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6 Secrets to Gorgeous Skin

No. 3: Consider Retinoids


Retinoids are sold by prescription only under names that include Renova, Retin-A, and the generic Tretinoin.

"A retinoid should be the foundation of any topical anti-aging regimen," says dermatologist Paul M. Friedman, MD, co-author of Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin.


The downside is that retinoids can cause dryness, flaking, and redness at first.

Starting out slowly by applying a pea-sized amount of retinoid every second or third night can help your skin adjust to the powerful ingredient.



No. 4: Keep Skincare Simple



Using a lot of different ingredients can be irritating, and some ingredients cancel out each other's benefits.

For example, the acid in salicylic or glycolic acid breaks down ingredients like retinol, hydroquinone, or vitamin C. "More," Leddon says, "is not necessarily better."

Friedman agrees. He says the products needed for beautiful skin are "a simple cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and a retinoid or retinol."



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