Retinol has earned its status as skin care royalty 👑. It’s a powerful way to help common skin complaints like sun spots and wrinkles, but it’s often misunderstood. Here’s how to use it the right way. (And how to know when you should steer clear.)
Retinol fast facts
What is it? Retinol is a type of vitamin A. As a skin care ingredient, it can boost collagen production, regulate oil, and increase cell turnover.
Who shouldn’t use retinol? Pregnant peeps and folks with sensitive skin should avoid retinol. You should also talk with your doc before using it if you experience a skin condition like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
What’s retinol good for? Folks use retinol to reduce typical signs of aging like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots. It can also help treat acne and make pores look smaller.
How often can I use retinol? Most folks use retinol once or twice a week. Anything more than that can increase your risk of irritation.
What are the side effects? Possible side effects can include burning, redness, and increased sensitivity to the sun.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a type of retinoid that’s derived from vitamin A. It works like an antioxidant to protect your skin from free radicals. It can also boost your bod’s collagen production, brighten your skin, and shrink the appearance of your pores. All of this makes it a top-notch treatment for mature-looking skin and acne.
What are the benefits?
Retinol packs a ton of perks. Here’s the highlights.
Pro-aging. Studies show retinol can boost skin cell turnover, increase skin elasticity, and prevent moisture loss. This can give your skin a more youthful, plump lewk.
Sun damage. Retinol has some rockin’ antioxidant properties that can help repair hyperpigmentation and lighten dark spots.
Improves texture. Retinol can pump up the volume on collagen production. This can help give your skin a smoother, more even appearance.
Clears acne. Research shows retinol can help unclog pores, reduce sebum production, and calm inflammation. So it might help you ditch your zits. Bonus: It has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‘s stamp of approval.
Who shouldn’t use retinol?
You shouldn’t use retinol if you’re preggo or breastfeeding. You also need to be careful if you have super sensitive skin or a condition like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
FYI: Retinol doesn’t play well with certain skin care ingredients including the following:
- vitamin C
- salicylic acid
- benzoyl peroxide
- beta hydroxy acids
- alpha hydroxy acids
When should I start using retinol?
It’s up to you! There’s no set age you should start a retinol routine. But lots of folks like to start using it in their mid-20s to treat acne and prevent future signs of aging.
What are the side effects?
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical retinols are usually very safe. But there are some potential probs to be aware of.
Possible side effects include:
- irritation
- dryness
- redness
- flaking skin
- acne breakouts (but this is rare)
PSA: It can take your skin a few weeks (or longer) to get used to retinol. You should only use it once a week until you know your skin can handle it.
PSA: Retinol increases your risk of sunburn
Sunscreen is bae, but it’s even more important if you’re using retinoids. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You can also reduce your risk of a gnarly burn by only using retinol products before bed.
How to use retinol
Incorporating retinol into your skin care routine is super simple. Here’s how to do it.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Dab a pea-size amount of retinol onto your nose, forehead, chin, and each cheek.
- Gently rub the retinol into your skin.
- Apply a moisturizing skin serum to your face.
- Finish off with a hydrating cream.
Reminder: Start slow. Use retinol once a week until your skin adapts to it. Then you can use it twice a week or as directed by your dermatologist.
How long does it take retinol to work?
It usually takes 3 months to see a noticeable difference in your skin. But for the best results, you may have to wait 6 months to 1 year. As for acne, it can take up to 6 weeks to notice improvements.
Keep in mind, everyone’s skin is different. Results can depend on your skin type and how severe your symptoms are.
What are the best retinols to use?
Ready for your retinol glow-up? Here’s the best retinol products for each skin concern:
- Best for newbies: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
- Best for early signs of maturing skin: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum
- Best for body: Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment
- Best for acne-prone skin: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
- Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum
- Best for eyes: Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL Eyes Contour Care
Pricing guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20–$30
- $$$ = $30–$40
- $$$ = over $40
1. Best retinol for newbies
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
- Price: $$$
This fab facial moisturizer is available at most pharmacies and drugstores. It goes on super smooth and it’s hella hydrating. The rich formula absorbs quickly and won’t leave you feeling greasy. We also love that it’s free from phthalates, fragrance, synthetic dyes, and mineral oil.
2. Best retinol for early signs of maturing skin
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum
- Price: $$
With 0.3 percent pure retinol, this serum serves major anti-aging potential. It’s great if you’re starting to see fine lines and wrinkles pop up. The company claims it’s ideal for combination or sensitive skin, but it should work well on oily skin too.
3. Best retinol for body
Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment
- Price: $$
Show your bod some love with this lightweight moisturizer. As the retinol goes to work, shea butter and evening primrose oil will leave your skin baby-butt smooth. It also boasts vitamins E and C for an extra kick of antioxidants. BTW, Paula’s Choice says it’s suitable for all skin types.
4. Best retinol for acne-prone skin
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
- Price: $
This gel will help you send those pesky pimples packing. It targets breakouts deep in the pores and helps restore a smooth, even complexion. Reviewers say it took a few months to kick in, but after that the results looked solid. Note: It’s not meant to be used on eczema or sunburned skin.
5. Best retinol for sensitive skin
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum
- Price: $
This cream was designed with sensitive skin in mind. (And that’s great news since retinol can be a bit harsh.) Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture into your skin and ceramides help restore your skin’s natural barrier. But wait, there’s more! It’s noncomedogenic and budget-friendly.
6. Best retinol for eyes
Eau Thermale Avene RetrinAL Eyes Contour Care
Price: $$$$
Show those crow’s feet who’s boss with this firming eye cream. The bomb blend of stabilized retinol and hyaluronic acid can reduce the signs of aging and improve puffiness. Some reviewers say it also helped reduce their dark circles.
Alternatives to retinol
Retinol isn’t for everyone. And that’s totally OK! Here are some alternatives that can help you achieve similar results.
- Bakuchiol. A 2019 study found that this plant-based ingredient can decrease pigmentation and fine lines as well as retinol.
- Rosehip oil. Rosehip oil is a popular stretch mark remedy, and lots of folks say it also works wonders on wrinkles. But we need more research to prove it works 10/10.
- Rambutan. The high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in this lychee-like plant make it a great acne treatment. A 2019 animal study found it can also improve signs of photoaging. But we need more studies on humans to know what’s up for sure.
- Carrot seed oil. Studies show carrot seed oil contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This might make it a rad rejuvenator and acne remedy. Though more research on the effect of carrot seed oil on humans needs to be done.
tl;dr
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that boasts beaucoup skin benefits. Specifically, it’s an uber popular anti-aging treatment that has promising pimple potential as well. Just keep in mind, it’s not for everyone. Folks who have certain skin conditions might want to try a gentler alternative.
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