Which skin types suit retinol cream?
| Your skin | How to decide |
|---|---|
| Oily or acne prone | Retinol can help prevent clogged pores. For mild acne, it is an option worth considering; oiliness alone is not the reason to start. |
| Normal or combination | Decide by your concern: mild pigmentation changes, uneven texture or fine lines are reasons to consider retinol. |
| Dry | Retinoids can worsen dryness. A cream format does not make retinol automatically suitable for already dry skin. |
| Sensitive or allergy prone | Consider an alternative rather than starting retinol on skin that already reacts easily. |
| Red or inflamed | Avoid retinoids and ask a dermatologist about a more suitable approach. Retinoids can also worsen eczema through their drying effect. |
Retinol is one member of the retinoid family, not another name for every prescription retinoid. Prescription treatments such as tretinoin have their own directions; do not apply a cosmetic retinol routine to them.13
People of all skin colours can benefit from retinoids. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, called hyperpigmentation, so starting slowly and using moisturizer matter especially.1
How should you start using retinol cream?
- 1Choose the lowest strength you can find and follow the package directions. There is no universal requirement for cosmetic retinol products to display their percentage.
- 2Test a little on a small area first. Wait a couple of days; do not proceed if the area becomes very red or itchy.
- 3At bedtime, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your face dry. Avoid scrubbing.
- 4Apply a thin layer, using about a pea sized amount for your face unless the product directions differ. Keep it out of your eyes, mouth and nose.
- 5Start every other night, or once every few days if needed, and increase gradually only as your skin tolerates it.
- 6Finish with a moisturizer that will not clog pores. If retinol irritates your skin, a thin layer of moisturizer before retinol can help buffer the application.
Choose one retinol product for your routine, rather than turning the bathroom shelf into a retinol collection. If you already use a retinol serum, you probably do not need retinol in your face cream too. During the day, use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, seek shade and wear protective clothing because retinoids increase sun sensitivity.14
When will you see a difference?
Visible changes take weeks, not days. With regular use of an over the counter retinol product, expect improvements around three months. Fine lines and dark spots can take several months to improve. Acne can look worse initially, and pimples can continue during the first couple of months. Burning, itching and peeling are irritation symptoms, not a reason to apply more.24
When should you stop or get advice?
Stop using a product that triggers sensitivity and let your skin settle. Use a mild cleanser and fragrance free moisturizer. See a healthcare provider if symptoms are very bothersome or have not improved after about a week of home care.5
Do not use retinol or other retinoids during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, discuss use with your healthcare provider first. Get dermatologist advice before trying a retinoid for moderate or severe acne scarring, or acne linked to menstrual periods or other hormonal changes. Severe acne, especially deep nodules or cysts, needs more than a topical retinoid alone.123
Where this answer comes from
- 1Retinoid or retinol?aad.org
- 2Retinol: Cream, Serum, What It Is, Benefits, How To Usemy.clevelandclinic.org
- 3Topical retinoids (vitamin a creams)dermnetnz.org
- 4Anti-Aging Skin Care: Ingredients and Routinehealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 5Sensitive Skin: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatmentmy.clevelandclinic.org
