating cleansers do not offer the same amount of exfoliation as a leave on product, these types of cleansers can be a great option if you’re new to chemical exfoliants. The Skinmedica Exfoliating Cleanser is especially unique within this category because it contains both AHAs as well as BHAs. This combination of active ingredients ensures that you’re getting an adequate exfoliating treatment at both the surface as well as within the pores to smooth out the skin from both angles. Its also worth noting that this product doesn’t just contain one AHA, but an entire range of alpha hydroxy acids including lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid and malic acid to provide a well rounded exfoliation. Finally, jojoba oil rounds out this formula by delivering hydration and nourishment to counteract the more drying aspects of cleansing and exfoliating. Then apply a small, pea-sized amount of retinol to dry skin. Spread it over your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Kowalska J, et al. (2021). Drug-induced photosensitivity—From light and chemistry to biological reactions and clinical symptoms.

This SkinMedica Retinol uses a 1% concentration of retinol. Tretinoin is also a retinoid but it’s a concentration of pure retinoic acid. Retinol is available in OTC products but Tretinoin requires a prescription. SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 is a potent night cream with a lightweight, smooth texture. The key ingredients—vitamin A and retinols – take care of wrinkles while ceramides keep the face looking plumped and moisturized. This formula is also available in less potent strengths. Of course, you’ll still find some OTC retinol creams that don’t have any hydrating properties, so you’ll have to use those with a moisturizer.What does this mean for the user? A highly effective retinol cream that releases active ingredients slowly, so you get all the benefits of retinol without the potential irritation. If you’re looking for an excellent retinol night cream, this is it. For example, one review says, “The texture is smooth due to the silicones so it slides over the face. Not what I wanted. It pills if you put another product over it. Would not recommend it. I will try another brand next time. So disappointed as I was hoping to love it.” But overall, this is a very good wrinkle cream that can do a good job on fine lines, rough skin and discoloration. Detailed Opinion: If you want to target deeper issues like fine lines and sun damage, you may eventually want to opt for a higher percentage. Skin Medica Age Defense Retinol Complex is an herbal anti-aging cream which focuses primarily on providing anti-aging benefits. It firms the skin and improves elasticity, smoothing out wrinkles and lines. This is an antioxidant formula which repairs and protects the skin, and it’s also high in anti-inflammatory agents which reduce swelling. This is a high-quality cream with an effective collection of ingredients.

Retinol is one of the most notoriously potent anti-aging skincare ingredients — sometimes too potent — even if you don’t have sensitive skin. While you can try a retinol alternative such as bakuchiol, encapsulated retinol is an excellent option for those who want the real deal, also a fool-proof way to build up a tolerance. Many beauty companies are beginning to use this form of retinol. It also smells a bit floral to us– but again, it’s very light and not super noticeable after 10-20 minutes. Skinmedica Age Defense Retinol Complex is high in retinol, which is a potent ingredient, but it also makes you sensitive to the sun. However, at the same time, the retinol in this formula also prevents and even reverses sun damage. It can even out areas of pigmentation, eliminate brown spots on the skin, and smooth skin tone. Does Skin Medica Age Defense Retinol Complex Have Any Side Effects? Advanced Clinicals developed a light, encapsulated retinol that remains potent and highly effective in a water-based gel cream.

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Mukherjee S, et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety. First, we need to discuss the two types of wrinkles. “There are static wrinkles that occur from laxity and loss of collagen as we age and then there are dynamic wrinkles that are a result of repetitive movement,” says Ross. Forehead wrinkles fall into the latter category. Every time you raise your eyebrows or make a facial expression, the muscle underneath your skin contracts and a little forehead wrinkle forms. As we age (and you make those same expressions for years and years), those wrinkles become deeper and more pronounced when your face is at rest. Are forehead wrinkles reversible?

Zasada M, et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Bottom Line: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser contains sugar cane and fruit extracts for their natural AHAs, as well as the BHA salicylic acid to help unclog pores.