Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is added to creams for several skin-benefiting reasons. First and foremost, you may be wondering what the difference is between retinol and retinoids; to put it plainly, a retinoid is an umbrella term for the class of compounds that are derived from vitamin A, while retinol is the over-the-counter version. In terms of what retinol creams can do for your skin, the benefits are plenty. Retinol not only helps eliminate and reduce the signs of aging, but can also help with the diminishing of fine lines and wrinkles and therefore improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin. But wait, there’s more — retinol is also known for helping to combat acne, pigmentation, and sun damage. Due to these incredible perks of retinol use in terms of the preventive measures they have the ability to have on the wellbeing of your skin, dermatologists recommend beginning the use it in one’s 20s; that way, it won’t be a matter of reversal that needs to be done on existing problem areas, but more so will help you to avoid issues in the future. When deciding what type of retinol cream to invest in, the most important factor to consider is the strength. Luckily, retinol creams often come in several different intensities, so you can pick the best one for you based on your skin’s own specific needs. Retinols are super strong, so it’s crucial to take the proper steps to ensure your skin is reacting well; that means patch testing before use, starting with a lower concentration and then increasing over time, using retinoids at night due to their UV sensitivity and strength in general, and keeping your skin moisturized and protected from UV rays at all times. If you’re looking to add a retinol cream into your routine, Victoria Fu and Gloria Wu of Chemist Confessions have just the shop for you — they’ve curated several shelves perfect for all stages: beginners, experts, and even a slew of recommendations of retinol alternatives for sensitive skin. Head to their Instagram page and their blog for additional information!