Retinol is the holy grail skincare ingredient you didn't know you needed

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It seems that browsing the skincare aisle at the pharmacy rarely gets us the answers we've been searching for. If you're like us, our biggest skincare concerns aren't merely one-sided: We have dryness scattered with oily acne patches; we want to hide our dark spots but also fix our skin's dullness; our wrinkles are only exacerbated by drooping skin.

The internet will be quick to surface a list of (often questionable) products to aid these problems, each more single serving than the next. But head over to any dermatologist's office and you'll be gifted with one holy grail ingredient that will fix all your skincare woes and more: Retinols.

Unlike exfoliators, which only work on a superficial level, the vitamin A powerhouse works to invigorate your skin on a cellular level by helping damaged skin cells return to their normal, healthy function. The vitamin attaches to the skin cell receptors, consequently implementing normal cell turnover for a glowing complexion, pigment production and smaller pores because of the vitamin's antioxidant properties, as well as increased collagen production for wrinkle-free skin.

"Retinols are one of the most tried-and-true products used for facial skin rejuvenation, with their biggest benefit being the production of collagen reducing the dreaded wrinkle," explained Dr. William P. Adams Jr, a plastic surgeon out of Dallas.

"It gets rid of wrinkles and makes the skin look younger. Scientifically proven in many studies, it's one of the most effective skincare products in the history of skin rejuvenation," he continued. Adams suggests the Retinol Complete 1.0 ($120, Amazon) as one of his favorites, but you can shop more of our favorite retinol products below.

Shop: The Inkey List Retinol Serum ($9.99, Sephora)

Shop: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum (Dermstore, $89)

Shop: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Serum ($19.99, Ulta)

Shop: Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Eye Cream ($28.99, Target)