Let's be honest: retinol can be intimidating. With reports of redness, peeling and irritation, it's not a huge surprise that many women over 50 are a little hesitant to incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into their skincare routine. But here's the thing—when used correctly and with the right formulation, retinol can be one of the most transformative ingredients for mature skin.
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From sensitive skin formulations to luxurious overnight treatments, these expert-approved retinols will help you achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin without the harsh side effects that often deter people from this game-changing ingredient.
Best Overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal SerumBest Prescription: Tretinoin 0.025% CreamBest for Sensitive Skin: Mother Science Retinol SynergistBest Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle RepairBest Luxury: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight CreamBest Eye Treatment: RoC Retinol Correxion Line-Smoothing Eye CreamBest for Body: Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body TreatmentBest Prescription Alternative: OTC Adapalene 0.1% GelBonus Splurge: EMER SKIN Hyla-A RetinolShould Women Over 50 Use Retinol?
Retinol isn't just another trendy skincare ingredient—it's backed by decades of research and considered the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. For women over 50, retinol addresses multiple skin concerns that become bigger issues as we age.
Dr. Nicole Lee, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology, adds that retinoids offer multiple benefits for mature skin, including improved texture, reduced hyperpigmentation, and enhanced collagen production.
Getting the timing and application right is important for retinol success, especially for mature skin. Our experts are unanimous in their recommendations for when to use retinol.
Dr. Sara Hogan, a board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist based in Washington, D.C., echoes that advice and adds that you only need to start with a small amount—be careful to read the package instructions so you can get the measurements exactly right.
And since retinoids increase sun sensitivity, daily SPF is a must.
Where to Apply Retinol
However, Dr. Hogan cautions about sensitive areas: "Avoid retinol application too close to the eye, around the nose and around the mouth, as these areas can easily become irritated. Use care when applying retinol to the neck as this area can also become irritated if too much is used, too soon."
9 Best Retinols for Mature Skin
Best Overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum, $63.75
She also has an important reminder: "Of note, retinal is stronger than retinol, but not as strong as prescription retinoids. Start low and work up slowly." This makes it an excellent choice for women over 50 who want visible results without the harshness of prescription formulations.
Best Prescription: Tretinoin 0.025% Cream
You need a prescription for tretinoin—ask your dermatologist or visit a site like Musely where you can speak to doctors online and get a prescription. While prescription retinoids can be more potent than over-the-counter options, they require careful introduction and monitoring by a healthcare provider.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Mother Science Retinol Synergist, $96
This innovative approach makes retinol accessible to those who may have experienced irritation with other formulations, making it perfect for mature skin that tends to be more reactive.
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair, $29.48
The inclusion of hyaluronic acid is particularly beneficial for mature skin, which often struggles with dryness—a common side effect of retinol use.
Best Luxury: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $145
Dr. Hogan provides more detail about its innovative formulation: "AlphaRet contains a stabilized form of retinol, lactic and glycolic acids which smooth, and ceramides, fatty acids and squalene which moisturize. The formula is well tolerated by most skin types, but is particularly well designed for mature skin."
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Best Eye Treatment: RoC Retinol Correxion Line-Smoothing Eye Cream, $21.53
This formulation addresses multiple eye area concerns while being gentle enough for the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes.
Best for Body: Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment, $25.60
This is particularly important for mature women, as the chest, hands, and arms often show signs of aging but are frequently neglected in anti-aging routines.
Best Prescription Alternative: OTC Adapalene 0.1% Gel, $15
This makes it an excellent choice for women who may still be dealing with hormonal breakouts while also addressing signs of aging.
Best Splurge: EMER SKIN Hyla-A Retinol, $165
The key to success with retinol, especially for mature skin, is patience and gradual introduction. As Dr. Emer advises: "While daily application is the goal, it's essential to build up your skin's tolerance gradually. Begin by using retinol every other night for the first two weeks. After that, you can gradually increase the frequency as your skin gets used to it."
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