Latest news with #dermatologists
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Retinol Creams, According To Dermatologists
Retinol is known to effectively addresses everything from wrinkles to pigmentation to uneven texture, but choosing the right product with this powerhouse ingredient requires careful consideration. The best retinol creams reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve tone, while being hydrating and non-irritating. Our top overall pick, the Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, is a standout for its lightweight, creamy texture and high potency. Those with sensitive skin may prefer Drunk Elephant's A-Passioni Retinol Cream, which contains an effective dose but is also infused with nourishing oils and peptides. The best retinol creams reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots without irritating skin. When it comes to retinol creams, it's important to find a formula that matches your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, you may want a deeply hydrating formula. If you're looking for an eye cream with retinol, you'll want ingredients that penetrate without causing itchiness and irritation. Ahead, find our roundup of the best retinol creams, including expert tips from dermatologists on how to incorporate these into your skincare routine for a firmer, clearer complexion. Sephora Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Retinol, oat extract, willow bark extract, licorice extract, peptides | Retinol concentration: 1% What you'll love: Keep in mind:| Paula's Choice is a top pick among dermatologists for its high-potency 1% retinol. The controlled-release delivery allows active ingredients to absorb gradually, preventing the skin from drying out. It has the light texture of a lotion, similar to that of a primer. Layer a thicker cream or oil over it if you have dry skin. To note: Paula's Choice also has a 0.3% retinol formula for beginners. Amazon Skin type: Oily, combination, normal | Key ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, shea butter, squalane | Retinol concentration: UnspecifiedWhat you'll love: Keep in mind: When shopping for an affordable product at the drugstore, it can be hard to know when you're getting true bang for your buck. RoC tends to carry high-quality skincare that has good value, and this retinol cream is one of its more popular products. The non-greasy, hydrating night cream and corresponding eye cream both remain bestsellers. In addition to retinol, it also contains glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin while shea butter and squalane help to hydrate. It's marketed as a wrinkle-fighting cream, but the ingredients make it a good retinol option for oily or acne-prone skin, too. Amazon Skin type: Acne-prone, oily, combination | Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, licorice root extract, niacinamide | Retinol concentration: UnspecifiedWhat you'll love: Keep in mind: Retinol naturally exfoliates the skin to help clear debris from pores and can keep acne at bay. If you have oily skin, consider using a lightweight serum like this one instead of a cream. It contains encapsulated retinol to slowly release over time, protecting your skin's barrier. The fast-absorbing and affordable serum also helps fade acne scars. Dermstore Skin type: Acne-prone, oily, combination | Key ingredients: Retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, ceramides, shea butter, bisabolol, boswellia serrata extract | Retinol concentration: 1%What you'll love: Keep in mind: Retinol and alpha hydroxy acids can be most effective at night when your skin is repairing itself, and this cream contains both texture-smoothing ingredients. To balance them out, the formula also features healing botanicals like soothing bisabolol sourced from the chamomile plant, and boswellia serrata extract, which comes from frankincense. If 1% retinol still seems too strong for you, SkinCeuticals' retinol creams come in three strength levels including 0.3% and 0.5%, which are great if you have sensitive skin or are just starting out on your retinol journey. Amazon Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Retinol concentration: 0.03% retinaldehyde Best for: Skip if: Medik8's formula is made with retinaldehyde (retinal), which has been shown in certain studies to work 11 times faster than retinol. This top-rated, gradual-release serum is good for those new to using topical retinoids to treat things like acne, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation because it doesn't overwhelm skin and cause irritation. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to moisturize as it visibly smooths lines, firms skin and reduces spots. And when you're ready to level up, Medik8's Crystal Retinal is available in progressively more potent strengths, all the way up to strength 24, which contains 0.24% retinaldehyde. Sephora Skin type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides, vitamin F, jojoba seed oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil | Retinol concentration: 1% What you'll love: Keep in mind: This pick has 1% retinol—the highest concentration you can get without requiring a prescription. It balances out the pore-shrinking, fine line-diminishing, uneven texture-smoothing magic with several nourishing ingredients: jojoba, apricot and avocado oils. While this is suitable for sensitive skin, some people aren't always a fan of its earthy scent. What our editors say: 'As someone with sensitive skin, I had concerns that retinol would cause redness and irritation,' says sleep and mattress editor McKenzie Dillon. 'But after incorporating it into my nighttime skincare routine, it didn't take long to see an improvement in my skin's texture—particularly in acne scars. I have oily skin, and I don't experience any dryness or peeling with this.' Amazon Skin type: Dry, combination | Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, caffeine | Retinol concentration: 0.1% What you'll love: Keep in mind: The skin around our eyes is more thin and sensitive than the skin on the rest of our face, so it can often be the first area where wrinkles start to appear. This highly-rated, cult-favorite cream pairs retinol with mineral-rich spring water to firm and nourish skin. Caffeine works to minimize dark circles, too. Revolve Skin type: Acne-prone, oily, combination | Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, glycolic acid, shea butter, salicylic acid | Retinol concentration: None What you'll love: Keep in mind: Whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding or just have ultra sensitive skin, you may want to avoid retinol products and go for an ingredient like bakuchiol—a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative that can provide similar results. Developed by a dermatologist, this serum combines bakuchiol with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and antioxidants to lightly exfoliate and hydrate skin while smoothing lines and wrinkles. What our editors say: 'This is a great product for those wanting some of the skin-smoothing, brightening effects of retinol in an alternative version,' says deputy editor Jane Sung. 'The high-quality ingredients are effective yet very gentle, and the formula is so nourishing that I don't always need to layer a moisturizer on top.' Amazon Skin type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide | Retinol concentration: Unspecified What you'll love: Keep in mind: Olay's retinol products are rigorously tested and highly rated among dermatologists for their efficacy. The Retinol24 Max moisturizer is designed to help firm, repair and hydrate dry or sensitive skin thanks to a retinoid complex and reparative niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3). Although it's technically a night cream, you can also wear it during the day so long as you pair it with an SPF. What our editors say: 'I love its hydrating-but-not-greasy feel, as well as its lightweight and breathable profile on my dry and quite sensitive skin,' says editorial director Brinda Ayer. 'The very subtle scent is great for bedtime—I'm not kept awake by an obtrusive perfumey smell—and its equally gentle formula allows me to use it night after night without any breakouts or irritation. I have deeper-toned skin with a tendency towards hyperpigmentation, and using this product over time has led to a noticeable fading of dark spots.' Amazon Skin type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Key ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, shea butter, ferulic acid, evening primrose oil | Retinol concentration: Unspecified What you'll love: Keep in mind: This hydrating cream contains ingredients that help prevent and treat fine lines while nourishing dry or sensitive skin. In addition to retinol and bakuchiol, antioxidant rambutan helps with collagen production. It also contains ferulic acid and niacinamide to keep skin hydrated and minimize hyperpigmentation—all of which contribute to a younger-looking complexion. Forbes Vetted's beauty team has extensive experience reporting and writing about skincare, and we have tested hundreds of beauty products. We have covered a variety of anti-aging products, including the best vitamin C serums, the best neck-firming creams and the best microcurrent devices. When selecting the best retinols, we began by researching a wide group of formulas from trusted skincare brands before digging in further to narrow down our picks. 'Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that works by accelerating skin turnover and promoting collagen production,' says board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kim Nichols. 'This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture. It can also help to unclog pores and reduce acne, making it a versatile ingredient for both aging and acne-prone skin.' You don't want to start using a strong concentration of retinol right out of the gate or it can be extremely irritating to skin, and stronger is not always better, according to dermatologist and stem cell expert Dr. Nathan Newman. In general, he advises beginners to use a concentration from 0.25% to 0.3%, intermediate users to use a concentration of 0.5%, and experienced users with tolerant skin to use 1.0% retinol or higher. When choosing a retinol cream, it's not just about the retinol concentration. 'In order to mitigate any dryness, flaking or other irritation, I recommend pairing retinol with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and peptides,' says Nichols. 'These help support the skin barrier and improve tolerability.' If you have sensitive skin, it's important to choose a retinol that is gentle and well-tolerated like Drunk Elephant's A-Passioni Retinol Cream. Otherwise, 'individuals with very sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid retinol unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider,' says Nichols. 'In such cases, alternative ingredients like bakuchiol or azelaic acid may be safer options.' For a retinol alternative, we like Doctor Rogers' Night Repair Treatment. Also, because retinol can increase skin sensitivity, it's generally best to avoid things like chemical peels, lasers or waxing unless it's approved by your dermatologist. 'Retinol can be used year-round, but you must be extra diligent with sun protection with the daily use of SPF 30+ sunscreen,' says Newman, who recommends mineral sunscreen specifically due to potentially heightened sensitivity with the use of retinol. During fall and winter, the skin may be drier and more sensitive, he says, so you should increase moisturizing or reduce the frequency with which you use retinols. So what's the best way to apply a retinol? 'It should be used only at night, as it breaks down in sunlight, rendering it less effective,' says Nichols. After cleansing and drying your face, apply a pea-sized amount of the retinol to your entire face, avoiding the eye area. Then follow with moisturizer to help buffer the irritation, and in the morning be sure to apply sunscreen. If you're a retinol beginner or you have sensitive skin, 'the 'sandwich method' of applying moisturizer before and after retinol can help to reduce irritation,' says Nichols. Our pick for best retinol cream overall is Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment for its slow-release formula and light texture. It's potent, though, so this is a formula that you should ease your way into using slowly if you're new to retinols. If you're looking for a beginner option, we like Medik8's Crystal Retinal 3, for its fast-acting formulation and lower concentration of retinal. This is complicated, because the highest concentration of retinol, while most potent, may not be right for you. For the most part, higher concentrations—from 0.5% to 1.0%—tend to provide the most noticeable results when it comes to deeper lines, hyperpigmentation or acne. But because retinols can be irritating, it's best to gradually increase the frequency and strength of the retinol you're using over time. Medik8 offers a wide range of retinal strengths, so you can gradually progess to higher levels. While stronger options—like tretinoin and tazarotene—are available by prescription, the highest over-the-counter formula you can get is 1.0% retinol. However, 'it's important that retinol is stabilized and encapsulated for slow, controlled release to reduce irritation,' says dermatologist Dr. Newman. 'Dry, sensitive skin may not tolerate higher percentage retinols.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal 'harmless-looking' skin changes that are actually signs of cancer - it's not all about moles
Experts have flagged little-known warning signs of the most dangerous types of skin cancer—and many do not involve a new or changing mole. Dermatologists have detailed the other key red flags of dangerous melanoma that few patients are aware of, including changes to the nails and genitals. It comes as shock new research today revealed the parts of the body most likely to be susceptible to skin cancer vary between men and women. According to the Cancer Research UK study, the majority of melanomas in men are found on the torso, including the back, chest and stomach—equivalent to around 3,700 cases a year. Women, meanwhile, most commonly develop the lesions on the legs, from the hips to the ankles, accounting for 3,200 cases every year. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, accounting for four out of five deaths, but only one per cent of total cases. Yet, rates of the disease are predicted to soar yet again this year—up a fifth in just two years. Below, experts tell MailOnline of the surprising skin changes that could be sinister. Dark patches on genitals Melanoma can present as dark lesions on the mucous membranes, meaning the inside of the nose, mouth, vagina, or anus, or the fingers and toes. This subtype of aggressive cancer is exceedingly rare and accounts for less than two percent of all melanoma cases. Unlike other types of melanoma, mucosal melanoma is not affected by sun exposure. About half of the mucosal melanomas start in the head and neck, typically the nose, mouth, windpipe, or esophagus. Smoking, ill-fitting dentures, and ingesting or inhaling carcinogens all greatly compound the risk of sarcomas in the mouth. Most of the remaining 50 percent of melanomas begin in the anus or rectal region and the female genitals. Spots on mucosal areas might not be melanomas but rather squamous cell carcinomas. Dr Nayoung Lee, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health said: 'Initially when it's early it kind of looks like a whitish bump or ridge on the mucosal surface. 'So as it grows it starts to look more like an ulcer, it can look fungated [like a fungal infection in appearance], or other things.' While doctors have not pinpointed the exact cause of mucosal membrane melanomas and non-melanoma cancers, some believe they are linked to a viral strain of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV strains 16 and 18 are those deemed high risk and cause the vast majority of cervical cancers. But strains six and 11, lower risk varieties, are more commonly associated with non-UV-linked skin cancers inside our bodies' orifices. Dr Zaineb Makhzoumi, a dermatologist at the University of Maryland, also said: 'The subtypes that are causing a cervical cancer are not the same subtypes that are causing skin cancer.' Patients can sometimes mistake nonmelanoma cancers in the genital region with a sexually transmitted infection, but doctors want to drive home the fact that this type of cancer is not a sexually transmitted disease. Changes to fingernails When the disease starts under the nail it is known medically as subungual melanoma and typically presents as streaks or bruises on the nail bed that do not heal or grow out. They commonly appear as a dark brown or black streak. The nail may also become thicker, separate from the nail bed and split down the middle. Another concerning sign of the disease—which accounts for around one in 30 melanoma cases—is if pigmentation starts to creep up and discolor the skin beyond the nail. But if the thickness of the nail changes, and becomes yellowed, it could be another type of nail cancer called onychomatricoma. Black spots and streaks, however. are not necessarily a sign of cancer. It could also be harmless pigmentation, known medically as longitudinal melanonychia. Dermatologist Dr Lindsey Zubritsky, who goes by @dermguru on Instagram, said: 'Not all dark streaks on the nail are dangerous, many people have a benign streak on their nail called longitudinal melanonychia, which is totally normal. 'It's more likely to be benign if it is lighter, it's not changing in colour, it's found on multiple nails or you have a darker skin tone.' Grey or purple blotches According to Macmillan Cancer Support, melanoma that has spread to areas of the skin far away from the original melanoma appears as firm or hard lumps called nodules. It does not always appear raised, though, and could resemble a flat scar or blotch. Typically these areas are grey or purple areas of skin and may bleed. Earlier this month, one GP from from Kinross, Scotland also warned the public to pay attention to any change to their skin, even if it doesn't involve a mole, after he was dealt a shock skin cancer diagnosis that has since spread to his leg and pelvis. Alastair Muir, 63, noticed a skin-coloured lesion on his heel back in 2018 and suspected that it was a wart or verruca, and attempted to have it frozen off. But a biopsy taken later that year revealed the devastating truth—it was in fact melanoma. 'Most people associate melanoma with pigmented moles that change or grow,' he said. 'It is important for people to know that it doesn't always present that way. 'I think people need to be aware that if you have anything on your skin that is different or changing then it is very worthwhile getting it checked out.' Dry scaly patches In rarer cases dry scaly patches of skin could also be a subtle sign of melanoma. Dr Saira George, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas, said: 'Dry skin patches or rashes that aren't getting better with treatment, are causing a lot of symptoms, or are occurring in unusual sites on the body where you haven't had scaly patches before might be signs of something more than run-of-the-mill dry skin. 'But dry, scaly skin is a common presentation for many things and most dry, scaly skin is not skin cancer.' More often than not, it could be a sign of non-melanoma skin cancer—a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. One, squamous cell carcinoma, is caused by an overproduction of squamous cells in the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. In many cases, patients have rough, scaly patches or growths, sometimes with a crusty or bleeding surface. Dr Lee said: 'They just feel scaly so you can feel them more than see them.' People that have a history of heavy sun exposure are most likely to experience this type of skin cancer. With every bad, blistering sunburn comes a heightened risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Fair-skinned people and those with light eyes who are more prone to sunburn are also more vulnerable. More often than not, though, the condition is curable when treated early. In fact, the survival rate is as high as 98 percent. A rough patch or sore that bleeds may indicate another type of non-melanoma skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma which, like SCC, has a high survival rate. Still, people should treat it aggressively once it's detected. Dr Lee added: 'Depending on location they can grow deeper in muscle and bone, so they do become problematic if left to grow for a long period of time.' Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer overall and the most common type of skin cancer more specifically.
Vogue
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vogue
The Best Bikini Trimmers for a Clean, Close Shave
Now that it's finally warm enough to break out the swimsuits, it's also a not-so-subtle reminder that if you're in the 'no one can see my bikini hair' camp, it might be time to figure out how to tame it again—all grooming choices welcome, obviously. The best bikini trimmers can be a game changer, whether used on their own or before an at-home IPL session. They're safer, gentler, and far less likely to cause nicks or burns compared to traditional razors. Vogue's Favorite Bikini Trimmers: Below, we round up seven of the best bikini trimmers on the market, including top picks by dermatologists plus their expert takes on commonly asked questions like: How do bikini trimmers work? How should you prep your skin beforehand? And who should use one in the first place? In This Article: Best Overall: Meridian Body Hair Trimmer Meridian Body Hair Trimmer $50 AMAZON
Washington Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
You should wear sunscreen even if you have darker skin. Here's why
NEW YORK — People with darker skin still need to wear sunscreen — for more reasons than one. Too much ultraviolet exposure from the sun can lead to sunburn, dark spots and wrinkles, and increased risk of skin cancer . The melanin in darker skin offers some extra protection from the sun, but dermatologists say that isn't enough on its own.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Mobile mole check truck visits Barrie and Orillia
A dermatologist checks moles on a person's back in this undated file image. 'You should have that mole checked.' If you've heard that line before, Saturday or Sunday might be the day to quell those fears. Across Canada, May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma and skin cancer are one of the few cancers on the rise in Canada and worldwide. In 2016, CDC Statistics reported that incidence rates for new melanoma cases have been rising on average by 1.4% each year over the last ten years. One in three cancers diagnosed is skin cancer. Skin cancers are the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men over 49 years of age and are among the most common cancers diagnosed in youth and young adults. If detected, early melanoma and skin cancers are largely treatable Both Barrie and Orillia are scheduled to have two dermatologists visits on Saturday and Sunday respectively, to check attendees' moles at no charge. A Mole Mobile will make its tour stop on Saturday at Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty - 355 Bayfield Street in Barrie from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 at Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty at 450 West Street North in Orillia from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The skin checks are open to the public and no appointment is required.
