First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends starting an anti-aging treatment like retinol in your 20s. “Because retinol is a preventative measure, you don't have to wait until you're actually noticing signs of aging—like fine lines or crow's feet—to start using it,” Dr. Schlessinger says.
Begin in Your Mid 20s or Early 30s
"Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol," says Ellen Marmur, M.D. "Many patients who have used it for years swear by it."
But 40 is definitely not 'too old' to start using retinol. Start with a percentage of 0.3 and use it only 1-2 times a week. You can move on to 0.5 and then up to 1% when your skin is ready, but not on the first use.
How to start using retinol in your 50s – and beyond! As we said, it's never too late to start using retinol. You can even extend using retinol down your neck, too. This area of your body is just as delicate and can often show your age even more than your face because we take care of it far less.
Many studies show that retinoids improve acne and wrinkles- but what happens to the skin when you 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).
“Retinol is safe to use for men or women in their 20s to help boost collagen and reduce signs of premature aging, such as creepiness, age spots, and fine lines.” Shani agrees.
In your 30s, you can start by using over-the-counter retinol like the RoC serum once or twice a week, gradually building up to three or four nights a week. "Once you have been using it for six to nine months, you can transition into a prescription retinoid," says Rouleau.
Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Don't start Retin-A.
Since mature skin is naturally dry anyway, most women over 70 who have never used it before will need to avoid the Retin A.
However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months. Because retinoids can cause skin dryness and irritation, doctors often recommend using them only every other day at first and then gradually working up to nightly applications.
Those with stubborn skin concerns, like deep wrinkles and pronounced uneven skin tone may want to consider a high percentage retinol cream, serum or treatment. But what percentage of retinol is effective? Look for formulations with a percentage between 0.3% and 1%, with retinol 1% being the strongest option.
In your 30s, you should absolutely be using a retinol. Retinol is the ultimate anti-aging product, as it helps even skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increases firmness! Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin every other night.
There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For anti-aging purposes, you can start preventatively in your 20s. While over-the-counter retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription.
With repeated use, retinol products begin to thin out your skin and will eventually make you more susceptible to UVA rays. If you're not wearing adequate SPF all the time, with passing years you'll have more melasma, more discoloration... Plus, they can be way too harsh on the skin, even if you don't feel the redness.
Retinol is unsafe for use in the sun
Retinol has been shown to increase the sensitivity of the skin to sun, meaning that using retinol in the sun (especially without sunscreen) can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage and be at increased risk of skin cancer development.
It's best to start with a retinyl palmitate or retinol, and to try it for three months and then have a three month break. This is due to research that suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after three months of usage.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
While retinol is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this doesn't mean it's free from side effects. People who use retinols commonly experience dry and irritated skin, especially after using a new product. Other side effects may include: redness.
Retinol is also one of the best ways to “reduce the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet, and wrinkles,” says Henry. It's a must in your 50s if you haven't already been using it. Engelman says prescription-strength retinols are “vital” at this stage.
Retinol Is A Must
Retinol encourages skin renewal, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and imperfections while evening skin tone and improving moisture retention,” explains Abi. In essence, using retinol regularly in your 60s will help to tackle virtually every age-related concerned in one way or another.
The telltale signs of retinol burn include skin that is red, irritated, flaky, inflamed, sore to the touch, and/or shedding. "You could also be experiencing breakouts or inflamed acne that is not usual for your skin," adds Idriss.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.