Retinol/Vitamin A Cousin – Use at night. If you can use the prescription version, do so - but many people don’t want to be bothered with a prescription and the two listed here are almost as good. This retinol also has vitamin E in a 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. You must use a sunscreen every morning if you use a retinoid.

Retinol/Vitamin A Cousin – Use at night. If you can use the prescription version, do so - but many people don’t want to be bothered with a prescription and the two listed here are almost as good. 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.

Antioxidant/Most Skin Types - SkinCeuticals made it's name originally by making the best antioxidants and this one is no exception. 3 antioxidants in one, it contains L-ascorbic acid 10%, phoretin 2%, and ferrulic acid 0.5%. My personal antioxidant under my sunscreen. The same high quality without the glass jars - love the new closed pump with it's travel friendly packaging. Does not oxidize (turn yellow).

Antioxidant/Most Skin Types - In Vitamin Cs the better quality products are serums or gels in a 10-20% concentration, contain L-ascorbic acid (not the Vit C esters), and are PHd to about 3.0. Generally avoid the creams. If your skin is sensitive, try a 10-15% serum first. There are many expensive Vitamin Cs on the market not as good as the two here.

Antioxidant - Just like it's stronger version above but for more sensitive skin or if just starting with this type of product. Also is formulated with ferulic acid, a plant based antioxidant.

Antioxidant/Sensitive Skin - This is a good antioxidant containing 90% polyphenol extracts of green tea. It is gentle and good for all but the most sensitive skin. Some 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. Good for easily irritated, sensitive skin.

Cell Growth Factors - No one has really explained adequately how these work since millions of women see a difference with these but the science needs to be worked out more. The cell growth factors come from a line of young skin cells grown in a lab. The cells produce lots of interesting growth factors. The cells are then thrown out and the liquid media containing the growth factors is purified, sterilized and put into this serum. The molecules are large so is it the small fragments of these that are working???

Cell Growth Factors/Antioxidants/Peptides – Especially good for those women who want to do things as quickly as possible and have no patience with multiple steps. I wish I could bathe in this product, but it’s too expensive. Use it at night or under your sunscreen in the morning or both. 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 could be worth it, in my opinion.

Dry Skin/Alpha Hydroxy/Budget Saver - Alpha hydroxy creams are great for that 15-35 age group focused on prevention. Use at night and always a sunscreen in the morning. This alpha hydroxy based cream is good for normal to 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.

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.

Something new to try if you have the basics down. Contains macrocytosis pyrifera extract (from giant kelp - a repository of lots of vitamins/minerals), acetyl hexapeptide 8 or 3 (depends on who you read, also called argireline - supposedly relaxes superficial wrinkles) and palmitoyl tripeptide 5 (increases collagen activation by increasing TGF beta). Remember that something that works in a petri dish doesn't always work in skin. Interesting ingredients and concepts though and worth a try if you're not a strict budget.