At what age should I use retinol?

What age is it recommended to start using retinol? 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.


Can I use retinol at 18?

If Retinol is used for its anti-ageing benefits – early signs of ageing with fine lines, superficial wrinkles, and some pigmentation – then it can be started in the mid-to-late 20s.

At what age should you start using retinol?

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."


Is 21 too early to use retinol?

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.

Should a 16 year old use retinol?

Retinol products are safe to use in your teens - it's just that you may not need to. Some young people use retinol for its blemish-busting properties. If you're experiencing more than the usual teenage breakout, it can help to clear things up. You might also see a reduction in the size of your pores.


Starting retinol too young?| Dr Dray



What happens if you use retinol too early?

When older skin is treated with retinol, it reverts back to the light-reflecting (read “glowing”) days of its youth. And if you start using it in your 20s, the shift to older-looking skin doesn't happen as drastically or as early. Yet no other ingredient is as annoying to integrate into a skincare routine.

Which retinol for beginners?

Jump To / Table of Contents
  • Dr. ...
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum.
  • Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum.
  • FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25%
  • Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment.
  • Skinceuticals Correct Retinol 0.3 Anti-Aging Night Cream.
  • SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex.
  • The Inkey List Retinol.


Does retinol make you look older at first?

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.


Why I don't use retinol?

Retinol can be a skin irritant

Dermatitis, erythema (redness), scaling/dryness, peeling, burning or stinging, and irritation of the skin are common adverse reactions reported with retinol use, and, in some cases, the reactions are so bad, that even at low concentrations it cannot be used by certain people.

What happens if you use retinol before 25?

“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.

Is vitamin C or retinol better?

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.


Can I use retinol every day as a beginner?

He recommends starting with no more than every other day for the first 2 weeks. If, after the first 2 weeks, you don't see any side effects, he says you may want to move up to “2 nights on, and 1 night off.” After a month or so with no side effects, you can likely use it every day if you want.

What are side effects of retinol?

Side effects of using retinol may include:
  • Redness.
  • Irritation.
  • Burning.
  • Itching.
  • Dry skin.
  • Flaking and peeling of the skin.
  • Increased sensitivity to the sun.
  • Skin cancer.


Can a 17 year old use retinol for acne?

Yes, you definitely can use retinol.


Can a 17 year old use hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a normal constituent of the skin . Hence there is no harm in using it .

Can retinol cause acne?

Most people who introduce retinol to their skin, experience severe breakouts, dryness, itchiness, and redness. The immediate side effects of retinol treatment can take the form of a surge in acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and rashes. This is termed retinol purging.

Who should avoid retinol?

Avoid retinol products if you have a sunburn, broken skin or other skin irritations. Use SPF 30 and wear sun protective clothing and hats to reduce your exposure to the sun. Ask your healthcare provider about the best time to apply moisturizer as part of your skincare routine.


What do Koreans use instead of retinol?

Other Korean skincare alternatives to retinol are a little lesser known abroad. These include things like adenosine, red ginseng, idebenone, glutathione and EGF.

When should you avoid retinol?

Also avoid retinol if you're going to be spending a lot of time in direct sunlight without proper sun protection. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day — even when it looks cloudy.

Should you use retinol under eyes?

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.


Should I use moisturizer after retinol?

Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.

Is it OK to mix retinol with moisturizer?

One tip to help your skin adjust to retinol is to mix your retinol with your face moisturizer and then apply it to your skin. This allows the retinol to be a little gentler on your skin, which is great if you have sensitive skin.

Is retinol better than hyaluronic acid?

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.


Is retinol best before or after moisturizer?

For prescription retinols, you'll typically apply this step onto dry skin before your moisturizer—but always check with your dermatologist. You may be advised to use it after a moisturizer, which buffers the retinol and lessens risk of irritation.

How do you know if retinol is right for me?

Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, and young skin, she says. “Caution is necessary when using any vitamin A derivatives and should only be used after advice from your derm or skin care specialist,” Joss says.