Retinol for Skin: Benefits and Uses

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that supports the skin cell renewal process, helping with skin concerns such as ageing skin concerns, breakouts and pigmentation. Topical retinoid can help with targeting dark spots, while promoting supple, more youthful-looking skin.

Retinol penetrates deeper layers of the skin to promote skin cell turnover and collagen production, helping to improve the skin’s appearance. Retinol targets fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.

Retinol promotes skin cell renewal to achieve fresher, smoother-looking skin over time. Topical retinoids require regular and consistent use to unlock their benefits. Here are some of the benefits of using retinol:

• Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles: Thanks to its ability to enhance skin cell turnover and help stimulate collagen production, retinol can help smooth out uneven skin texture caused by wrinkles and fine lines.
• Brightens and evens out skin tone: Retinol is an antioxidant, meaning it can fight free radicals which contribute to visible skin ageing and pigmentation. This helps to reduce the appearance of skin pigmentation such as post-blemish marks, as well as even out skin tone.
• Manages sebum production and helps with blemishes: Retinol works on both the surface and deeper layers of the skin to discourage pimples from forming and encourage a faster recovery process.

Retinol is used in skincare as a serum, cream or gel form, most commonly used for its anti-ageing benefits. But this ingredient is also beneficial for other skin concerns including blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

Results of retinol for skin aren’t instantaneous – it takes time and consistent use to see skin changes. When first using retinol, we recommend the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then progress to every second night, then every night (if there are no side effects). If you notice skin flakes, redness or increased skin sensitivity, reduce frequency of application to allow your skin to adjust.

Retinol pairs well with other active ingredients including vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Retinol & vitamin C

Retinol and vitamin C both visible signs of ageing skin while also working to prevent premature ageing. Vitamin C works to protect the skin from harmful free radicals that contribute to photoageing, while retinol supports the skin’s cell renewal cycle to reveal fresher, smoother skin.

Retinol & hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid works very well with retinol to minimise the skin-drying effects of the ingredient. This humectant also restores moisture levels and fullness in areas prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Combined, the two ingredients promote softer, more supple skin.

Retinol & niacinamide

When combined, retinol and niacinamide are beneficial in addressing uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation caused by skin ageing and breakouts. Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient that tightens pores and visibly fades dark spots, while retinol supports skin cell renewal for a fresher, more even complexion.

Introducing retinol to your routine can come with side effects, such as redness, dryness and irritation. They’re a common skin reaction, but they should go away after a couple of months. To alleviate skin irritation, start with a lower concentration formula and follow with a hydrating serum and moisturiser. Retinol also causes increased sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to use a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen every day. You should also avoid using retinol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Retinol and retinoids are both vitamin A derivatives. Retinoid usually refers to a potent prescription vitamin A, while retinol is a milder, over-the-counter formula.

Yes – retinol is classed as a retinoid, which is a synthetic form of Vitamin A. All retinoids are derived from Vitamin A.

Retinoids and retinol have been frequently studied for their impact on the cell renewal cycle and its effect on the skin's appearance. However, the results of retinol for skin aren’t instantaneous – it takes time and consistent use to see skin changes. When using retinol, make sure you're consistent with your routine and be patient with the results, as they may take a few months to fully appear on the skin.

Retinol is not an exfoliant. Exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that break down the bonds between dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Retinol, on the other hand, doesn't specifically target dead skin cells on the skin's surface, but rather penetrates deeper layers of skin to promote the skin cell renewal process.

Skin peeling can be a common side effect of retinol use. This is a by-product of retinol’s ability to promote skin cell turnover and can be managed by keeping your skin hydrated with moisturisers, particularly those containing skin moisture barrier protecting ingredients like ceramides. If peeling persists, decrease frequency of retinol use.

Retinol can be used every day, but new retinol users should gradually introduce the ingredient to allow the skin to become acclimatised. You should apply retinol at night as it can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Retinol and retinoids are not recommended for those pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinol is also not recommended for teenagers or young adults as a preventative ageing ingredient, as it can adversely affect young skin's natural collagen production and cell renewal cycle. If you're a teenager considering retinol blemishes and oily skin, speak with a dermatologist to discuss.

Retinol beginners can opt for a topical retinoid with a low percentage of around 0.25% to minimise the chance of irritation, and look for retinol that's formulated with hydrating ingredients. Retinol can be used once per week to introduce the skin to the ingredient and allow the skin time to adjust.

As everyone's skin is different, there's not necessarily a "correct" age to start using retinol. Generally speaking, the natural skin cell renewal cycle starts to slow down and elastin starts to decrease around the age of 25, and some people may want to start retinol at this age. It's also fairly common for people to start using retinol in their 30s when fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent. If you're unsure, speak to a dermatologist to discuss your skin concerns and goals.

Retinol is suitable for most skin types and is suitable for anyone looking to address:

• Ageing skin with fine lines or wrinkles
• Skin elasticity and texture
• Blemish-prone skin
• Hyperpigmentation from post-blemish marks
• Age spots and uneven skin tone

Retinol should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. As retinol predominately suits ageing skin concerns, it's not commonly recommended for teenagers or young adults.