Do you have to take retinol forever?

Author: Mohammed Fahey DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, April 5, 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).

Do I have to use retinol forever?

You can use it for a few months then stop then resume when you're older. I use it once a week to every other day. Additionally, you should wear sunscreen on your face if you're using retinol, but it doesn't make you *that* sensitive to UV rays. Just need to be more careful, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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.

How long should I keep using retinol?

Kobets says. “Start by applying a pea sized amount on top of a moisturizer about once a week [in the evenings]. It's better to use once a week for several months, than experience skin irritation from daily use and being forced to stop due to intolerance.”

What do Asians use instead of retinol?

Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.

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What do Koreans use in place of retinol?

So what the Koreans actually use in place of retinol is red ginseng, which is a natural herb sourced skincare ingredient that does the job for them pretty well. Retinol serves an age reversing purpose, Koreans use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants instead.

Can vitamin C replace retinol?

Vitamin C cream was found to be superior to retinol cream in treating marionette lines and in enhancing the overall tone and texture of the skin, whereas, the retinol cream appeared to be more effective in treating mottled and discrete pigmentation.

Should I take a break from retinol?

“If you get too dry or red or peeling or irritated from retinol, simply take a break for two to three nights, moisturize only, and then resume using it. Our skin will typically get used to the products over time.”

Is retinol healthy long term?

Topical retinol is generally safe for long-term use without any detrimental health risks. The health risks related to retinoid use normally come from strong retinoids taken by mouth.

How do I know if retinol is not for me?

Garshick says to expect some mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity when you're first introducing the ingredient into your routine. But if you're experiencing any intense flaking, redness, or burning sensations, it's best to shy away from retinol altogether.

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.

Will my acne come back if I stop using retinol?

Unfortunately, stopping treatment usually means a return of pimples. That's because most acne treatment medications don't cure acne but rather keep the symptoms under control.

Does retinol cause skin darkening?

If your skin is prone to melasma or has a history of hyperpigmentation, retinol may initially worsen the appearance of dark patches before it improves. Additionally, some individuals experience a “purging” phase where the skin becomes inflamed before showing results, which can contribute to temporary darkening.

Should I ever stop using retinol?

You should always discontinue your use of retinol if your physician instructs you to. Your physician may also recommend that you slow down your use of retinol or use it at a lower concentration depending on your skin type and skin concerns.

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.

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.

Do you have to keep using retinol once you start?

For some people, stopping retinol abruptly may not lead to serious changes, but it's always best to consult a dermatology provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your specific circumstances. However, there is a chance your more obvious signs of aging may return after discontinuing retinol.

What is the rule of 3 for retinol?

We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.

At what age is retinol good?

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. Keep in mind that while OTC retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription-strength retinoid cream.

Can you go in the sun with retinol?

The instructions on many retinol products will tell you not to go out in the sun immediately after applying them. However, this is more to do with how well the product will work than about causing damage to your skin. Yes, retinoids will make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun.

Is niacinamide or retinol better?

Retinol is usually more effective than niacinamide. The adverse side effects of retinol are not present in niacinamide. From a molecular standpoint, retinol mainly penetrates the skin's outer layer. Niacinamide can permeate the skin more deeply than retinol, mainly when made with soy components.

Does retinol lighten skin?

Retinol helps fade hyperpigmentation by making dead skin cells shed faster and encouraging new skin cell growth (a.k.a the darker stained skin cells of freckles, age spots, acne scars, etc. come off and reveal newer, brighter, more even skin cells underneath).

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!

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