Retinol Revival

Skin care miracle worker retinol has been on a bit of roller coaster over these past few years. First it was hailed as the savior for those suffering from skin woes like fine lines and acne, then it got a bit of a bad reputation for being too harsh on skin and fell out of favor for a time. Well, now it's back — and better than ever thanks to more advanced technologies and gentler formulas. New delivery techniques mean higher levels of retinol can be encapsulated so that it penetrate deeper into the skin, allowing the retinol to work below the surface of the skin. Scientists have also found new ways of pairing pure retinol with soothing and hydrating ingredients without degrading its effectiveness, so you get maximum efficacy without all the aggravation. We do so love technology.

Kate Somerville Retasphere 2-In-1 Retinol Night Cream, $85, available at Nordstrom; Strivectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Treatment, $109, available at Strivectin; Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Eye Repair, $65, available at QVC.