Can you use retinol forever?

Author: Prof. Sabina Legros  |  Last update: Monday, May 19, 2025

Do you have to use retinol forever once you start? If you are using it correctly, where you are balancing getting an effect with minimizing irritation and dryness, then there is really no reason to stop (with the exception of during pregnancy).

Is it okay to use retinol for a long time?

You can absolutely use retinol every day if you're not experiencing irritation. People only say to use retinol a few times a week to minimize irritation, but if your skin is very tolerant of it and you're not having any issues, there's no reason as to why you couldn't use it every day.

Can I ever stop using retinol?

Once I'm on retinol, can I ever stop? Will it fix my skin like Accutane? ``There are no side effects to simply stopping, so you can stop anytime you like. However, retinol does slow down the aging process. It will make a big difference for your skin, but you have to keep using it regularly for the long-term benefits.

Can I use retinol indefinitely?

You can stop using it at any time but since skin renews every 1-2 months (depending on your age) the benefits you gained won't continue. In order to keep seeing benefits it needs to be an ongoing thing. Just like sunscreen.

Can I use retinol all my life?

Since retinol can irritate your skin, it's best to start slow. After a patch test, you might use a product once every few days, and then gradually ramp up to once or twice per day. At first, you might experience redness, itching or burning, but these symptoms go away as your skin gets used to the treatment.

I STOPPED USING TRETINOIN (This Is Why) - 3 Anti-Aging Alternatives To Tret

Should you take a break from retinol?

Should you take a break from retinol? If you experience adverse effects like burning, redness, or peeling from retinol, consider taking a break, reducing the frequency of use, or switching to a less irritating retinoid.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.

Are results from retinol permanent?

Rather than the results being permanent, Retin A resets the starting point, with continual use affecting how quickly the process occurs.

Why retinol Cannot be used everyday?

Applying too much retinol can cause your skin to react badly. Skin discoloration, swelling, or acne flare-ups are common side effects of prolonged, high-dosage retinol use. Using too often or a dosage too strong for your skin can cause peeling and excessive dryness, which can eventually lead to skin thinning.

What is the best retinol alternative?

We break down our list into serums, eye creams and moisturizers so you can find the retinol alternative that best fits into your skin care routine.
  • Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. ...
  • Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum. ...
  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum. ...
  • Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

When to give up on retinol?

Indications that you're experiencing retinol burn include:
  • Dry skin.
  • Redness contributing to uneven skin tone.
  • Discoloration.
  • Flaking.
  • Painful skin irritation.

Can your skin become Dependant on retinol?

When you first start introducing retinol products into your night time skincare routine it can become a little addictive. You wake with such a great glow which makes it tempting to use more, and more often, but too much can actually cause damage to the skin and accelerate ageing.

Does retinol make you age slower?

Retinoids are a group of drugs derived from Vitamin A. Since the 1970s, doctors have used retinoids to treat acne, psoriasis, and some cancers. Dermatologists also realized that retinoids have anti-aging properties. You can apply these medications to the skin to improve skin tone and reduce the signs of aging.

How many years does retinol last?

Generally, the retinol expiration date will fall between 6 to 12 months after opening, although this can vary depending on the formulation, packaging, and storage conditions. Conversely, an unopened prescription retinol typically lasts about two years from the manufacturing date before it starts to go bad.

Can you use retinol all year round?

Is it better to use retinoids during the summer or winter? As experts in vitamin A, we always recommend using retinoids all-year-round for visibly firmer, healthy-looking skin.

Is retinol damaging long term?

It's unlikely you'll experience retinol side effects long-term. However, retinol can leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so it's important to apply sunscreen daily. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Why is retinol banned in Europe?

This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.

How to tell if retinol is working?

You will be able to tell that Retinol is working if you start to see improvements in the texture and general appearance of your skin. Some people might be able to spot changes in their skin quite quickly, while others will have to be more patient.

Can you ever stop using retinol?

The short answer is- you will get a short-term benefit after stopping retinol but eventually your skin will return back to baseline (how it was before you began retinol). There is no downside to using retinol and it does not injure your skin in any way.

How long are retinol uglies?

The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.

What is better, hyaluronic acid or retinol?

Indeed, retinol is excellent for treating acne and imperfections, while hyaluronic acid is ideal for dehydrated skin. And it is also possible to combine them in your beauty routine to benefit from their full effectiveness. This moisturizing cream, to be used daily, has many advantages!

At what age should I start using retinol?

What age should you start using retinol? There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For its skin aging benefits, you can start to use it in your 20s as a preventive step. If you're using it for mild acne, you can use it even younger.

Should you put moisturizer or retinol first?

It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.

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