We all have our essential products in our beauty bag. And the same is true for actress Reese Witherspoon, whose nightly beauty ritual involves removing all traces of makeup and always - without fail - using a retinol-containing cream. So what is retinol? To put it simply - retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and a powerful ingredient. Creams and serums containing it help combat signs of aging skin.
Talking to Allure, she revealed that at nighttime she uses Elizabeth Arden retinol capsules because they help her wake up the next day with more youthful-looking and less red skin - meaning she doesn't have to spend time evening out her skin tone with makeup.
Little miracles
The small ceramide capsules that contain retinol by Elizabeth Arden ($48.00) comprise of a single dose of serum that is easy to apply. It increases the hydration of the skin and smoothes lines of expression. It promises results in just a few weeks, protects against the skin drying out and irritation that some people suffer when using retinol.
Aside from anti-aging benefits, it can leave your skin tone more uniform, reduce your pores and improve the overall texture of your skin.
Retinol for your beauty sleep
Aside from Reese's favorite product, there are plenty of other options on the market such as ProGénix Retinol Serum ($30). This serum helps stimulate cellular renewal and increases the production of collagen, restoring volume and firmness to the areas that need it. The perfect overnight treatment.
Be warned that it can cause redness on first use. It may be necessary to reduce the frequence of use until your skin adapts.
Vegan friendly
Retinol Serum 2.5% by Eva Naturals ($14.20), is similar to ProGénix in that it is vegan. Its concentration and formula allows it to penetrate four layers of skin. Together with the jojoba and vitamin E that it contains, it helps re-build the dermis and increases the production of collagen.
Dry skin? This one\'s for you
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Serum with Retinol ($36.00), is a concentrated serum, rich in hydrating properties which fights the signs of aging and is free of irritants. It can be used in conjunction with the hydrating cream from the same line.
Bear in mind that there are some products that shouldn't be mixed with retinol. Be careful to only use the right ones
Antioxidant power
One of the main benefits of retinol is its antioxidant properties and if you add green tea to the mix then you'll have a really powerful product – such as Baebody Retinol Serum – Topical Facial ($15.15). It also contains vitamin E and joboba oil.
Remember that unless the product specifies otherwise, retinol should only be used at nighttime and you should always put sun protection on during the day. From first use some irritation may occur – which usually disappears after a few days – and we recommend that you space out its usage. If you have any doubts about its usage then consult a dermatologist. It's worth a try - your skin will thank you!