Award - Best Night Treatment, 2016

Retinoids have long been touted as the gold standard in anti-aging. They are proven to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, fines lines and wrinkles and more. But the thing is these vitamin A derivatives aren’t compatible with all skin types, especially the sensitive ones. Ao Skincare Rewind Retinal uses retinal (retinaldehyde), a powerful form of vitamin A, and buffers it with restorative antioxidants and hydrating sodium hyaluronate to make it tolerable for all. However, it is still recommended for nighttime use only. 

Retinal is said to perform the closest to prescription retinoic acid when it comes to age prevention, but because it has less of a conversion process compared to other vitamin A derivatives, retinal causes minimal irritation or sensitivity. It works by thinning the top layer of the skin while stimulating collagen synthesis and thickening the smoother and fresher layer underneath. 

Ao Skincare also uses bakuchiol, a potent antioxidant found in the seeds and leaves of the plant commonly known as babchi. Not only is bakuchiol shown to have similar benefits to topical vitamin A without the common complaints, but it also helps protect the retinal from oxidative damage, says the brand. What you won’t find in this front-runner are parabens, PEGS, TEA, DEA, mineral oils, or artificial fragrance.

Since its introduction to the Truth In Aging shop, Ao Skincare Rewind Retinal has continued to sell out. Community members find this treatment to be both gentle and effective. “The litmus test has been my lip lines. Rewind is gentle enough for this very sensitive area of my skin, yet it has still been impressively impactful on those pesky lines,” says Marta. See what a couple of other community members have been reporting below.

Full review here

Reviewers’ Take:

“Rewind Retinal improved my skin texture by reducing the tiny scars from old breakouts and fading out the sun spots on my cheeks. Second, it increased my skin luminosity by making it look supple and smooth. And it did so without the dreaded flaking that accompanies the use of retinoids — no skin irritation, redness or peeling.” – Katya  

“This retinol product is having a magical effect. My skin is more radiant, feels silky but firm, and I can already see a reduction in surface lines.” – Monett