5. ADD A TOPICAL RETINOID TO YOUR ROUTINE.

Retinoids are forms of vitamin A, which have many studied and proven benefits for your skin. These include: improving the appearance of fine lines, lightening dark spots like “age spots” and freckles, giving the skin a fresher appearance, and they may help prevent precancerous lesions from developing. I recommend this as my top skin care pick after sunscreen because of all the scientific studies and data that confirm its benefit.

Retinoids are prescription and available topically as RetinA, Renova (which is the same chemical as RetinA but in a more moisturizing base) and Tazora. Newer ones include Tazorac, Differin, and Avita. Currently, Renova and Avita are the only ones FDA approved as cosmetic skin treatments. Renova does require a prescription and will not be covered by your insurance company.

These products should be applied at night only and in very small amounts. Expect some fine flaking of the skin especially around the mouth and nose as these products do promote mild exfoliation. Applying minimal amounts in these areas, using a moisturizer in the morning, or using gentle exfoliation such as with a washcloth when washing in the morning can combat this.

Retinoids are available now in a wide variety of over the counter products but tend to be very unstable and break down quickly. They can achieve some of the benefits that real retinoids can but not nearly to the same degree.