Retinoids (or derivatives of vitamin A) are well-studied and effective anti-aging ingredients, but unfortunately, they’re not the most user-friendly. There are so many types of retinoids, from over-the-counter retinol and Retin-A serums to prescription-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin and tazarotene, and every iteration ranges in concentration — from 0.25% to 1%. While this means there is an option for almost everyone, if you start using too much of a high-strength retinoid too quickly, your skin might suffer from dryness, flaking and extra sensitivity. To find out what type of retinol strength is best for your skin, we spoke to Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical and Jennifer Weiss, a PA-C specializing in dermatology at Marmur Medical. Keep reading for Dr. Song and Weiss’s tips on incorporating retinol into your routine without irritation, plus the best topical retinol serums and products to consider for your nightly regimen. 
