- Evening, before moisturizer.
- Build up usage with low doses, begin twice a week until you build tolerance.
- Face, neck and chest.
- Store at room temperature between 15° – 30°C (59° – 86°F).
- Wrinkles, lines and texture.
- Skin tone and dark spots.
- Acne and acne scarring.
A skin tone and wrinkle-fighting product with an intense form of Vitamin A, to be used gradually to avoid redness and peeling (retinoids are that strong). Great for acne sufferers, too. We can let you know which one we think you need (contact us before ordering).
In a 2015 clinical study (referenced below), this product was shown to have similar efficacy and tolerability to prescription tretinoin (a.k.a. retinoic acid), at equal strengths. In a randomized, double-blind, split-face trial, both products showed statistically significant improvement in the appearance of overall photodamage, plus fine lines, wrinkles, and more.
This is considered a breakthrough, since most retinol on the market is believed to be far weaker than prescription tretinoin, which has over 30 years of research behind it! Moreover, Retinol Complex by by SkinMedica® offers irritation deterrents, due to the way it is formulated. Retinol is notorious for creating irritation for first-time users. But this product eases that transition.
Learn more about retinol on our blog:
Remember to build up your usage of this product. Start with a low dosage, twice a week. Follow doctor instructions when using retinoids. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
IMPORTANT: APPLY HIGH SPF SUNSCREEN EVERY 2 HOURS WITH THIS PRODUCT. Avoid the sun if possible. Continue using sunscreen for at least 1 week after you stop using this product (though you should always be using sunscreen anyway).
Before & afters gallery showing results of studies using Retinol Complex
Click on a thumbnail to open up a gallery, and see larger versions of the images.
Clinical studies:
- Ho ET, Trookman NS, Sperber BR, et al. A randomized, double-blind, controlled comparative trial of the anti-aging properties of non-prescription tri-retinol 1.1% vs. prescription tretinoin 0.025%. J Drugs Dermatol 2012; 11(1):64-69. Click here to view (opens a new tab).
- Babcock M, Mehta RC, Makino ET. A Randomized, Double-blind, Split-face Study Comparing the Efficacy and Tolerability of Three Retinol-based Products vs. Three Tretinoin-based Products in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Facial Photodamage. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Jan; 14(1):24-30. Click here to view (opens a new tab).
DJ (verified owner) –
I had frequent acne until age 40. I went to Dr. Shah and he recommended this product to me on the first visit. It has worked fantastic for me (almost no acne since).
Eva + Irina (verified owner) –
Great product for mature skin, maintains skin firmness and even tone, reduces appearance of wrinkles. Definitely recommended.