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Thinking about incorporating retinol into your skincare routine but don’t know where to start? Experts recommend easing your way into the retinoids world with a simple retinol serum as it will get deep into the cells and promote cellular turnover faster. “Patients with sun-related aging changes, fine lines, textural changes to the skin, sun freckles, and melasma all benefit from use of a retinol or [prescription-based] retinoid,” dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Melanie Palm, M.D., says, noting that the vitamin A derivative can also be a useful ingredient for those dealing with acne as well.
Stuck on where to find the best budget retinol serum that won’t break the bank? Target shoppers can’t stop raving about the ArtNaturals 2.5% Retinol Serum, a nighttime serum that harnesses the power of retinol to fight wrinkles and sun damage while you sleep. Keep scrolling to learn more about this best-selling Target retinol serum and to see what other skincare lovers are saying about:
TRY IT: ArtNaturals 2.5% Retinol Serum ($9.99)
Everything You Need To Know About The Best Budget Retinol Serum:
-Uses 2.5% retinol and benefits the skin by boosting collagen and promoting cellular turnover.
-Works as a solution for fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, loss of firmness and elasticity, and dark circles.
-Also infused with soothing aloe vera, wheat germ, hydrating jojoba oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E.
Promising Reviews:
"Wonder serious. Very effective, Judy need to apply regularly. Very happy with all ArtNaturals products I’ve tried so far." - Best products
"I bought this at my local store. I use before I apply the ArtNaturals retinol moisturizer and my skin feels better then it has in years. My daughter has been using it and is in love as well, I guess I know what I am getting her for her birthday next week!" - Jennifer Lizette
"I have used lotions with retinol in them before. This is the first time I bought the serum. Yes, my skin is tighter. Yes, my age spots are less visible. Yes. the lines around my eyes are disappearing. My neck looks less like crepe paper. I am amazed by the changes. First time in a long time a product surpassed expectations." - dz
Retinol 101:
Tempted to add ArtNaturals 2.5% Retinol Serum to your nighttime skincare routine? Great! But before you do, board-certified dermatologist Adam Friedman says that you need to be mindful of when and how you apply it. He says that most women over 40 make the mistake of applying retinol in the morning, which is a big no-no. “Most forms of retinoid are photolabile, meaning they break down with sun exposure,” he tells SELF, suggesting to add your new retinol cream or serum into your nighttime routine instead. Good to know!
Another way dermatologists notice people misusing retinol is by applying way too much at once. RealSelf dermatologist Sejal Shah, M.D., says you only need a pea-sized amount to cover your entire face and recommends rubbing the product between your fingertips and spread evenly from forehead to chin.
“The biggest mistake people make is being too aggressive with using the retinol, whether it’s using too high of a concentration, using it too often, or using too much,” says Dr. Shah. “Start with a lower concentration every other night and increase slowly.”
Dr. Friedman also points out that some dryness is expected when starting a new retinol product. “If you don’t get a little bit of dryness from a retinoid, there’s something wrong with the retinoid,” he adds. “Most people do adjust to it [within] four to five weeks.”
