Should I use retinol if I don't have acne?

What can retinol do besides treat acne?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A in the retinoid family. It helps skin renew its surface cells and increases collagen, a protein that supports skin. Its uses extend to fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and rough texture. Choose it for a concern you want to address rather than adding it simply because it appears in other people's routines.134

Retinol can also make pores less noticeable by clearing dead skin cells and helping prevent clogged pores. That is an improvement in appearance, not permanent pore removal: genetics largely determines pore size, and pores cannot be permanently shrunk.5

Which retinol should I start with?

Start with the lowest strength retinol formula you can find. Cosmetic retinol is available without a prescription; tretinoin is a stronger prescription retinoid. You do not need to start with tretinoin to address mild fine lines or uneven pigmentation. Retinol percentages are not always disclosed on packaging, so the label will not always let you compare strength directly.13

There is no clear best choice among the many cosmetic antiaging preparations, however confidently a bottle gives itself a title. Retinol and retinaldehyde can reduce fine surface wrinkles and lighten pigmented spots, but a product name alone is not a reason to choose one preparation over another.6

How do I introduce retinol?

1. 1Test a little 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, avoid scrubbing and pat your skin dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing before applying.
3. 3Follow the package directions. General guidance is a thin layer, about a pea sized amount for the face, keeping it out of your eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Begin twice a week. Increase gradually only as your skin tolerates it; daily use is a possible destination, not the starting point.
5. 5Finish with a moisturizer that will not clog pores. If retinol is too drying, apply moisturizer after washing, then wait 20 to 30 minutes before retinol.

Retinoids increase sun sensitivity. During the day, use sun protection, including shade and protective clothing. Before going outdoors, apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher after your other skincare products and before makeup.12

How long will results take?

Visible changes take several weeks, and improvements in wrinkles usually take several months. Dark spots can also take months to lighten. Prescription tretinoin used for more than six months can improve fine wrinkling and some signs of sun damage. That prescription timeline is not a reason to expect the same result from every cosmetic retinol.47

Who should avoid retinol or stop using it?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Skin allergies, existing dryness or substantial redness make retinoids a less suitable choice; ask a dermatologist about alternatives. Retinoids can worsen eczema through their drying effect. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, called hyperpigmentation, so a slow introduction and moisturizer matter.17

Dryness, peeling, redness, itching and burning are possible side effects. Stop using a product that irritates your skin rather than pushing through it. Persistent skin inflammation needs medical assessment. If cosmetic retinol is not helping your concern, a dermatologist can assess whether a prescription treatment is appropriate.2456