A proven anti-aging retinoid, but is using retinol every day safe?
Published: November 4, 20204 by Nicole Dieckman
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Using retinol every day seems like a no-brainer since, according to Harvard Health Publishing, it can help with both sun-related aging and fine wrinkles, roughness, and skin looseness that is not related to sun exposure. But what are the side effects of using retinol, and what can we do to minimize them? Should we be using retinol every day?
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is one of many retinoids dermatologists and the skincare industry have discovered to help reduce the appearance of aging. Retinoid refers to a spectrum of vitamin A-based products used on the skin. Tretinoin boosts collagen and surface skin cell turnover time and has other skin benefits, but it is more intense than retinol. Adapalene, as well as numerous other retinoids, are found in both prescription and over-the-counter forms to help combat acne. But retinol is our favorite retinoid for over-the-counter anti-aging, time-defying skin.
The Benefits of Retinol
So let’s go over the benefits of retinol!
Retinol is recommended for:
- Fine Wrinkles
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Texture
- Skin looseness
- Fine Lines
Who Should be Extra Careful Using Retinol Every Day
If you fit into this category, speak to your dermatologist about whether this is the best choice. If your dermatologist gives you the okay, the AAD suggests starting slowly and using moisturizer to help mitigate dryness or hyperpigmentation. Dryness and hyperpigmentation can be side effects of using retinol for the following people:
- People of color
- People with darker skin
- People with particularly dry skin
The following people should also talk to their dermatologist before using retinol and may not be suitable candidates:
- Someone with a lot of redness
- Someone with a lot of inflammation
- People with moderate to severe acne scarring
Retinoids SHOULD NEVER be used during pregnancy.
Using Retinol Every Day is Safe for the Right People
If you do not fit in the category of people above, you’re probably a good candidate for using retinol every day. You should always speak to your dermatologist before making skincare routine changes, but if your dermatologist approves, so do we!
However, we recommend you use best practices to achieve a triumphant glow-up.
- Use your retinol at night. Retinol can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so a night cream is ideal.
- Use sunscreen during the day and keep your skin covered when you can in direct sunlight. Hats are great!
- Start slowly. Try using your cream every other night to give your skin time to adjust to the new product. Watch closely for irritation, dryness, or unfavorable changes in skin pigmentation.
Use Sunscreen
This has already been said, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat it. If you’re in this retinol game for anti-aging, you aren’t going to achieve those results without protecting yourself from the sun! Retinol makes your skin MORE sensitive to the sun, so please don’t take one step forward and two steps back. Use SPF and wear a hat, friends, or using retinol every day may hurt you instead of helping you.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it’s okay to use retinol every day if you aren’t in a high-risk category for sensitive skin, dry skin, or hyperpigmentation, and your dermatologist says it’s okay. Work up to using retinol every day slowly, making sure it’s a good fit for your skin. Use it at night in a night cream, and finally, don’t skip the sunscreen. Cover up, and gravitate towards the shade.
*This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice and does not represent or replace a medical professional’s opinion. Please speak to a dermatologist before making major changes to your skincare routine.*
References:
Harvard Health Publishing
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/In_Brief_Retinol_helps_reverse_normal_skin_aging
American Academy of Dermatology Association
http://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
