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Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:54 am  |
The best (in the sense of strongest and most effective) products are those containing tretinoin like Retin-a (and its cousins tazorac, differin, renova). In the US they are by prescription only; I don't know about elsewhere. Some people (like me, unfortunately)find Retin-a and such too irritating and so use less potent retinoids.
According to my dermatologist, the next strongest are based on retinaldehyde, found in Avene's Ystheal, Eluage, Diacneal, and Retrinal. Each formula is slightly different, but all are based on retinaldehyde.
Finally, there are many, many products based on retinol, the weakest of the retinoids. Some that have gotten good reviews here are by PSF, Skinceuticals, and Green Cream. Retinol isn't as bio-available to the skin as either tretinoin or retinaldehyde, so you should look for higher percentages of the active ingredient for maximum efficacy.
In my experience, the base (oil, cream, gel, alcohol) of the product also makes a difference in whether the product is right for you. Some people find alcohol bases too drying and irritating, others find cream bases too pore-clogging. You may have to experiment a bit to find the right one for you. But it is really worth it, because for many of us, retinoids really do work well. |
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