OLD SCHOOL Rx retinoids that left your skin raw and red.

NOW SCHOOL Rx retinoids, as well as over-the-counter retinols, that smooth out skin without irritation.

 “The single most important thing you can do for aging skin is use a retinoid,” says Jeffrey Dover, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine. Retin-A was the gold standard when it launched 30 years ago, and its active ingredient (tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative) is still the best option today. However, when the original Retin-A’s patent expired in the early 1990s, other companies were able to take tretinoin and improve on the way it was delivered into the skin. The result has been a slew of new, less irritating prescription options: Renova, Refissa and Avita, all of which put tretinoin in anti-inflammatory bases, and Retin-A Micro, which delivers tretinoin into the skin slowly, rather than in one quick, potentially irritating burst. Another improvement: the arrival of over-the-counter retinol, which is less aggressive and typically less expensive than Rx versions.

MORE RECOMMENDS: Neutrogena’s new Rapid WrinkleRepair Moisturizer($20; drugstores), a daily treatment with “accelerated retinol,” a new form of vita-min A that delivers results in just one week.

OLD SCHOOL Slow-to-dry lotions that left you streaky, orange—and stinky.

NOW SCHOOL Quick-dry, unscented (or pleasantly fragranced) formulas that impart a believable bronze.

The development of new ingredients that mimic the tone of your skin’s melanin—as well as technology that dulls the stench of DHA, the active ingredient that turns skin tawny—has made sunless bronzing a lot more appealing. In addition, the application options have evolved: Thereare now sprays, mousses and pretreated wipes, all of which make it easier and faster to get the active ingredient on your skin. Finally, it’s important to note that expectations of self-tanners have shifted, says Sandy Linter, a consulting makeup artist at Lancôme Cosmetics. We no longer desire a deep, back-from-the--Bahamas tan. Instead, we want what Linter calls “the J.Lo glow,” a sun-kissed (but not sunbaked) effect that’s much easier to get with topical tanners.

MORE RECOMMENDS: Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner($36; shop.janeiredale.com), a light lotion that dries in two minutes and has an agreeable citrusscent; Xen-Tan Lotion Scent Secure DailyProtection($32; xentan.com), which can be layered over any self-tanner to cancel out unpleasant odor.