The Beauty Range: Retinol Serums
Mar 27, 2020
What is Retinol? It’s vitamin-A derivative that promotes cell turnover and aids in collagen production. The goal is smoother skin and a more even skin tone. Whether you’re new to skincare or an old hand, Retinol is a great product to add to to your regimen.
The Heavy Hitter
This Johanna Vargas Supernova Serum is one that gets mentioned on a lot of beauty blogger message boards. It does everything a traditional retinol does, but it also “reverses skin glycation due to alcohol consumption and sugar, which accelerates the aging process.” I’ve seen before and after photos for this serum and they’ll make your think the gold-plated price tag might be worth it.
The One With More Power
This Paula’s Choice Retinol and Bakuchiol Treatment is for those who need more oomph in their skincare. Bakuchiol works as an amplifier for the Retinol, targeting deep wrinkles and boosting firmness.
The One to Use While You Sleep
This Glow Recipe Avocado Sleeping Mask is a clean beauty product that hydrates, diminishes fine lines, and improves collagen production while you sleep.
The Affordably Priced One
I bought this Tree of Life Retinol Serum a few weeks ago, and it’s fabulous. Just a simple product for $11.
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My dermatologist put me on a retinoid (Ziana) to help my acne and acne scarring and it works wonders (and the generic was covered by my insurance). If you’re fortunate enough to be able to see a dermatologist on your insurance (after self-isolating ends of course), I highly recommend. It was much stronger than the beauty retinoid I was previously using.
Ask a dermatologist or your GP for a prescription retinol. There are many generics now, and I’ve never heard of anyone’s insurance not covering it. Medical grade product for your prescription co-pay amount? Way better deal and more effective than what you can buy at the store. Because the RX ones are stronger, my derm suggested that I mix it with Vanicream for a few weeks, then layer retinol + Vanicream afterward. Minimal flaking for me!
Many dermatologists would be quite happy to prescribe retinoids following a video telemedicine visit. Some might even do it with just a phone visit. They, like many other docs, are hurting for patients. Just make sure your insurance covers telemedicine before your appointment.
Also, per another comment, your insurance will likely cover retinoids if your derm codes it as medically necessary (e.g. for moderate to severe acne with risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring) but not for purely cosmetic reasons (e.g. fear of general signs of aging). However, even if aging is your primary motivation for seeking out retinol , your doc probably knows a work around to get you covered. Educate yourself about your health plan’s benefits (don’t expect your doc to know the specifics, s/he won’t) and share any concerns You may have about limitations before you receive services or fill prescriptions.
I would also recommend The Ordinary’s Retiniod serums. They’re all under $10 and several of my friends and I have seen great results!
p.s. It’d be super helpful if you could note the prices on each item in your descriptions for this post like I know you do on some others (is it the range ones that do it?).
Do these take the place of my serum in my skincare routine? Or are they in addition? Thanks!
IT depends on what’s in your current routine.