Talk with your dermatologist about ingredients to look for or avoid. How different additives affect skin will vary from person to person. If you’re trying a retinol cream for the first time, or if you have dry skin, it’s best to start with a mild product. This is because retinol can cause irritation. The stronger the product, the more likely it is to cause irritation. Whichever retinoid serum you choose, start with a low dose of around 0.2% and increase the strength slowly, as side effects like tingling and flakiness are common. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, et al. (2017). Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) — final version of the opinion on vitamin A (retinol, retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate) in cosmetic products.

Whatever your chosen dose, retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to harmful UV rays, so always use a suncream with SPF 30 or higher during the day. Should you moisturise after retinol?Once only found in dermatology clinics but now available over-the-counter, retinol can speed up skin cell regeneration and boost collagen production to smooth, firm and take years off your complexion. Ever the multi-taster, it can also help to unclog pores and prevent acne. Additionally, it’s often not recommended to use retinol with certain other skin care products, such as acne treatments that contain prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin. Adding retinol to this regimen will lead to excessive and unnecessary irritation. You can manage these side effects, and make the most of pro-aging skin care products, by doing the following: According to Rajani Katta, MD, a board certified dermatologist who serves as voluntary clinical faculty at the Baylor College of Medicine and the McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Houston, retinol is a skin care ingredient that’s derived from vitamin A. Retinol comes in strengths ranging from 0.0015% to 1% or higher. Many creams fall in the middle of this range, at around 0.1% to 0.3%. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety suggests that 0.3% is the maximum safe concentration for face or hand creams.

Speak to a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or an underlying inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, as retinoids can potentially cause problems.” Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Retinol and retinal (abbreviated from retinaldehyde) can be bought over-the-counter and are weaker than retinoic acid, which is generally a prescription-only agent,” she says. As with most skin care products, not all retinol creams are created equal. Key ingredients to look for include tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene, Kobets says.Going too strong, too soon, can cause dryness and make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced – not the aim of the retinoid game! Patience is key. “You will not see results overnight and it may take up to 12 weeks before any benefit is noticed,” says Dr Mahto. Retinoids can cause burning, stinging and peeling when first applied,” says Dr Mahto. “Build up their use slowly – a few times weekly – until you are able to use them nightly. If the product makes your skin sore, give it a break; if not, you are OK to continue using it. Retinol can also treat mild scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” Kobets adds. “Another great benefit is collagen production from topical retinoid use over time.” Retinol has multiple benefits, including improvement in the visible signs of skin aging,” Katta says. “ Research studies have shown that it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin roughness and dark spots.” Below, you’ll find products with 0.15% retinoid for beginners, through to 1% blends for more experienced users. Is it okay to use retinol every night?