Notino Beauty Blog

Elixirs of Youth with Retinol: These Are Recommended by Dermatologists!

1/10/2025

5-minute read

If you're still hesitant about which retinol treatment to choose for your skin, leave the final verdict to experienced dermatologists. We've compiled a ranking of retinol youth guardians that skin experts say are currently on top of their game!

Would you like to include retinol in your daily skincare routine, but don't know which product to choose, let alone in what concentration? Are you wondering how often to use retinol so that it's beneficial and not irritating to your skin? We interviewed experienced dermatologists who explained everything about retinol. And, we also know their personal tips on retinol miracles which they use to pamper their own skin and trust to the utmost. Here they are!

What Is Retinol?

It is a vitamin A derivative that works deep within skin to stimulate cell renewal and increase collagen production. This helps smooth wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even reduce pigment spots.

The Best Retinol Skincare Products

TOP 5 Retinol Skin Guardians According to Dermatologists:

1. La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol

La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol concentrated treatment against wrinkles is very efficient when it comes to premature signs of ageing, which are mainly caused by sun exposure. The cream visibly reduces deep wrinkles, helps remove pigment spots caused by the sun, and evens out skin tone. "In my opinion it is a great, lightweight fluid with retinol, suitable even for sensitive skin. The retinol in this cream helps firm skin, smooth out fine lines on the face and even out skin tone,“ says Markéta Majerová, a dermatologist at Medicom Clinic.

2. Neutrogena Retinol Boost

Neutrogena Retinol Boost rejuvenating serum with pure retinol effectively combats wrinkles and pigment spots. “Additionally, it firms skin perfectly while hydrating it at the same time, because in addition to retinol it contains hyaluronic acid. Last but not least, its composition includes plant-based myrtle extract that further boosts the effects of retinol," adds Barbora Grillová, a dermatologist at Rajská Clinic.

3. Uriage Age Lift

Dermatologist Iva Obstová from Medicom Clinic enjoys the effects of Uriage Age Lift intensive firming serum with retinol. "It contains not only retinol, but also hyaluronic acid and Uriage thermal water. The serum is also suitable even for sensitive skin," adds the expert.

4. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

The anti-wrinkle, regenerating La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum contains not only a complex of pure and gradually released retinol, but also vitamin B3 (niacinamide) which helps to regenerate skin overall. "I think it's ideal for anyone with sensitive skin, looking for a gentle yet effective retinol product. Thanks to its formula it combats signs of ageing and helps even out skin tone. At the same time it reduces the risk of irritation, and soothes skin in general," says dermatologist Barbora Grillová.

5. Payot Lisse Sérum Nuit Rénovater Au Rétinol

Payot Lisse Sérum Nuit Rénovater Au Rétinol night face serum helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and reduces pigment spots at the same time. "I like that apart from retinol, it also contains jojoba oil, and that at least 90% of its ingredients are of natural origin," points out dermatologist Iva Obstova.

Be Careful When You Begin Using Retinol

Before you decide to use any of the recommended retinol products, let's clarify what retinol actually is and how to use it. You should be very careful especially if you're just starting out with retinol.

"Retinol is converted in skin into retinoic acid, which acts on skin cells themselves. Therefore, for the first four weeks or so after starting to use it, your skin may become more irritated, which is referred to as the retinization process. In this initial period of retinol application, skin is typically drier, flaky, red, itchy or slightly uncomfortably tight."

- Barbora Grillová.

Try Retinol with a Lower Concentration

"If your skin has no experience with retinol at all, introduce it to your skincare routine just twice a week at first in the lowest concentration possible. You can increase it gradually depending on how your skin reacts to it. So be sure to save any retinol treatment for your evening routine to avoid irritating your skin. Still, protect your skin with a high SPF during the day, and don't forget about sufficient hydration and regeneration."

- Markéta Majerová

Retinol Products

When Is the Right Time

Not sure whether you should introduce retinol to your usual routine yet? If you are 30 years old or over, then you should. It will prove to be not only an effective wrinkle remover, but also a wrinkle preventer. If you have dry skin prone to wrinkles, you can start even earlier.

"As early as after 20 years of age, collagen production in skin decreases naturally, and skin slowly ages"

- Barbora Grillová

What Retinol Serum Can Do for Your Skin:

§ Smooth out fine lines and reduce deeper wrinkles.

§ Stimulate skin's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

§ Improve overall skin texture.

§ Help even out your skin tone.

§ Reduce pigment spots.

§ It also regulates sebum production, cleanses pores, and reduces acne formation.

How about you and retinol? As far as we are concerned, we can only recommend it. But most importantly, this skin treatment is approved by experienced dermatologists... Will you find room for it in your daily skincare routine?