Is retinol safe?

What can retinol actually do?

Retinol helps prevent clogged pores and can improve acne and the appearance of fine lines. Retinol can make fine lines less noticeable, but 'less noticeable' is not the same job as deleting them. It takes several weeks to see changes, and wrinkle improvements usually take several months.4

How do you start retinol safely?

1. 1Test a little retinol on a small area first. Wait a couple of days; do not proceed if the area becomes very red or itchy.
2. 2Use retinol at bedtime. Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry without scrubbing. Waiting 30 minutes after washing can help reduce irritation.
3. 3Follow the package directions. General guidance is a pea sized amount in a thin layer over the face, keeping it out of your eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Start once every few days rather than every night. Increase use gradually as your skin tolerates it, within the product directions.
5. 5Finish with a moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning it is intended not to clog pores.
6. 6Apply broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day, including cold or rainy days. Limit sun exposure while using retinol.

Which reactions need attention?

Dryness, redness, peeling, itching and burning are recognised side effects, often temporary. Acne can also look worse initially. Burning and peeling are irritation symptoms, not a measure of how well retinol is working. Reduce how often you apply retinol if irritation develops rather than increasing use.4

Who should avoid retinol or ask first?

• If you are trying to become pregnant, speak to a dermatologist before starting acne treatment. Avoid retinol and retinyl palmitate products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• If you have eczema, retinoids can worsen it through drying. Sensitive skin or a tendency to allergies can make another ingredient a better choice.
• Do not use a product if you have a known allergy to its retinoid or another ingredient. Allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, is rare but possible.
• For prescription retinoids, follow the specific medicine's directions and your prescriber's plan rather than substituting a cosmetic retinol routine. Topical retinoids are generally not recommended for young children; restrictions depend on the product and country.

When should acne get medical treatment?

For mild adult acne, introduce one acne treatment rather than adding several at once. General acne guidance is to give that product 6 to 8 weeks of use as directed before adding another. See a doctor if acne is not improving, causes deep painful spots or scars, or affects your mental health. Hot, swollen, red skin also needs medical assessment.56

Does being sold in a shop mean FDA approved?

No. In the US, cosmetics must be safe when used as labelled or customarily used, but they do not need FDA approval before sale. Drugs require approval for safety and effectiveness. A claim about looking younger can describe a cosmetic or a drug, so the marketing department has not helpfully done the sorting for you.7

What if you mean retinol supplements?

Vitamin A is also called retinol. Excess intake from food and supplements can be harmful; long term high intake can affect bones. Check multivitamins and fish liver oil for vitamin A, and keep combined daily intake from food and supplements within 1.5 mg.3