Retinol has been proven as one the most effective skin care ingredients to prevent and soften fine lines and wrinkles. In order to choose the best retinol night cream for your skin, you may consider your skin type and age as well as your budget. Some creams work well for oily skin, while others are made to nourish and treat dry skin. Drugstore creams typically contain less retinol than prescription versions, but also may prove less irritating and expensive. It may take several months of trial and error, however, to determine which cream is right for you.

If you have oily skin, it may be best to avoid retinol creams with ingredients that exacerbate acne. Most people don't begin to get fine lines and wrinkles until they are in their late 20s or 30s, which is a good time to incorporate retinol night cream into a skin care routine. Younger women, however, often have acne-prone skin, so it may be best to choose a night cream that does not contain oils and is proven to not clog pores. Creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help exfoliate the skin and prevent clogged pores. Women older than 40 and those with dryer skin types may want to look for more moisturizing formulas, such as those that contain collagen, shea butter and other oils.

For those with more sensitive skin, it may be wise to choose a retinol night cream with soothing ingredients. Retinol can irritate the skin, so when embarking on a new skin care routine, consider applying the cream every other night until your skin adjusts. You may experience symptoms ranging from dry, flaky skin to mild breakouts in the first few weeks and months that you use the product; your skin typically will adjust, however. Aside from using a retinol night cream on your face, you may also want to consider using an eye cream that contains retinol as well. These products specifically target the delicate skin in the eye area and provide extra moisture while helping to prevent fine lines and crow's feet.

Budget is often one of the main determining factors when choosing the best retinol night cream; it may be less expensive to buy an over-the-counter cream rather than a prescription cream. The main active ingredients in retinol night cream, called "Retinoids," are derived from Vitamin A; they are responsible for smoothing wrinkles; lightening age spots and freckles; and reducing pore size. Many quality creams containing retinoids are available in drugstores, although they typically contain a lower percentage—often less than 0.1%—than products available by prescription. In order to obtain prescription retinol creams, you normally must visit a dermatologist—but you typically can expect to pay more, as insurance doesn't often cover skin care products.