Retinol is popular because it's a well-researched, versatile skincare ingredient that effectively tackles aging signs like wrinkles, dullness, and uneven tone by boosting collagen, increasing cell turnover, and improving skin texture, while also managing acne and breakouts for smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin, making it a gold-standard treatment for many concerns.
scientific adviser, explains; 'Retinol can be helpful in the treatment of acne and certain skin conditions, but also to combat some signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. 'It helps to exfoliate the skin and increase collagen production, which can make skin appear brighter and more youthful.
Retinol can cause side effects similar to those of eczema and may exacerbate eczema symptoms. In general, dermatologists do not recommend using retinoids on eczema-prone skin.
By the end of this year, the EU will restrict retinol concentration in topical products due to concerns that higher concentrations could lead to vitamin A toxicity. Restrictions will be more stringent for body products because a larger treatment area means a higher chance of too much vitamin A entering the bloodstream.
Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.
Basically, your skin is purging the dead skin and bacteria which can temporarily trigger problems like acne, flaking, peeling, and more. The retinol uglies are the definition of it gets worse before it gets better. People with sensitive and/or dry skin experience worse retinol uglies for longer.
Retinol: Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to your face. If you're new to retinol, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer
“It has no fragrance, is dye-free and restores the skin's natural barrier against moisture loss. This moisturizer quenches extra-dry skin, relieves intense dryness and leaves the skin looking smooth, which is excellent for those using retinol,” he says.
The "3-minute rule" for eczema is a key skincare guideline: apply moisturizer to damp skin within three minutes of getting out of a bath or shower to lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent dryness and itching. This practice, recommended by dermatologists, involves gently patting the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp, and immediately applying a thick cream or ointment to seal in hydration, reducing eczema flare-ups and soothing the skin.
Starting a retinoid can cause a temporary phase of retinoid dermatitis, leading to red and flaky skin for about two weeks. Don't worry, it's only temporary!
Retinol is potent and can cause side effects such as skin irritation, dryness, and redness, especially in sensitive or dry skin types. If you have a Baumann Skin Type prone to dehydration, inflammation, or if you have conditions like eczema or rosacea, retinol might exacerbate these issues.
Koreans use gentle, effective alternatives to retinol like Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ginseng, Adenosine, and antioxidants (Vitamin C, Green Tea), focusing on hydration (Hyaluronic Acid) and barrier support (Squalane, Snail Mucin) to achieve anti-aging results without irritation. These ingredients boost collagen, improve firmness, and smooth texture, making them great for sensitive skin or those avoiding retinoids.
This myth is based on the potential irritant effect of retinol. On the contrary, retinol is one of the most widely used and effective active ingredients to minimize the appearance of all visible signs of aging and sun damage, but also to combat skin conditions such as acne and target areas of pigmentation.
The ingredient that works up to 11 times faster than retinol is Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde), a more direct form of Vitamin A that requires fewer conversion steps in the skin to become active retinoic acid, leading to quicker anti-aging and skin-smoothing results, making it ideal for experienced users.
The Retinol 1-2-3 Method is a gradual skin-adapting technique for beginners: use retinol once a week for the first week, twice a week for the second week, and three times a week for the third week, then work up to every other night or nightly as your skin tolerates it, minimizing irritation and building tolerance to the active ingredient. This "low and slow" approach helps avoid dryness, redness, and peeling (retinization) by letting skin adjust before increasing frequency.
Retinol works similarly on nails as it does on skin, encouraging healthy renewal of the nail plate1. Some studies have demonstrated that retinoids (the family of compounds related to vitamin A) can positively affect nail growth rate and thickness.
For fine wrinkling of the neck the use of 'wrinkle creams' can help firm and smooth the skin texture. Retinoids such as prescription tretinoin (Retin A) or a really good retinol such as my Retinol Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream.
Dry skin exaggerates wrinkles, making them look deeper. Retinoids can increase dryness initially, worsening the appearance of fine lines.
Under-eye puffiness is often caused by fluid retention, but can also stem from thin, sagging, or sensitive skin. Retinoids alleviate puffy eyes by boosting collagen production and improving skin firmness, reducing the swelling often caused by fluid retention.
Benzoyl peroxide presents a unique problem when combined with retinol because it's a powerful oxidizing agent. While incredibly effective for treating acne by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, it can chemically deactivate retinol through oxidation, essentially neutralizing both ingredients' benefits.
Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient that works well with retinol. It helps to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and improve the skin's barrier function. Using a niacinamide serum in conjunction with retinol can help mitigate irritation and enhance skin texture and tone.
In most cases, yes. In fact, you'll often find these two ingredients working in tandem in skincare formulations (including the aforementioned retinol serum). Retinol has many benefits, but it can be drying for some. Adding hyaluronic acid to your regimen may help reduce that dryness and keep your skin feeling hydrated.