Retinol, pure Vitamin A, has been conclusively shown to help repair aged skin. It helps accelerate cell renewal and turnover, inhibits MMPs (one of the biochemical reactions that leads to skin aging), stimulates collagen and approves the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles. But you also need a prescription to get this fountain of youth in its pure form. Luckily there are commercial versions available but you have to be very careful not to fall for marketing traps: words like “blend” or “complex” mean the formula contains a mixture of other ingredients. A product that boasts 1% retinol complex may actually only include .25% of actual retinol.

First you start with one part Overnight Retinol Repair and three parts Buffer Cream. Use every other night and gradually inverse the ratios. You do this at your own personal pace but eventually you will build a tolerance where you can just use the retinol repair.

One of the reasons many people stop using Retin-A is because it can leave skin irritated (at first) but with this system you gradually acclimate your skin to the vitamin, without any irritation.  I highly recommend if you have sensitive skin, have never used retin-a or are just starting to dabble in the world of anti-aging skincare.

The Overnight Retinol Repair and Buffer Cream will be available at authorized Dermalogica spa, salons and skin centers nationwide, and at Dermalogica.com for $85.