While there's no right or wrong age to begin using retinol, most dermatologists recommend fitting it into your skin care routine during your 20s. The reason? "The production of collagen fibers starts to decline in our 20s," explains Dr.
The truth is that even if you're in your twenties, you're not too young for retinol. Age just doesn't matter. Because it's not only for anti-aging, but it also works for acne. Retinol, and prescription retinoids, are commonly used for getting rid of breakouts—especially in teenagers.
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.
If skin is far-gone in later decades, undoing the damage becomes that much harder and more complicated. But you don't want to start too early and that's why Rouleau suggests beginning to add retinol to your regimen in your late 20s.
If You're Using Retinol Correctly, You'll Actually Thicken Your Skin. "The idea that retinol thins the skin is false," asserts David Colbert, M.D., co-founder of the New York Dermatology Group.
“Absolutely!” says Dr. Nichols. “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.”
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."
“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
Do the results last if you stop using retinol? Yes, but most dermatologists say you'll want to resume using it for optimal results. "Retinols help turn back the clock. If you have to stop them (for example while pregnant), your skin is still better from the time you were using them," explains Dr.
The bottom line. Retinol is a well-known ingredient in anti-aging creams, gels, and serums. What many people don't know is that it can also be used to treat acne and acne-scarred skin. It works at both the surface and middle layers of the skin to unclog pores, smooth scars, and improve tone and texture.
Peeling, redness, and irritation are common onset reactions for some people when they first start to use retinol. Some reactions get so bad that the common term used to describe the list of effects has been dubbed the “retinol uglies”. Note from a skincare expert: Many things in life get worse before they get better.
First, choose the gentlest formula (again, retinyl palmitate or retinol), and start slowly—apply it just one night a week for one week, two nights a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, and then every other night (for sensitive skin) or every night (for “tough” skin) indefinitely.
And washing your face is necessary to remove any retinol or AHAs you wore overnight. Bottom line: Not washing your face in the morning is a mistake. A thorough a.m. cleanse ensures your products will work like they're supposed to.
Retinol improves signs of aging, and vitamin E repairs and protects from photodamage. What it's for: Fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts. Celebrity fans: Victoria Beckham, Laura Harrier, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
In general, retinol is one of the more gentle varieties of retinoids, however, “if you're going to experience shedding it will begin on day three to five of daily night time use, and this usually continues for about five to 10 days depending on your skin type and the percentage of retinol you've used,” adds Ejikeme.
Skin purging happens when new ingredients, like retinol, promote increased cell turnover, which causes clogging and worsening breakouts. This is particularly the case as oil and debris that is trapped deeper underneath the skin comes to the surface.
“Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.” When choosing a retinol product, Dr. Rogers says it's best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up. Another thing to consider is your skin type.
A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.
Retinols can still be effective, but the results won't be as stark and will take longer to appear. That said, they're very accessible, and you don't need a prescription. Often, retinols are a good place to start for people who are just looking to try it out.
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.
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.
You might also get more breakouts once you start using retinoids. Keep calm and stick with it. “It's common to see acne get worse before it gets better, as the retinoids can cause a mass 'purge,'” says Robinson. Basically, as skin cell turnover increases, new clogs rise to the top.
Again, there is no definitive evidence that topical retinoids lead to cancer or reproductive toxicity, but the evidence we do have is pretty much on par with that of parabens.
Retinoids are a “great option” to regulate cell turnover and prevent the pores from becoming congested, noted Garshick, who added topical retinoids work on all types of acne, but “are especially helpful” for blackheads and whiteheads.