Although maintaining the integrity of your skin’s protective barrier depends most critically on fundamental habits such as consistently applying sunscreen and properly cleansing your face, dermatologists Hartman and Bittar emphasize that men should still incorporate a retinol-based product into their routines. While not as immediately essential as those foundational steps, they view retinol serums and creams as indispensable tools for achieving and maintaining overall skin health. To their clients, the doctors describe retinol as a near-universal solution — a single, multitasking ingredient capable of addressing several of the most common and persistent concerns men face, including dullness, uneven tone, fine lines, and rough texture.
Hartman explains that retinol functions by stimulating the skin’s natural production of collagen, the structural protein responsible for firmness and elasticity. At the same time, it accelerates the process of cellular turnover — the cycle through which older, damaged cells are replaced by newer, healthier ones. As this process quickens, the complexion gradually appears smoother, more radiant, and more evenly toned. The result is skin that looks rejuvenated and feels softer and more resilient to daily environmental stressors.
Among the multitude of available products, both dermatologists point to skinbetter science’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream as an outstanding option. This advanced $145 formulation combines the efficacy of retinol with a curated blend of complementary anti-aging ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin C. Hartman notes that these compounds serve an important defensive role: they help neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules that form as a result of environmental exposure — before those molecules can degrade the collagen within your skin. By curbing this oxidative damage, such ingredients extend the longevity of your skin’s youthful structure and support the ongoing benefits of retinol therapy.
For clients who find the premium cost of AlphaRet prohibitive, Bittar recommends a more affordable yet highly effective alternative: Differin, a $12 retinoid gel that, until 2016, was available only by prescription. Its prior restricted status reflected the power of its formulation as well as the potential for temporary side effects such as mild redness or irritation. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Differin for over-the-counter sale, however, it has become a widely accessible entry point into retinol use for those exploring advanced skincare on a reasonable budget.
Regardless of the specific product chosen, both dermatologists stress that the technique and frequency of application are critical to success. They advise using only a pea-sized amount per session and introducing the product gradually — perhaps two or three nights per week — to allow the skin sufficient time to adapt to the potent active ingredient. Over time, as tolerance increases and sensitivity decreases, users can slowly build up to nightly application. This incremental approach minimizes irritation while ensuring that the skin fully benefits from the transformative effects of retinol.
Eventually, for individuals who find that their skin responds well to standard over-the-counter formulations, Hartman and Bittar recommend consulting a dermatologist to obtain a prescription retinoid. These professional-strength variants are more potent and therefore more effective at producing visible improvements in texture, tone, and elasticity. Interestingly, as Bittar points out, a prescription option can sometimes be less expensive than certain high-end retail products, particularly when health insurance covers part of the cost.
Still, even the most well-formulated products can cause sensitivity in certain users. In such cases, Hartman proposes a simple yet effective adjustment to the application order: apply moisturizer before retinol. This slight modification creates a protective buffer between the active ingredient and the skin’s surface, reducing irritation while maintaining most of retinol’s benefits. By following these practical yet scientifically grounded recommendations, men can achieve significant improvements in their skin’s appearance, texture, and long-term health with minimal effort and maximum results.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/dermatologists-best-beginner-antiaging-skincare-routine-for-men-2025-11
