Avanti DalalPublished on Jul 05, 20228 retinol-spiked skincare products that’ll brighten skin and target acne We round up eight products that are easily available over the counter to ail your skin woes. The best part about retinol is that since there are so many formulas, you don’t have to take a one-size-fits-all approach anymoreAsk any dermatologist, and they’ll be happy to wax eloquent about the benefits of retinol. This is an ingredient that can attack all the skin issues you may have—acne, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, dark marks, photo-damage and a lack of brightness. It prompts surface skin cells to turn over rapidly, which makes way for new cell growth underneath, thereby preventing clogged pores and a layer of dullness-inducing cells on the top. Vitamin A also hampers the breakdown of collagen, and thickens the deep layer of the skin where wrinkles usually begin to appear. TL;DR: it’s a magical ingredient. It is available by prescription if you have serious issues you want to treat, but if you’re looking to pick up something over the counter to ail your skin woes, these are some of our favourite formulas.111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Retinol OilShop here₹ 21,440If you’re looking for a one-two punch: a product that really works (and fast!) but without any side-effects, this is the one for you. The high concentration of retinol resurfaces uneven skin texture, while the oils that it is suspended in fight signs of ageing without causing irritation and redness that might otherwise happen with high-percentage retinol treatments. Diamond powder brightens the skin too, so it’s a win-win-win.Aminu Bio-Retinol CreamShop here₹ 2,850Retinol is the gold standard when it comes to anti-ageing and anti-acne ingredients, but if you want to go the plant-based route, bakuchiol has been shown to have similar results. This multi-functional cream has bakuchiol to exfoliate, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and blue-green algae to protect. It has a rich, almost-whipped texture, so if you have dry skin, you’ll want to add it to your routine.Murad Youth Renewal Eye SerumShop here₹ 7,500Most retinol-infused products will have a disclaimer letting you know that you shouldn’t apply it near the sensitive eye area, because the exfoliating properties can cause aggravation. So if you need plumping and need to reduce fine lines there, you’ll want to look for a specifically formulated eye serum like this. It contains retinol tri-active technology, which is a fast-acting, time-released retinol that will smooth out crepiness and wrinkles.Neemli Retinol and Peptide SerumShop here₹ 2,250This serum is a powerhouse: it packs the three most researched anti-ageing ingredients into one formula. Vitamin C helps to build collagen and improve tissue healing, peptides (building blocks that make up protein) signal the cells to repair themselves, and retinol spurs cellular regeneration. They all work in tandem to leave the skin feeling supple and bouncy–almost like a baby’s bottom–with consistent use.Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Repair CreamShop here₹ 3,500This super velvety cream has the perfect balance of actives if you’re a retinoid-newbie (0.01 per cent is a low-strength but effective concentration) and is also paired with peptides and antioxidants to fortify the skin barrier and prevent free-radical damage. The emollients present prevent transepidermal moisture loss, leaving you with a healthy-looking, lit-from-within glow.Pixi Retinol TonicShop here₹ 1,400You can add retinol into whatever step of your skincare routine you’d like, and this tonic aids your routine right after cleansing, when your skin is most ready to accept it. In addition to the Vitamin A derivative, it also stars jasmine flower to soothe and protect, and peptides to boost collagen production.Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night OilShop here₹ 9,150For a lot of people, retinol is just a one-way ticket to dryness, irritation and discomfort. Moisturising before and after can help, but if you can do it in just one step, it takes all that out of the equation completely. Enter: this retinol-spiked oil, which has a trans-retinoic acid ester complex that reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature ageing. While it exfoliates, blue tansy and azulene reduce visible redness and neutralise any irritation before it even occurs.The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in SqualeneShop here₹ 700This formula contains a super stable retinol that reduces the appearance of fine lines, neutralises photo-damage and encourages natural cell turnover, promoting healthier and clearer-looking skin. It is suspended in squalane, which is a humectant that feels light-as-air on the skin, allowing it to get absorbed super quickly. It doesn’t have water or silicone, and hence plays well with any other products you may have in your routine.Also Read: How are Indians shopping for make-up in 2022?Also Read: 8 hydrating serums that’ll give you the dewy skin of your dreamsAlso Read: 8 make-up primers you can rely on through the humid weatherRead Next Read the Next Article