Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Retinol?Is It Good for Acne?How to UseBest DosageChoosing OneRisks & Side EffectsOther Skin Issues
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Retinol?
Is It Good for Acne?
How to Use
Best Dosage
Choosing One
Risks & Side Effects
Other Skin Issues
Just about everyone has some experience with acne, the skin condition that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Severe acne breakouts can leave permanent scars, but treating it may help prevent the worst outbreaks and lower the risk of scarring.
Retinol is a natural vitamin A derivative available in many forms, including lotions, creams, and serums. It’s a common ingredient in skin care products because it may help improve the skin’s appearance and treat mild acne. Retinol belongs to a group of drugs called retinoids.
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Retinolis a natural form ofvitamin A. There are two sources of vitamin A: carotenoids and retinoids. Carotenoids, such asbeta-carotene, come from plants. Retinoids, which include retinol, come from animal sources.
Natural retinoids are fat-soluble and easily absorbed, which has a positive effect on the skin. They stimulatecollagenand enhance healthy skin cell turnover.Research suggests topical retinol application significantly affects the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and dermis (middle layer).
Even though retinol is found in nature, most retinol products are produced synthetically in a lab.
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Retinoid vs. Retinol
Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A.Retinol is a type of retinoid. Other topical retinoids include:
The big difference between retinol and other retinoids is potency. Other retinoids, such as tretinoin, require a prescription. Retinoic acid, for example, can be hundreds of times more potent than retinol in cosmetics and over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products.
Is It Good For Acne?
Topical retinoids can be highly effective in treating acne.Although OTC retinoids can improve acne, they are less potent than other retinoids, so it can take longer to see results.
Skin can undergo a period of adjustment to retinol, so your skin may look a bit worse before it looks better. Topical retinol treatments can help prevent further breakouts but may not improve existing acne scars.
If you have severe acne, your practitioner may recommend prescription-strength retinoids.
How to Use Retinol for Acne
It’s a good idea to try a spot test before applying retinol to your whole face. Try a little on a small patch of skin. Check periodically for redness and itchiness.Add retinolto your nightly skin care routine if there’s no reaction within a few days.
How you apply various products to your face can affect their effectiveness. To get the most out of your skin care routine, follow this order of application in the evening:
If you use retinoids in the morning, you can apply makeup, if desired, after moisturizing. Remember that retinol can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so protect your skin when outdoors. If you have severe side effects, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional.
What Is the Best Dosage for Treating Acne?
Labels may not list exact amounts in OTC products, generally having a retinol concentration between 0.0015% and 0.3%. But the optimal dose of retinol to balance skin irritation against effectiveness has not been determined.
How to Choose the Right Product for You
Retinol is found in many products, including cosmetics, moisturizers, and other skin care products. It is available in creams, gels, oils, liquids, ointments, and serums.OTC retinol products usually contain other active ingredients.
Choose a low-concentration product if you’ve never used retinol or have sensitive skin. You’ll also want something tailored to your skin type, whether that is dry, oily, or a combination of the two.
If you have acne, you might want to consult with a dermatologist to ensure that you’re using the right product.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Retinol is generally well-tolerated and has fewer adverse effects than the more powerful retinoids.Using a high-dose retinol over a long period can lead to side effects such as:
Rare side effects may include:
Consult with a dermatologist before using retinoids if any of these apply:
Retinoids are not for use during pregnancy.
Can Retinol Help With Other Skin Issues?
Retinol exfoliates, unclogs pores, and boosts collagen production. In addition to acne, experts may recommend retinol for conditions such as:
OTC retinol may help improve skin elasticity, texture, and tone. It can also reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Summary
Retinol is a type of retinoid and a derivative of vitamin A. It helps unclog pores and enhances skin turnover, making it suitable for mild to moderate acne. It’s less potent than other retinoids; you don’t need a prescription. But it can take longer to work. It’s a common ingredient in OTC skincare products.
It can take skin some time to adjust to retinol, so starting with a low concentration is best. If you have severe acne, you may need a stronger retinoid or other type of medicine. A dermatologist can examine your skin and recommend the right product for you.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Vitamin a (retinol).Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Kong R, Cui Y, Fisher GJ, et al.A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2016;15(1):49-57. doi:10.1111/jocd.12193Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, et al.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb).2017 Sep;7(3):293-304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2British Skin Foundation.Cosmeceuticals – do they work?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Vitamin a (retinol).Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Kong R, Cui Y, Fisher GJ, et al.A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2016;15(1):49-57. doi:10.1111/jocd.12193Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, et al.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb).2017 Sep;7(3):293-304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2British Skin Foundation.Cosmeceuticals – do they work?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mount Sinai.Vitamin a (retinol).Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Kong R, Cui Y, Fisher GJ, et al.A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2016;15(1):49-57. doi:10.1111/jocd.12193Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, et al.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb).2017 Sep;7(3):293-304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2British Skin Foundation.Cosmeceuticals – do they work?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?
Mount Sinai.Vitamin a (retinol).
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
Kong R, Cui Y, Fisher GJ, et al.A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2016;15(1):49-57. doi:10.1111/jocd.12193
Motamedi M, Chehade A, Sanghera R, et al.A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids.J Cutan Med Surg. 2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.
Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J.Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb).2017 Sep;7(3):293-304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2
British Skin Foundation.Cosmeceuticals – do they work?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?
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