What is retinol vitamin A used for?

What does retinol do for your skin?

Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, meaning the replacement of older surface cells with new ones. It helps prevent clogged pores and increases collagen production. Collagen is part of the structure that supports skin. Retinol can make fine lines less noticeable, rather than negotiate a cancellation of skin aging.24

• Uneven tone and texture: Cosmetic retinol is commonly used to improve these concerns, including pigmentation irregularities.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol can improve their appearance, while prescription tretinoin has stronger clinical support for treating skin aging caused by sun exposure.
• Acne and clogged pores: Retinol can help prevent blocked pores. For acne treatment, adapalene and prescription acne retinoids are more specific options.
• Dark spots: Retinol can lighten some spots, but improvement takes months. A dermatologist should assess spots that concern you.
• Acne scars: Topical retinol does not reliably improve severe sunken or raised scars. Those need a different discussion from treating active breakouts.

Are retinol and retinoids the same thing?

Retinoid is the family name for vitamin A based compounds; retinol is one member. The names are not interchangeable. Skin converts retinol into retinal, then into retinoic acid, also called tretinoin. Tretinoin is already active and does not need those conversion steps.15

Cosmetic retinol products have less convincing clinical support than tretinoin, even if the packaging gives both an equally senior job title. The finished formula matters because retinoids can be unstable and their delivery into skin can be limited. A percentage alone cannot tell you how well a particular cosmetic will perform.5

Which strength should you start with?

Start with the lowest strength or least intense retinoid formula you can find, rather than starting with prescription tretinoin simply because it is stronger. Cosmetic retinol percentages are not always disclosed on packaging. Higher doses of topical retinoids generally cause more irritation. For topical retinoid medicines, creams tend to be less irritating, while gels are less noticeable on skin; that distinction does not rank every cosmetic serum or cream.156

How do you use retinol?

1. 1Test a small amount on a small patch of skin first. Wait a couple of days to check for redness or itching before applying it more widely.
2. 2Use retinol before bed. Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat skin dry without scrubbing.
3. 3Wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing before applying the retinoid. If dryness is a problem, apply moisturizer after washing, then wait 20 to 30 minutes before the retinoid.
4. 4Follow the package or your prescriber's directions. General retinol guidance is a pea sized amount spread in a thin layer over the face, avoiding the mouth, nose and eyes.
5. 5Start every other night, or once every few days if needed. Increase use gradually rather than jumping straight to nightly application.
6. 6Finish with a moisturizer that does not clog pores, unless you have already used moisturizer before the retinoid.
7. 7During daylight, use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Apply it after other skincare and before makeup, 15 minutes before going outdoors.

What should you use alongside retinol?

Moisturizer helps manage dryness, and sunscreen protects skin that has become more sensitive to sunlight. Seek shade and cover exposed skin with clothing too. Avoid scrubbing and overusing exfoliating products: irritation makes helpful products harder to tolerate, and excessive exfoliation can damage the skin's protective barrier. If you already use prescription acne treatment, have your prescriber choose the retinoid and routine rather than substituting cosmetic retinol.146

How long does retinol take to work?

Visible improvement from retinol takes several weeks, and wrinkles or dark spots usually take several months. Breakouts can continue during the first couple of months. Acne treatment with topical retinoid medicines can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. Consistent use matters more than repeatedly switching products.246

For prescription tretinoin, improvement in sun related aging has appeared as early as one month, with significant improvement after four months and continued gains over 24 months. Those are tretinoin timelines, not a deadline for a cosmetic retinol serum. Tretinoin improves wrinkles and uneven pigmentation, but improvement in roughness has been less consistent.7

Who should avoid retinol or get advice first?

• Do not use retinol or other retinoids during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider before using retinol while breastfeeding.
• If you have very dry skin, skin allergies, substantial redness or inflammation, get advice before starting. Topical retinoids can worsen eczema through their drying effect.
• People with darker skin should watch closely for irritation because it can trigger dark marks. Starting slowly and using moisturizer helps reduce that risk.
• See a dermatologist before treating moderate or severe acne scarring, or acne linked to menstrual periods or other hormonal changes.
• Deep nodules and cysts need more than a topical retinoid alone. Retinol is not a substitute for treatment of severe acne.

Dryness, redness, peeling, itching and burning are possible side effects. Stop using a product that irritates your skin rather than treating irritation as proof that it is working. Keep retinoids away from the eyes and lips, where they can be especially irritating. Retinoid use around the eyes can also cause eye discomfort and dry eyes; discuss these symptoms with a clinician.2456

Should you take vitamin A supplements for your skin?

Taking vitamin A is not the same treatment as applying retinol. Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and excess intake can build up and cause serious illness. Large doses during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Vitamin A deficiency can cause dry, scaly skin and problems seeing in low light, but deficiency is very rare in the United States.3

Food sources include eggs, dairy products, fish and fortified cereals. Orange and yellow produce and dark green vegetables contain carotenoids that the body converts to vitamin A. A varied diet is the best way to meet daily vitamin needs. Never swallow retinol skincare products, and keep them away from children: swallowing vitamin A skin cream can cause poisoning.3