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.

The Obagi Best Sellers, Ranked by What They Fix Obagi is a brand with a reputation. It's the med-spa staple you never knew you needed until you walked into the counter, because it has enough treatments to keep even an enthusiastic newbie lost for days. But when it comes to the Obagi best sellers, it helps to stop thinking about popularity and focus on what you actually need: the concern that requires attention. Below, find a roundup tailored to your skin, from spots to sallow skin and more. A brief word on what makes Obagi medical-grade: these treatments usually deliver much higher concentrations of active ingredients than your drugstore staples, which means their effects are potent and noticeable, but also require some caution and patience when integrating them into your routine. More on that elsewhere. 1. Dark spots and uneven tone When it comes to dark spots, Obagi has the best spot treatment. The Nu-Derm Clear is a hydroquinone-based serum that specifically targets melasma, sun damage, and age spots. Its 4 percent concentration is a powerful inhibitor of melanin production, reducing the appearance of spots. While hydroquinone is an extremely effective skin-lightening ingredient, it has a controversial reputation due to potential health implications of frequent use. It's best to consult a medical professional before using hydroquinone-based treatments, as they often recommend a cycle of use followed by a break. For a milder alternative to hydroquinone, the Nu-Derm Clear Fx uses arbutin and an antioxidant complex to gradually reduce the appearance of spots and even out the tone. 2. Dullness and antioxidants When it comes to dull skin, vitamin C is your best friend. The Professional-C Serum 20% delivers on the high hopes with a top concentration of L-ascorbic acid. It gently yet effectively lightens the tone while protecting the skin from blue light and sun damage that makes the skin look tired and worn. It's not the beginner-friendly serum, but the 10% Professional-C Serum still lives up to the same promises at a lower concentration. Either way, you should reserve it for mornings, as vitamin C's brightening effects are perfect under a moisturizer and sunscreen but not sufficient enough to replace them. 3. Fine lines and rough texture The skin's texture is a notoriously difficult concern – but the Obagi Retinol Cream promises to smooth the appearance of fine lines and rough patches without the scary side effects of traditional retinoids. Encapsulated in a timed-release complex, its retinol derivatives gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, accelerating cell turnover every evening for visibly refined pores and a softer complexion. The obvious side note to Retinol is to use it in moderation – start with a couple of nights per week and allow your skin to adjust to the new product. Also, remember to wear sunscreen every morning, whether you use Retinol or not; topicals make your skin sensitive to UV light. You may want to use a hyaluronic acid serum for extra moisture if you have a dry complexion. 4. Lack of firmness and elasticity The ELASTIderm Facial Serum is a daily moisturizer and serum hybrid that promises to restore the elasticity of mature or dry skin. Its special Bi-Mineral Contour Complex visibly lifts the sagging skin, giving the face a more contoured and youthful appearance. As a gentle alternative to facial fillers, the ELASTIderm Advanced Filler Concentrate is a thicker-consistency serum that should be applied to the fine lines and wrinkles with a special topically applied tool. 5. What no one will tell you about Obagi products Unless you're using some of the Obagi cleansers, which are mild enough to remove all traces of makeup without stripping the skin, none of the above products will be truly effective. The Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser is a great pick for most skin types. After cleansing, use your favorite Obagi moisturizer and finish the routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen – it is non-negotiable when using any topical treatments, so you should never skip it. How to proceed from here You probably don't need every single item on this list, and it's best to start with one particular concern that bothers you the most. Pick a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen – those are the staples that let you use your Obagi treatments. Give it some time (roughly six weeks) before deciding if it has a noticeable effect or not. You may want to introduce another topical serum for fine lines and wrinkles or a vitamin C booster if the initial treatment didn't affect your concern. Remember that most ingredients need some time to adjust to your skin, so if you feel uncomfortable, you can always consult a dermatologist about your concerns. This is especially important if you want to try more aggressive treatments such as hydroquinone, which only a professional can recommend. Find Obagi treatments for your concern here.