Let’s Just Get to the Point:
Skin irritation seems like a given when you’re starting a new regimen full of hardworking active ingredients. Suzan Obagi MD Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex proves that doesn’t have to be the case.
Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde and peptides
If You Want to Know More:
Anyone who’s serious about skin care knows the power of retinol, but here’s a quick refresher: it increases collagen production, minimizes wrinkles, brightens skin and declogs pores, and it’s the most reliable way to give your complexion a #nofilter glow. The downside? For some people, retinol can trigger a red, flaky freakout, leading them to shelve this potent (and proven) ingredient.
If you’re raising a hand in rueful recognition, good news: You don’t have to choose between skin-boosting benefits and a calm complexion. Enter retinaldehyde, a gentler vitamin A derivative that provides the same perks without the harsh side effects. It’s the star ingredient of Suzan Obagi MD Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex, which combines 0.1 percent retinaldehyde with other power players like firming peptides, hydrating omega-6 fatty acids and cell-defending antioxidants. Chamomile extract diminishes redness, while bisabolol (another chamomile derivative) guards against irritation.
In this case, the dermatologist-tested formula is greater than the sum of its parts. Available only through doctors and medspas, it’s able to address a host of issues including fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, or uneven texture. As with any product containing a vitamin A derivative, you’ll need to take a few small precautions to get the most benefits. Use Retivance only in the evening, and follow your physician’s directions for application and frequency. (Store it away if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.) And because you’ll be revealing fresher, newer skin over time, protect it with daily SPF 30 sunscreen—that’s non-negotiable.
With regular use, you should witness an improved complexion in less than a month, with a full-on glow developing over 12 weeks. The skin of your dreams may not happen overnight, but over a series of nights? That’s definitely possible, and this highly effective anti-ager can help you get there faster.
