How old do you have to be to use retinol?

Can a tween or teenager use retinol?

Not as a routine wrinkle prevention product. Children's skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation, and cosmetic retinol targeting adult concerns can cause redness, burning or peeling without a useful benefit for young skin. For tweens and teens, cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen are the useful daily basics, even if they make a less dramatic shopping list. Choose a gentle cleanser, a fragrance free moisturizer and a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.2

Acne changes the decision. Retinol belongs to the retinoid family of vitamin A products, but a cosmetic retinol serum is not interchangeable with an acne medicine such as adapalene or tretinoin. These medicines are used to treat acne in children as well as adults. A dermatologist should decide whether a retinoid is appropriate for a tween or teen.234

Age limits belong to individual medicines, not the whole ingredient family. For example, the US prescription label for Differin adapalene gel 0.3% specifies acne treatment in people aged 12 and older. That age applies to that medicine and strength, not every retinol product. Check the exact medicine's local label and follow the prescriber's directions.15

When should an adult start retinol?

Choose based on a concern you want to treat, such as uneven tone, pigmentation, texture or mild fine lines. Starting retinol is a choice based on a skin concern, not a birthday present your face is owed. There is no need to turn reaching adulthood into an automatic retinol start date.3

How do you start using retinol?

For an adult starting cosmetic retinol, use this general sequence. Prescription acne medicines have their own directions.

1. 1Test a small amount on a small area first. Wait a couple of days and check for redness or itching before applying it across your face.
2. 2At bedtime, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
3. 3Follow the package directions. General retinol guidance is a pea sized amount in a thin layer across the face, keeping it out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Begin every other night for the first couple of weeks, using the lowest strength you can find. Increase gradually only as your skin tolerates it.
5. 5Finish with a moisturizer that does not clog pores. Use sunscreen during the day, seek shade and wear protective clothing.

Retinol takes several weeks to produce a visible improvement, and changes in wrinkles usually take several months. Topical retinoid acne treatment can take 12 weeks or longer. Do not increase the amount to chase a faster result.16

Who should be careful or get medical help?

Do not use retinol or other retinoids during pregnancy. Get advice before starting if you have skin allergies, significant dryness or persistent redness. Retinoids can worsen eczema. Irritation can also trigger dark marks in darker skin, so introduce treatment slowly and moisturize.13

If treatment causes troublesome burning, peeling or dryness, reduce the frequency or stop and seek advice. With Differin gel 0.3%, stop and seek medical attention for an allergic reaction, including facial or lip swelling. See a doctor for deep, painful acne, scarring, acne affecting mental health or breakouts that are not improving with treatment.57