Retinol Made You Peel and Quit. AlphaRet Was Built So You Wouldn't

You know the drill. You started with retinol because, well, it's the one thing that actually works, and two weeks later, you were sloughing off your skin in sheets, your nose was red and angry and somehow both oily and dry at the same time, and you quietly consigned the bottle to the back of the medicine cabinet. The unfair thing is that everyone was right. Retinoids really are one of the most effective ingredients available, and the problem wasn't with retinol's ability to deliver results - it was that it tends to be pretty harsh on the skin. Most people stopped using it in the middle of that scary, peeling purge, just before the real transformation was set to begin.

What makes AlphaRet different

That's where AlphaRet comes in. This revolutionary overnight cream utilizes a proprietary technology to attach a retinoid molecule to an AHA (lactic acid) molecule, forming a "double-conjugated" molecule that delivers gradual, less irritating results by releasing its payload over a longer period of time. In other words, AlphaRet allows you to reap the benefits of a traditional retinoid without the scary side effects. And this isn't just marketing speak - AlphaRet has a decade's worth of research to back up its claims, and the cream also contains glycolic acid and a peptide complex to smooth, brighten and firm the skin. Essentially, you get the good stuff that comes with retinoids, without the two-week-long road to recovery that makes everyone who's ever tried retinol stop cold.

Which AlphaRet is right for you?

Luckily, Skinbetter Science offers several variations of the cream, allowing you to customize your treatment to your skin's needs. The standard AlphaRet Overnight Cream is the most mild and is a good place to start if you're new to retinoids. For those with more resilient skin that can handle a higher concentration of glycolic acid, the Intensive AlphaRet offers more intensive smoothing and brightening for a more textured or uneven skin tone. If you're looking for an eye cream that can target the delicate skin around your eyes without irritating the rest of your face, EyeMax AlphaRet has your back. Last but not least, AlphaRet Body is a gentler, thicker version of the original formula, designed for use on the body to target rough, dry, or crepey skin on the arms, legs, or other areas. All variations of AlphaRet contain the same beneficial double-conjugated complex, so you can be assured of getting the same proven results no matter which one you choose.

Sunscreen is a must

Unfortunately, any form of retinoid, no matter how mild, will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and UV exposure will negate most of the beneficial effects of the treatment. That's why it's crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, no matter what. Luckily, Skinbetter Science has a sunscreen that's perfect for pairing with AlphaRet - the sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Compact offers a sheer coverage that also provides sun protection. Applying it every morning, along with your nightly dose of AlphaRet, will give you the best possible results.

A little patience goes a long way

Although AlphaRet is much more gentle than traditional retinol treatments, it's still important to give it some time to work before judging its effects. Skinbetter Science has conducted extensive research on the effects of AlphaRet, and their findings suggest that most people will begin seeing visible results after about 12 weeks of nightly use. Give it a few tries before you give up - start by applying it a few times a week and work your way up to every night, and be sure to use a moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out. If you want to simplify your nightly routine, you can invest in a combo kit such as the A-TEAM DUO kit, which contains AlphaRet along with another treatment to help you get the most out of your skincare routine.

When to see a dermatologist

If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin that tends to break out or flush easily, or if you're pregnant or nursing, it's best to consult a dermatologist before using any form of retinoid, AlphaRet included. That's another benefit of the Skinbetter Science line - seeing a dermatologist ensures that you're choosing the right products for your individual needs.

Retinol was never a failure - it was just a harsh teacher that taught you a valuable lesson. AlphaRet was created with people like you in mind - it contains all the beneficial ingredients of traditional retinol treatments while being much gentler on the skin so that you can actually enjoy the results. Now you can look forward to that transformative "new skin" feeling without having to endure a month of scary side effects.