What are the long term results of retinol?

Author: Dr. Morton Kuhlman  |  Last update: Thursday, August 28, 2025

What about long-term retinol use? 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.

Is it OK to use retinol forever?

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.

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.

What happens after you stop using retinol?

If you stop using a retinol, you'll lose the superficial changes. You'll also begin losing collagen/gaining wrinkles again at a ``normal'' speed, but you won't suddenly re-gain all the wrinkles you didn't develop.

How many years can you use retinol?

There is no specific age for someone to start using retinol. Generally, starting retinol in the 20s is recommended for purposes of preventing signs of aging. However, it can be used earlier, especially for those with acne.

How long does it take to see results from retinol?

Does retinol have long term effects?

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.

Can retinol age your face?

Your anti-aging cream

Irony at its worst: Retinol, the ultimate wrinkle-repairer, can actually add years if you use it incorrectly.

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.

Does dead skin come off after using retinol?

This rapid cell turnover helps to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and aging, but it can also lead to flaking, since your skin is shedding dead cells faster than it is used to, causing some cells to build up or peel from the surface.

What retinol does Jennifer Aniston use?

At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90).

Why are retinoids banned in Europe?

Because body products are used on larger areas of skin, they may contribute to higher levels of vitamin A in the bloodstream. By limiting the retinol concentration in body products to just 0.05%, the EU hopes to prevent higher concentrations of vitamin A from accumulating in the body.

How do Koreans not have wrinkles?

Korean ladies use facial massage to promote circulation and bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface. It's an amazing way to boost skin's radiance and combat fine lines and wrinkles. Start with a dab of your favorite facial oil or moisturizer. You can add a bit of your favorite serum for an extra boost.

Is retinol 3 times A week enough?

If you're primarily using retinol for anti-aging purposes, using it every other night or a few times a week may suffice. However, if you're battling acne, your dermatologist may recommend daily usage or a higher concentration.

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.

What percentage of retinol is in CeraVe?

This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated retinol..."

Which retinol to avoid?

Read labels and avoid products containing retinyl palmitate and all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin). Also avoid products with high doses of retinol (when in daily dosages in excess of 10,000 IU, or 3,000 retinol equivalents).

Are peptides better than retinol?

Choosing between peptides and retinol depends on your skincare goals, skin type, and tolerance. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more gradual approach, peptides might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking faster and more dramatic results, retinol could be your go-to option.

What is the best retinol at Ulta?

The Best Retinol Products
  • 2 sizes. ...
  • Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. ...
  • The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Serum. ...
  • Exclusive. ...
  • Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum. ...
  • La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles. ...
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil. ...
  • Naturium Retinol Complex Serum.

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 the best age to start using retinol?

Your 20s are a great time to start a preventative skin care routine with retinol. “I love when my younger patients in their twenties are using retinol,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Strengthening the skin early in life will give you a stronger foundation on which you will age.”

Is it better to put retinol on damp or dry skin?

STEP 4: WAIT UNTIL YOUR SKIN IS DRY

It's essential to make sure to wait until your skin is dehydrated before moving on to applying your retinol. If you use it on wet or even damp skin, there is a greater likelihood that you'll experience irritation. That is because cleansing the skin opens up the pores.

Is 60 too late to use retinol?

The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

Why is tretinoin making me look older?

However, because the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, tretinoin can cause irritation and dryness and these effects can make existing wrinkles appear more pronounced.

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