Retinol/Vitamin A Cousin - This retinol also has vitamin E in a light base that will not clog pores and is still compatible with moisturizers and sunscreens. Retinols are another type of repair cream that have science behind them. They build collagen and normalize sun damaged keratinocytes (skin cells). And if this product irritates your skin a little, try applying your moisturizer first, then wait 10-20 minutes, then apply this.

Retinol/Vitamin A Cousin - Another very good over-the counter retinol, also compatible with moisturizers and sunscreens. This product actually contains three forms of retinol plus vitamin E in a light base that will not clog pores and is still compatible with moisturizers and sunscreens. Start with the 30 and work up to the 60 if you tolerate it well. Wait 60-90 days for results. And if this product irritates your skin a little, try applying your moisturizer first, then wait 10-20 minutes, then apply this.

Retinol/Vitamin A Cousin - Another very good over-the counter retinol, also compatible with moisturizers and sunscreens. This product actually contains three forms of retinol plus vitamin E in a light base that will not clog pores and is still compatible with moisturizers and sunscreens. This 60 is stronger than the 30, so start with the 30 and work up to the 60 if you tolerate it well. Wait 60-90 days for results. And if this product irritates your skin a little, try applying your moisturizer first, then wait 10-20 minutes, then apply this.

Cell Growth Factors/Antioxidants/Peptides - I have to confess I love this product. I wish I could bathe in it, but it’s too expensive. It’s the first “double pump” product I’ve seen that works well. You press the plunger and it dispenses your cell growth factor serum (TNS Recovery – the reddish one) AND your antioxidant and peptide mix at the same time. All in just the right amount. There are 7 different antioxidants so it’s hard to compare it with other antioxidant serums (7 is not always better than 1). Has some weak plant based skin lighteners. The effects of the two products together are good and it’s efficient to use. Expensive but worth it, in my opinion.

Antioxidant - C E Ferulic is an antioxidant combination that delivers protection against photoaging - neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging. 15% pure L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha tocopherol, the addition of ferulic acid doubles the synergism. Similar to the Phloretin CF.

Antioxidant - Good basic Vitamin C serums. Use under your sunscreen. 20% is more effective but try the 10% first if your skin is sensitive at all. Some of the SkinCeuticals serums can be a little tacky under makeup. You can use it at night if that bothers you. Good price point and better for sensitive skin than the 20%.

Antioxidant - A very good basic 20% Vitamin C antioxidant serum. Use it under your sunscreen. If your skin is thicker or on the normal to oily side, the 20% concentration may be fine for you. If you are more sensitive, try the 10% first.

Antioxidant One of the best antioxidant serums on the market in my opinion. Contains Vitamin C 10% with 2% Phloretin and .5% Ferrulic Acid which together are more effective than either individually. Not irritating but may be too much for the very sensitive. Potent and best with normal to oily skin. Wash, let skin dry for a minute or two, apply and use sunscreen on top. If you need a moisturizer, use it over the serum. And it's good for melasma and brown spots.

Oily/Acne Prone/Alpha Hydroxy/Antioxidant - Good antioxidant for acne prone and oily skin because it contains 15% Vitamin C plus 10% alpha hydroxy (glycolic and lactic) which help to keep skin exfoliated and pores unclogged. In a serum which is not oily. Not for sensitive skin. Use after washing but let skin dry first. Sunscreen in the morning over it.

Antioxidant/Sensitive Skin - This is a powerful antioxidant containing 90% polyphenol extracts of green tea. It is gentle and good for all but the most sensitive skin. Many of our patients who find the serums with Vitamin C too irritating, can use this product without problems. This cream version is best for normal to dry skin. Use the Gel if you are oily. Good for easily irritated, sensitive skin.

Anti-Aging/Anti-Glycation - A new group in the antiaging arsenal. You’ll see more of these in the coming months and years. A good idea but I think the jury is still out as to how effective these are in the skin of real women rather than a Petri dish. A.G.E. Interrupter is formulated to improve the crepey appearance of mature skin caused by intrinsic aging processes such as glycation. This goes well under Renova at night or you could use it over TNS recovery, for example, in the morning in place of a moisturizer with sunscreen over that.

Glycation occurs when excess glucose molecules stick to collagen and elastin fibers, eventually binding them together and leading to the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (A.G.E.). Glycated collagen and elastin fibers lose the ability to function normally, and the body cannot break them down and replace them, which may contribute to wrinkling of the skin. This is particularly true in diabetics. It is formulated with 4% blueberry extract, 30% Proxylane, and 0.2% phytosphingosine to help prevent the glycation process in mature skin. Expensive but may be worth it.

Cell Growth Factors - SkinMedica pioneered the use of cell growth factors (these are like fertilizers for your skin) with this TNS Recovery Complex. Rest assured, the current version has a better fragrance than the original. No product is a quick fix, so you need to give this 3 to 6 months to see results.

Antioxidant/Oily and Acne Prone Skin - This is a powerful antioxidant containing 90% polyphenol extracts of green tea. It is gentle and good for all but the most sensitive skin. The gel form of this is good for oily and acne prone skin.

Oily/Alpha Hydroxy - This lotion is better than the Ultra Smoothing Cream if your skin is quite oily and acne prone. This light, nongreasy lotion helps keep the skin smooth and to reverse sun damage by building collagen and speeding natural exfoliation. Use a small amount over entire face. Good choice for teens to early 30s. Budget saver.

Dry Skin/Alpha Hydroxy/Budget Saver - This alpha hydroxy based cream is good for dry skin, isn't irritating, and it helps regenerate collagen and speed natural exfoliation. Also helps with acne. But use the Ultra Smoothing Lotion if your skin is really oily or acne prone. Good choice for teens to early 30s. Budget saver.