Generally speaking, I recommend most people start using retinol in their mid to late-20s, anywhere from 25-30. This is when collagen and elastin production starts to slow down, so it's the perfect time to start reaping the preventative-aging benefits retinol has to offer.
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.
Retinol, and prescription retinoids, are commonly used for getting rid of breakouts—especially in teenagers. Since retinoids are safe for acne-prone teens and their young skin, then retinol is safe to use when you are young before you see any signs of aging.
Start thinking about retinol...but definitely wait till your late 20s. All derms will agree that the earlier you start addressing signs of aging, the better off you'll be. "As you enter your 20s, early signs of sun-damage and aging show on the skin," says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
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.
“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.”
Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.
Myth: Young people can't use retinoids
But there is no age restriction on the use of retinoids. Instead, it's about what skin conditions are being treated. After sunscreen, it's one of the best preventive anti-aging ingredients around.
No, you can start using Vitamin C serum once you are 20.
Niacinamide is one of the most versatile skincare ingredients and is super easy to incorporate into your routine. Suitable for all skin types and all ages (from teens to mature skin) it can be used both morning and evening but remember consistency is key if you want to see results.
Topical retinoids approved for treatment of acne vulgaris are indicated only down to age 12 years, with the exception of tretinoin 0.05% gel (Atralin), which is approved for use in children as young as 10 years of age. But acne is a significant problem well before age 10, noted Dr.
Anyone above the age of 18 can use Niacinamide, skin type no bar. However, if you have very sensitive skin or a lot of allergies, its best to do a patch test and consult your dermatologist before you give it a go.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Daily Face Moisturizer may be used by people 13 years of age and older. This contains natural origin hyaluronic acid and 15 Mineral-Rich Vichy Volcanic Water to strengthen & repair your skin barrier. It will hydrate and plump your skin.
Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.
As for retinol making young skin age, it wont do that. Retinol is a great skincare ingredient (regardless of your age). It does help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but that doesn't mean you can't use it.
Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen to take care of your skin. If you have dry skin, choose a non-soapy formula and salicylic acid for oily skin. Choose moisturizer that is oil-in-water based or gel-based to make your skin grease-free. You can also opt for sunscreen - preferably aqua or gel-based ones.
Retinoids
Inflammatory acne that's so common during your teen years may also be treated with retinoids. These are types of vitamin A derivatives that unplug clogged oil ducts to prevent cysts and nodules. Retinoids may be your next step if benzoyl peroxide doesn't do the trick.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.
Using any form of retinol makes your skin more prone to sunburn. Sun damage combined with retinol burn is a recipe for redness or discoloration, inflammation, and more.
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.
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.
Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.
Who should skip retinol? “Retinols can be a beneficial addition for most skin types, but it isn't a one-size-fits-all approach,” Panzica says. Board certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD, notes that “people with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea cannot tolerate really strong topicals like retinols.”
Moms of teens will remember that back in their day, a toner was usually a high alcohol content, tingly, burning affair that was used in the hopes of sopping up excess oil. Not only is that completely not what you're looking for here, it's actually very harmful to teenage skin.