Retinol products are heavily marketed to consumers. What do you wish patients understood about retinol before purchasing?

Retinoids (like retinol) are recommended for nighttime use. Patients new to a retinol may wish to start using it a few nights a week to help reduce unwanted side effects like redness, irritation, and sensitivity. Just like sunscreen, the best retinoid is one you will and can use consistently. Luckily, AlphaRet Overnight Cream has been clinically validated even on retinoid-sensitive users!

Are there specific skin concerns where you consider a retinoid an essential part of a patient's regimen?

A retinoid could be an essential part of a patient’s regimen to help prevent and correct the signs of aging: fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and skin laxity. It’s a great foundational product to add to other non-negotiables like an antioxidant and broad-spectrum sunscreen for a simple but effective routine.

Does retinol concentration or formulation meaningfully change how well it's tolerated or how it performs?

It may! Lower percentages of retinol may be less irritating but may not be as effective as a higher percentage. Higher percentages may equal more side effects. At skinbetter science we understood this tradeoff, so we created AlphaRet – a retinoid that is both tolerable and efficacious, so you don’t have to compromise!