Retinol, sometimes referred to collectively as retinoids (the group name for everything in the retinol family) are powerful enough to fade hyper-pigmentation, soften wrinkles and give your skin some of that youthful glow back. Depending on the formulation, retinol formulations might even prevent future wrinkles. Since retinols have a reputation for being strong, some people are scared to actually start using them, or dont know how to begin choosing thebest retinol creamsfor their skin.

But with Google searches for retinol at an all-time high, we have a hunch that people are looking to improve the quality of their skinso weasked Austin-based dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak for a primer on all these ingredients starting with r (retinol, retinoids and retinoic acid) which all serve the same purpose.

According to Dr. Mamelak, in its most basic form, retinol is a form of vitamin A and has been used to treat acne, but it has also been shown to help decrease wrinkles and fine lines. More than that, retinol allows the skin to repair any damage already inflicted. And since its all powered by vitamin A, retinol helps turn over the skin, exfoliating it naturally, and also helps stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers.

As you begin your search for the right retinol for your skin, consider starting with one of these 10 options.

Unlike many retinol-based products, First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream With Triple Hyaluronic Acidis a light and creamy formula that doesnt sting. Its active ingredient is microencapsulated retinol, which means its surrounded by a protective layer that helps stimulate natural collagen production to minimize the appearance of crows feet, fine lines and and wrinkles without the irritation. ($42, Sephora.com).

No7 ADVANCED Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate was so eagerly anticipated in the UK that 100,000 people signed up for the waiting list. In addition to a high concentration of retinol, this product also has a retinol optimizer, which ensures that the product works throughout the night, along with a retinol soother to keep skin calm. ($36.99, us.no7beauty.com)

InstaNaturals Retinol Moisturizercontains a robust blend of ingredients designed to address multiple signs of aging. Combined with vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing oils and extracts, this moisturizer aims to smooth lines and wrinkles while reducing discoloration and blemishes on the skin. It works to fight breakouts by clearing away dead skin cells that can clog the pores, and brightens the appearance of discoloration. For best results, apply this product nightly and follow with an SPF during the day. ($24.00, InstaNaturals Retinol Moisturizer, Amazon.com)

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This past year, Olay launched their Regenerist Retinol24 Night Collection, which hydrates, minimizes pores and evens your skin tone without irritation. The formulation combines retinol and the popular skincare ingredient Niacinamide (vitamin B3), which is used as a soothing ingredient in many acne and rosacea treatments. ($28.99,Olay.com).

If youre looking for a vegan option, Drunk ElephantsA-Passioni Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Creamis a good place to start. It combines 1.0% vegan retinol with other natural, soothing ingredientskale leaf extract and winter cherry juice make the list. ($78, Amazon.com)

If youve tried retinol in the past and had bad side effects including skin irritation,DefenAgemay be a good option for you. Its a clean beauty line, meaning there are no animal or human-originated ingredients, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, or phthalates. This retinol substitute works by activating dormant LGR6+ stem cells in the body to create fresh new skin, meaning its active ingredients (which include a safe retinol substitute) encourage cell turnover in skin cells that have become sluggish due to the natural aging process. ($28.50 for the 24-Hour Fast Starter Kit, defenage.com)

RoC Skincares new Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules. This overnight renewal treatment comes in single-use capsules (30 per jar), that are sealed for optimal ingredient freshness. Theyre also biodegradable, so you dont have to worry about extra waste. ($33.00, Ulta/Ulta.com)

SeneGence Advanced SenePlex+ Renewal Serum with Retinolcontains incredibly gentle ingredients, including meadowfoam seed oil, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, so your skin isnt dry or irritated like with typical retinoids. Use two pumps at night for best results. ($75.00, seneweb.senegence.com)

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Recently, theres been a lot of buzz around an ingredient called bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all) which is derived from an Indian plant and is deeply hydrating.Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme uses bakuchiol, along with other gentle ingredients, that will leave your skin with a glowy look without redness or inflammation. ($55.00, Sephora.com)

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If youre a bit worried about trying retinol, you can always use a product once a week until your skin gets used to it. Or, ease yourself in with a body lotion instead. Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream is great for elbows, feet, or other rough body parts in need of some extra attention. ($27.95, Walmart.com)

As Dr. Mamelak explains it, the reason retinol works so well is because it increases the blood flow to the skin which will ultimately improve collagen production.

He adds that when retinol is applied directly to the skin, the basal cells (the ones at the lowest level of the skin) will start to divide. This division activates new epidermal cells to migrate to the skin surface, he says. In more basic terms, this means that newer cells appear on the surface of skin, while older cells are shed causing the exfoliation process to occur.

All this improved collagen production and increased exfoliation comes with a bit of a priceyou might notice, for example, that your skin is more sensitive. As Dr. Mamelak explains it, Because the skin cells are rapidly producing, they lack the adhesion and lipid production to protect the skin. Without these layers of protection, your skin becomes more sensitive when using retinol. Your skin also becomes much more sensitive to sunlight, so Dr. Mamelak says using products containing SPF is mandatory when using retinol.

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Best Retinol Creams: Best Retinol Eye Creams, Night Creams and More - Parade