"You need to get in line"

Yesterday, I needed to return something at Costco. The return line was out the door and I decided it was too long and I would do it another time. Then I came home to sign up for a class only to discover there was a "wait line" and I was "third in line" After that, I need to contact my cell company and got on their live chat where I was told "your next in line". Thats's when I thought "are there any good lines"?

Well, of course the lines on the road prevent accidents and the point A to point B linear lines get us to where we want to be. But most lines are not fun, and we wish we didn't have to encounter them. Which brings me another group of lines that seem to pop up every day. And those are the lines on our face!

Now we all know there are the "big guns" to address this issue. Laser, dermabrasion,

mico needling, Botox, just to name a few. But are there ways to address this pesky problem at home? The answer is yes! Hello retinoids!

So what are retinoids and how do they work? Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from Vitamin A. They can be a prescription retinoid like tretinoin, or they can be an over- the counter one which are called "retinols'" Retinols are a "kinder, gentler" version of a retinoid and will also do the trick. It may take a little longer than prescription strength but for most of us it works great and is kinder to our skin.

Now, what do they do? First off, they improve the skin tone and reduce those fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collogen production and increase skin cell production. They can help fade those age spots and smooth rough patches of skin. And those tiny little lines around the lips? Yes, retinol helps with that too!

There are lots of retinol products out there and I have tried a few. I also have tried the prescription strength and to be honest, I prefer the retinol. It's easier on my skin and I get great results.

On the very top of my list is the retinol from Lancer. It's an advanced retinol treatment with 1.25% retinol. You use it just once a day, in the evening. It's an excellent evening treatment to add into your regime as if it is applied during the day, it can cause increased sun sensitivity. Don't use more than is instructed and start off slowly if you have sensitive skin. This is my favorite nonprescription retinol product 'hands down" because it produces results quickly. I was amazed how effective this product was for being a non-prescriptive retinoid. It literally gave me better results than the prescription I had been using. Even though you will be using retinol in the evening make sure you apply sunscreen during the day. As my dermatologist said, "The only time you don't need sunscreen is when you need a flashlight". Using it prevents further skin damage the one that I have used for years and that is always recommended by derms is EltaMD. And it's great under make-up too!

Second up on the retinol list are the ones from the Ordinary. You can start with a low strength of 0.2% and work yourself up to 0.5% to the Retinol 1% in Squalane. If you are prone to sensitivity, the Ordinary recommends their Granactive Retinoid in 2% Emulsion. In fact, they recommend the Granactive Retinoid if you are just starting out. I am a long-time retinol user and that's what I use and love it. The Ordinary is a great way to go because they are affordable, and they work!

And landing right in the middle from a price point is La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum. It contains not only 0.3% retinol but also Niacinamide and our friend Hyaluronic acid.

You can never go wrong with products from this brand, and this is no different. It's a solid choice for an effective retinol serum!

So there you have it. Three great choices. Choose one and get started on a retinol regime. It you already are using retinol; you may want to try one of these out.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

Liz❤️

(Any links in this post are affiliate links which I may be given compensation for if they are purchased through the link)