What does it do?

Pro-retinol stems from a group of medicines called retinoids. The active retinoid is called retinol, or vitamin A. It sends a message to cells telling them to start producing more uniformally and rapidly. This corrects some features of damaged skin and stimulates the cells on the outer layers to produce new collagen and elastin.

Retinol has been found to be effective in improving ageing and sun-damaged skin as well as acne. Those with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation or women who are pregnant should avoid using it.

— Dr Nick Lowe

— The author is a consultant dermatologist at the Cranley Clinic in Central London. His book, Away with Wrinkles, is published by Kyle Cathie, £12.99; www.kylecathie.co.uk

Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum, £16.75 (available nationwide)
They say: Reveal younger-looking, beautifully refined skin with this powerful blend of protecting and renewing ingredients.
We say: Used daily, sometimes twice a day, this has a gorgeous silky feel. Although it is inexpensive, frequent use means you need to replenish stocks fairly often. This is the only downside, however. The skin has felt and looked good and there have been lots of positive comments. Even some minor blemishes have improved.
Mark: 9/10

Matis Regenerating Cream, £22.50 (www.matis-uk.com, 01322 290101)
They say: With vitamin A, this cream is a daily must for skin in need of an energy boost. Particularly effective during hot seasons.
We say: A very pleasant scented cream, rich and smooth and instantly absorbed. It was used morning and night, in place of a regular moisturiser; it was just so good. The skin feels smoother, especially around the eyes. People commented that the skin looked younger after only three weeks.
Mark: 10/10

Environ Début, £25.95 (020-8450 2020)
They say: A light, nongreasy cream intended for young and sensitive skins. This has the lowest concentration of vitamin A in the Environ programme.
We say: It went on very smoothly and was absorbed quickly, without an overpowering scent. It was light and nongreasy, and made the skin feel pleasant. However, there was no vast difference to the skin.
Mark: 7/10

Retanew, £39.95 (0845 4082998)
They say: Great for rejuvenating and renewing ageing, dull and weathered skin. Use a couple of times a week to see the benefits.
We say: Retanew did make the skin feel fresher, smoother and look less tired. It is quickly absorbed with no stickiness. The tightening effects on the skin seemed immediate and, given it only had to be applied twice a week, were impressive.
Mark: 8/10

Alpha-H Ace kit, £60 (08456 049049)
They say: The purest form of vitamins available for topical use, this triplicate of A, C and E, helps to repair sun damage and improve collagen and elastin. The time-release system delivers measured vitamin doses throughout the night.
We say: Lives up to its claims: wrinkles on neck are less noticeable; skin started to feel very soft and improved in texture after about a week; fine lines looked smoother. But the massage is quite laborious and the oil leaves a residue on the pillow.
Mark: 7/10

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