Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSkin Conditions It TreatsHow Long to See ResultsSide EffectsWho Should Avoid ItOther PrecautionsWhen to See a Provider

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Benefits

Skin Conditions It Treats

How Long to See Results

Side Effects

Who Should Avoid It

Other Precautions

When to See a Provider

Retinol is a popular skin care ingredient with complexion-enhancing and “antiaging” (reducing the signs of aging) benefits. It is a form of vitamin A that promotes skin cell turnover, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and mild acne.

Retinoloffers a gentler, more affordable version of prescription-strengthretinoidsand is available over the counter in creams, moisturizers, cleansers, and cosmetics.Though highly effective, some people may experience side effects from using retinol, such as skin inflammation, itching and burning sensations, and dry, flaky skin.

1. Boosts the Production of Elastin and Collagen

Retinol stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, two proteins that give the skin its structure, firmness, and elasticity, as follows:

The body’s natural production of these proteins decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Research shows that retinol effectively boosts collagen and elastin production. It penetrates the skin and stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, keeping the skin firm and smooth.

2. Reduces Scarring and Inflammation

Studies show that retinol can decrease the activity of inflammatory pathways in the skin, reducing swelling associated withacne and acne scars.Retinol’s ability to stimulate collagen production plays a role in smoothing out scar tissue, giving the skin a smoother, more even texture over time.

3. Improves Tone and Texture

4. Reduces the Appearance of Dark Spots

Research shows consistent retinol use also inhibits melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots. Over time, this helps dark spots fade and disappear, leading to a more even complexion.

Retinol is a versatile skin care ingredient that addresses many skin concerns, including:

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

The time frame for seeing visible results from retinol can vary, but most people begin to notice improvements within four to 12 weeks of consistent use. During the first few weeks, retinol works beneath the skin’s surface to promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production, which may not immediately reflect on the skin’s appearance.

For fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, noticeable changes may take 12 weeks or more as collagen rebuilds and pigmented areas gradually fade. Patience and consistency are key with retinol, as its benefits accumulate over time. The longer you use retinol, the more noticeable results become. Studies show that long-term retinol use leads to improvements in skin texture and tone and a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.

Potential Side Effects and How to Lessen Them

While retinol is highly effective, it can cause some side effects, especially when you first begin using retinol. They may include:

These effects occur because retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, which can irritate the skin as it adjusts to retinol. To minimize these side effects, experts recommend you:

Who Should Consider Avoiding Retinol?

While retinol offers numerous skin care benefits, it isn’t suitable for everyone. People who should avoid using retinol and otherretinoidsinclude:

When you first start using it, retinol can irritate the skin and cause itchiness, dryness, and flaky, peeling skin. Retinol products come in varying concentrations—from 0.01% to 0.1%. Start with a lower concentration and apply it once or twice a week to help your skin adjust.

Retinol also increases skin sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity). This is why it’s essential to apply sunscreen to prevent sun-related skin damage, such as from sunburns. Avoid using retinol during the day and stick to nighttime application to reduce the risk of sun-related side effects. If you apply during the day, follow up with sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect your skin from sun damage.

Combining retinol with certain active ingredients can increase skin irritation and dryness and inactivate the retinol or other ingredients:

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

The side effects of retinol vary from person to person. While some mild irritation is common, persistent or severe symptoms may mean the concentration of retinol is too intense for your skin or the retinol is causing anallergy-like reaction.

See a healthcare provider if you are using an over-the-counter retinol and develop any of the following symptoms:

Summary

Retinol is a popular skin care ingredient with many uses, from treating acne and reducing hyperpigmentation to promoting an even skin tone and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Though highly effective, noticing visible results may take 12 weeks or longer. When you first start using retinol, you may experience side effects like irritation and dryness.

If you have concerns about whether retinol is the right choice for you or how to use it effectively, it’s always a good idea to discuss your skin care options with a healthcare provider, such as adermatologist.

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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.

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