SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 vs. 0.5 vs. 1.0: Which Percentage is Suited to You?

• The Difference & Reviews

| SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25

Dermstore: $64.00/30ml (up to 5% cashback)

Bluemercury: $64.00 (up to 3% cashback)

What Does It Do? 

As skin begins to age, everyone should include a retinol product in their skin care routine to encourage cell turnover. SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25 contains a lower concentration of this anti-aging ingredient so it is ideal for anyone who has never used a retinol product. The formula encourages cell turnover which fades the look of fines lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Adding this anti-aging product to your routine will create a smoother texture and clearer skin tone. The formula contains soothing ingredients that help minimize irritation, flaking and redness that is caused by many retinol products. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to help reduce the appearance of new signs of aging. 

Key Ingredients:

- Retinol: Helps boost collagen production and cell turnover to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles

- PhytoShield™ Complex: An antioxidant complex, enhancing skin texture and minimizing irritation

- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B that improves circulation and elasticity, enhances skin's barrier function, fades discoloration, and minimizes wrinkles

- Dunaliella Salina Extract (algae extract):  Rich in antioxidants, helps combat free radical damage

- Ceramides:  Helps hydration and moisture retention

- Bisabolol:  Minimizes irritation

- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8:  Peptide that helps to prevent and soothe inflammation in irritated skin

Good for: "0.25%" is considered the mildest option, best for beginners or sensitive skin.

Review: The strength you use will vary depending on the exfoliation history of your skin as well as the level of sensitivity. If you never used Retinol, or are used to over-the-counter retinol products, you should start with a lower strength and let your skin acclimate to that before you move on. 

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25 is creamy and doesn't irritate or make skin oily or dry and flaky. Just right for the sensitive skin.

Do not use if you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are lactating. Always apply sunscreen when using any Retinol product. If a prescription strength retinol has not been used, begin 2 times a week, 2-3 days apart, increasing frequency slowly until daily use is tolerated.

Money Saving Tip: If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 5% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits: As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

| SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5

Dermstore: $80.00/30ml (up to 5% cashback)

Bluemercury: $80.00 (up to 3% cashback)

What Is It?

SkinMedica Age Defense Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 enhances the skin's texture to promote a brighter, more youthful complexion. Formulated for skin tolerant to retinol treatments, it stimulates collagen production and enhances faster cell renewal to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Algae extract ensures skin is soft, hydrated and protected against free-radical damage.

Key ingredients: 

- Retinol: Helps boost collagen production and cell turnover to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles

- PhytoShield™ Complex: An antioxidant complex, enhancing skin texture and minimizing irritation

- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B that improves circulation and elasticity, enhances skin's barrier function, fades discoloration, and minimizes wrinkles

- Dunaliella Salina Extract (algae extract):  Rich in antioxidants, helps combat free radical damage

- Ceramides:  Helps hydration and moisture retention

- Bisabolol:  Minimizes irritation

- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8:  Peptide that helps to prevent and soothe inflammation in irritated skin

Good for: "0.5%" offers a moderate level of effectiveness, typically recommended only for those with established tolerance to retinol and mature skin concerns, requiring more potent anti-aging benefits

Review: Nice smooth consistency & absorbs well into skin. No fragrance noticed. Skin has a smooth & refreshed look in the first week of use. There aren’t many downsides with this one although it was a little bit sticky after it dried and the smell may not appeal to some people.

But overall, this is a very good wrinkle cream that can do a good job on fine lines, rough skin and discoloration.

If you are lookin for a good retinol, this is it. It's strong, so do not try it on your whole face all at once for your first time!

| SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0

Dermstore: $80.00/30ml (up to 5% cashback)

Bluemercury: $80.00 (up to 3% cashback)

What Does It Do? 

Once you‘ve added a retinol product to your anti-aging routine, you can continue to use higher concentrations to improve your anti-aging results. SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 is a highly concentrated formula that is ideal for anyone who has already used a retinol product. The formula encourages cell turnover which reveals healthier and more youthful skin. Using this product at night helps fade the look of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Because the formula contains antioxidants and soothing ingredients, there is less flaking, redness and irritation caused by this product than other retinol formulas. 

Key Ingredients:

- Retinol: Helps boost collagen production and cell turnover to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles

- PhytoShield™ Complex: An antioxidant complex, enhancing skin texture and minimizing irritation

- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B that improves circulation and elasticity, enhances skin's barrier function, fades discoloration, and minimizes wrinkles

- Dunaliella Salina Extract (algae extract):  Rich in antioxidants, helps combat free radical damage

- Ceramides:  Helps hydration and moisture retention

- Bisabolol:  Minimizes irritation

- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8:  Peptide that helps to prevent and soothe inflammation in irritated skin

Good for: "1.0%" is the strongest concentration, typically recommended only for those with established tolerance to retinol and mature skin concerns, requiring more potent anti-aging benefits. 

Review: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 is an exemplary, high-strength retinol product whose fragrance-free formula is a lotion texture best for normal to dry or combination skin that's not too oily. The SkinMedica Retinol complex has stellar reviews with lots of happy users. It's an effective product with a great ingredient profile. Also, remember that it's imperative to protect your skin every day with a product rated SPF 30 or greater—any anti-aging routine must include daily sun protection or you simply won't get the results you want.

Conclusion

SkinMedica's Age Defense Retinol Complex enhances the skin's texture to promote a brighter, more youthful complexion.

Retinol Complex 0.25: Formulated to renew the skin's tone and texture without irritating the skin. Retinol helps combat the signs of premature aging while magnolia bark extract soothes inflammation. Ideal for use twice a week to build a tolerance to formula.

Retinol Complex 0.5: Formulated for skin tolerant to retinol treatments, it stimulates collagen production and enhances faster cell renewal to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Algae extract ensures skin is soft, hydrated, and protected against free-radical damage.

Retinol Complex 1.0: Formulated for skin types pre-conditioned to retinol treatments, it minimizes the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also improves elasticity and works effectively to visibly reduce acne scars. With continued use, faster cell renewal is encouraged.

I'm sure you have found the one that you want after seeing these reviews! Sign up at Extrabux, then you can enjoy up to 5% cashback on your order! 

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

LOOKFANTASTIC, SkinStore, SkinCareRx, Feelunique, Cult Beauty, Sephora, Belk, Estee Lauder, Lancome, La Mer, Kiehl's, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden, Adore Beauty, Sol de Janeiro, Hourglass, Lancer, Shiseido, FOREO, Macy's, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)