Overview

In any cohesive skincare routine, you can use your retinol in different formulations like serums, night creams or eye creams. Retinol is very popular over the counter skincare active ingredient due to its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face and around the eyes that can lead to youthful appearance.

Since retinol is vitamin A, it is fat-soluble like how a vitamin A should be in nature, meaning it can mix in oils but not water. So, retinol is likely to be in oily serums or emulsion formulations with oils, creams and butters as bases.

You have to know Retinol is basically, a form of vitamin A that is nowadays widely used in skincare industry. There are many forms of vitamin A (Vitamin A derivatives), some are used in over the counter some are prescription-based. There are forms like adapalene, retinyl palmitate, retinal and tretinoin. Though in this article we’re going to focus and delve deep in one form, and that is Retinol.

Table of Contents

1.0 Overview

2.0 Where is Retinol Found?

2.1 Where Does Retinol Come From?

3.0 How Retinol Works

4.0 Retinol Benefits for Skin

5.0 What Are the Risks of Using Retinol?

5.1 Can Retinol Cause Purging?

6.0 What Can be Paired with Retinol?

7.0 What Cannot be Paired with Retinol?

8.0 How Often Should I Need to Use Retinol?

9.0 How to Add Retinol in Your Skincare Regimen

10.0 References

Where is Retinol Found?

You have to know that retinol is an active form of vitamin A which means that it can also be found in foods though we’re currently talking about topical retinol. Some dietary sources are eggs, milk, beef liver, fish, beta-carotene foods(carrots, pumpkins, squash, red peppers, etc) and many other fortified foods.

In topical form, retinol is usually added in creams, moisturizers and oil-based serums that can hold retinol for more compatibility and bioavailability.

Where Does Retinol Comes From?

Retinol can come from natural sources or it can be made in the lab, synthetically produced. In order to satisfy consumer high demand, many skincare companies will find it easy to use and mass produce at affordable prices majority will be able to buy.

There are methods like saponification and organic solvent extraction such as hexane or diethyl ether that are used in getting retinol from plant sources especially beta-carotene or raw milk and later using enzymatic process to obtain pure retinol.

Due to its high potency, you can use 99.99% concentrated retinol but also its just not bioavailable to the skin. Anything above 5% won’t work. So this concentration during skincare formulation of products will be reduced to 2% and below sometimes to as low as 0.0005% in the whole formulation of the product especially when marketed to cater to people with sensitive skin type.

How Retinol Works

Retinol functions different from other skincare ingredients since it can go to the skin’s deeper layers due to having smaller molecular size hence more benefits.

Dr Amir Karam tries to explain how retinol works, “…vitamin A and of itself is not biologically active in skin there’s a series of enzyme reactions that happen to get vitamin A to a place where it actually has an impact on the skin…”

He further added, “…the impact that these retinoids effect are at the level of the DNA so what happens is you put topical retinols on your skin it gets taken up through the fatty membrane of the stratum corneum which is the top layer of your epidermis then it makes its way down into the dermis..”

• Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

• Boost Collagen Production

• Increases Skin Radiance

• Helps to Clear Clogged Pores and Acne

• Reduces Hyperpigmentation

• Improve Cell Renewal

• Fight Off Signs of Aging

• Evens Out Skin Texture

Tanzanite Skincare

Retinol Benefits for Skin

When it comes to skincare, retinol is an ultimate superstar! A multi-purpose active ingredient that even is minute amounts in formulations can go a long way in supporting skin health. Here, we’re going to discuss benefits of retinol:

1. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

This is the most known use of retinol since it has become a ‘best friend’ for mostly women in their 30s and beyond used as retinol eye cream or retinol serum, targeting fine lines around the temple and crow’s feet around eyes.

Retinol can be used to reduce wrinkles on the face and other parts of the body leading to a youthful appearance.

2. Boosts Collagen Production

In one way or the other, retinol which is a vitamin A derivative can support pathways which can help to build collagen in skin and prevent skin laxity that can lead to sagging and jowls in the neck area.

When retinol is used with other active ingredients like niacinamide can enhance growth factors in the skin leading to a youthful appearance.

A study found out that retinol could reduce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), collagenase and gelatinase expression which destroy collagen thus treating aging skin with a retinol product.

3. Increases Skin Radiance

When you use retinol, either as a serum, cream, moisturizer or even a peel it can brighten your skin and make it appear more radiant and glowing. Retinol even in small amounts can reduce dullness, brighten skin and fade out acne scars and other skin discoloration.

4. Helps to Clear Clogged Pores and Acne

In this blog, we’ve talked about many active ingredients that can clear pores and reduce acne breakouts such as salicylic acid or niacinamide. Though even retinol serum can help reduce acne and blackheads though it has higher chances of causing purging which usually discourage many people from continuing the treatment.

A clinical review found out topical retinoids are good at treating acne vulgaris. Continuing using retinol over a long period of time can make you get clear, poreless, glass skin.

5. Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Another thing that retinol is good at is fight off any kind of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can be suppressed by retinol. Retinol can inhibit tyrosinase activity, an enzyme responsible for melanin production.

Retinol can also improve melasma, dark spots, acne scars, sun spots and freckles that can even out the skin’s complexion.

Another clinical study discovered that topical retinoids can reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with patients of skin of color.

6. Improve Cell Renewal

Retinol can speed up cell turnover and renewal in the skin. This is good for individuals with mature skin whose skin cycle is longer than 28 days especially when you’re above 25 years, your skin cycle can take up to 45 days to fully regenerate.

One study found out that retinol can promote cell migration and cell renewal. Applying retinol skincare products can increase skin cell turnover thus lead to youthful appearance.

7. Fight off Signs of Aging

You have to know that retinol is also an anti-oxidant with anti-aging properties that can quench free radicals caused by pollution and UVA and UVB sunrays. Build up of these free radicals are the ones that lead to aging over a period of time.

A study on human skin and aging found out that retinol could improve the skin signs of aging and photo-ageing.

8. Evens out Skin Texture

Retinol can influence directly or indirectly growth of skin cells which can lead to skin complexion uniformity which is therefore seen as even skin texture. Even skin tone and texture can make the skin appear more smoother which can affect how the skin is seen as glowing and radiant.

A clinical study found out on enhancing skin texture and ensure it is smooth and even out after using for several weeks.

What Are the Risks of Using Retinol?

Retinol is a powerful active ingredient and should be used carefully in order to see positive results, when misused then you might experience side effects such as

• Redness

• Dryness

• Itchiness

• Irritation

• Burning sensation

• Peeling

• Erythema

So, How Should You Avoid Side Effects of Retinol?

When starting using retinol, don’t go so big, you can start with concentration as low as 0.005% to 0.5% then increase it to 1-2%. You might ask yourself but 0.005% is very, very small but I can assure you is more better than nothing especially if you have sensitive skin lower doses are more tolerable but it can take more longer to see remarkable results.

Another suggestion from a dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, “…if you have been using a retinol for some time and find your skin tolerating it well…consider talking to your dermatologist and trying out a prescription tretinoin because tretinoin is a bit stronger it is going to give you slightly more benefits..”

Can Retinol Cause Purging?

Yes, retinol can cause something known as purging. Purging is a situation that occurs when you start using skincare product with certain potent active ingredient then your skin may experience increased skin sensitivity, skin redness, irritation burning sensation and peeling as counteracting the ingredient this is known as purging.

Then your skin gets used to the ingredient. While using retinol containing products you may notice these signs of purging. When you notice these kind of changes then persist and continue usage for a week or two and continue observing the symptoms getting better or worse.

Dr. Sam Ellis says, “…when you think back to how retinoids work increasing cell turnover what can happen is that you can have a bunch of little microscopic pimples on your face or clogged pores and when you’re increasing that cell turnover for the first time a lot of that debris that’s down in your pores can come to the surface..”

“…so that usually happens in the first two to eight weeks of using a retinoid and then goes away as your skin cycles through a couple of times.. it’s not fun but it’s worth it to push through…” She added.

You can consult your doctor whenever you feel the symptoms are too severe to handle.

What can be Paired with Retinol?

When you are planning on a skincare routine then you have to know which skincare ingredients are compatible with the other to avoid experiencing adverse effects, here are some of the active ingredients that can be used with retinol without causing any issues.

1. Retinol and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Retinol can be combined with niacinamide in one skincare routine without having to worry much. Retinol can cause your skin to get redness, itchiness, irritation or burning sensation. On the other hand, niacinamide can counteract the adverse effects of retinol whilst brightening your skin complexion.

2. Retinol and Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Retinol can make your skin feel taut and dry as part of purging phase to reduce these side effects then you can add panthenol cream or moisturizer to calm and soothe your skin as you overcome purging. Panthenol can restore hydration while retinol brightens your skin.

3. Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Another active ingredient that can be used side by side with retinol serum or cream. Which selecting hyaluronic containing product consider choosing larger molecular weight HA to avoid inflammation since smaller molecular weight HA is pro-inflammatory and mixing it with retinol may cause high skin sensitivity.

Which is Better, Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid?

Both retinol and hyaluronic acid are better when combined together. Retinol can help your skin to rejuvenate and increase cell turnover while hyaluronic acid can be good at moisturizing and deeply hydrating the skin, supporting skin health.

What Cannot Be Paired With Retinol?

In this section, we are going to discuss some of the active ingredients that you should avoid when crafting a skincare regimen with retinol as the foundation of the regimen.

1. Retinol and Vitamin C

Unfortunately, these two very potent active ingredients cannot be used in the same skincare regimen. You can’t mix vitamin C and retinol since both are susceptible to causing skin photo-sensitivities and inflammation, you gotta choose one and leave another, you can’t have them both.

How Can I Use Vitamin C and Retinol Together?

Despite the warnings I pointed out at the first place you can actually use them but you have to be mindful. You can use vitamin C in your morning routine and retinol on your night routine.

Can I Replace Retinol with Vitamin C?

Yes, you can replace retinol with Vitamin C and the other way round. You can also try to substitute retinol for bakuchiol and use it with vitamin C or substitute vitamin C with liquorice root extract and then combine it with retinol especially if you have very sensitive skin and wouldn’t like to deal with purging or skin inflammation then this is the right way to go.

2. Retinol and AHAs

Any exfoliant will be a no,no with retinol, that’s it! Alpha Hydroxyl Acids exfoliate your skin barrier leaving it more vulnerable to inflammation and from what we already know, retinol can be pro-inflammatory so I would not recommend using any AHAs together with retinol.

Can I Use Retinol with Glycolic Acid Together?

No, you cannot use retinol with glycolic acid in one skincare routine. If you find the need to use glycolic acid and retinol do this. Since you cannot use glycolic acid or retinol everyday then you can alternate between retinol and glycolic acid, using glycolic acid in days you don’t use retinol and vice versa. Use sunscreen to avoid skin sensitivity. Though this is a very risky move in skincare and should be avoided if you have any skin conditions, delicate and sensitive skin type.

3. Retinol and Salicylic Acid

Another lesser exfoliant is a BHAs(Beta Hydroxyl Acids) that can also cause your skin to exfoliated. When exfoliated skin is later applied with retinol it can cause skin inflammation to already compromised skin barrier.

4. Retinol and TXA

TXA is another active ingredient that should never be used with retinol. In fact, as seen, you should never use any exfoliant with retinol.

How Often Should I Need to Use Retinol?

As a beginner, start with three times a week during an evening routine to avoid photo-sensitivity during the day. This will reduce adverse effects of retinol and make purging tolerable. It can also give your skin time to breath between uses.

Is 1% Retinol too Strong for Beginners?

Probably, yes depending on skin type and underlying skin conditions you may want to completely avoid jumping head first with 1% retinol dosage since it can lead to inflammation and discourage you from using it altogether. The goal here is to start with smaller dosage as low as 0.1% or even 0.005% and slowly increase the percentage as you get to tolerate it.

At What Age Should I Start to Use Retinol?

Retinol is highly recommended for anyone who is 25 years old and beyond since around that age skin cell cycle of 28 days starts to extend to 35 to 45 days which can manifest as dull skin. In order to maintain youthful appearance then consider using retinol when you hit your mid-twenties.

Is It Okay For A 14 Year Old to Use Retinol?

It is not okay for a 14 year old to use retinol. I know there are trends that encourage young kids and teenagers to indulge in skincare products such as Drunk Elephant line though young kids and teens do not need skincare products since their skin is youthful and replenished with enough collagen, ceramides and hydration.

The only time a young kid or teen will need retinol is only if a dermatologist prescribes it to treat a certain skin conditions but again dermatologist is more likely to prescribe you a tretinoin than retinol.

How to Add Retinol in your Skincare Regimen

Like any other active ingredient, you should know how to incorporate it in your skincare routine. Retinol is very potent and any sort of misuse or poorly including retinol-containing skincare products in steps can have bad consequences. Now let’s take a look at this skincare routine:

1. Cleanser

First of all, you’ll start by washing your face. Here find a gentle face wash that can remove any kind of dirt and grime and unclog pores. Making your skin is clear and ready to receive skincare nutrients.

2. Toner

Find a gentle toner with active ingredients like Coenzyme Q10, green tea extract or galactomyces which can prepare your skin to receive serum or eye cream.

3. Retinol Eye Cream

Retinol is very good at getting rid of dark circles, crow’s feet and wrinkles on the upper and lower eyelid.

Here is a simple hack on how to use eye cream from Dr. Shah, “… I want to talk about the retinoid sandwich this is where you use a moisturizer first apply your retinoid [in this case your retinol eye cream] on top of that and then put another moisturizer on top of that so your retinoid is in the middle of the sandwich..” This is a good approach since eye skin area is very delicate and sensitive too.

4. Retinol Serum

If you don’t have retinol eye cream then you can always get a retinol serum to treat your fine lines and wrinkles on your temple, around eyes and all over the face.

Here is a simple hack from Dr. Maxfield about applying retinol, “…simply apply it to your neck…we just neglect this area [neck] and it’s a simple step just take the same retinoid [in our case we’re using retinol serum] you’re using here and move it down that is all you need to do…”

5. Moisturizer

Should I Apply Moisturizer After Retinol?

Yes, you should apply moisturizer after retinol serum. Lather up your face with hyaluronic acid or ceramide moisturizers that can be good at sealing retinol in the skin for optimum functioning.

6. Sun Protection

When you’re using retinol then you can’t downplay the role of sunscreen in your morning skincare routine. Always remember to apply a broad spectrum sunblock 50 SPF PA++ to avoid skin photo-sensitivity with the sun. Remember when using retinol try as much as possible to avoid chemical sunscreens in favor of mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

References

Zheng Kuai, et al. (2025). The Anti-Acne and Reduction of Hyperpigmentation Effects of Products Containing Retinol, Niacinamide, Ceramides, and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate in Chinese Women. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/2/69

Taihao Quan. (2023). Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/13/11/1614

Valerie D Callender, et al. (2021). Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8776661/

Siddharth Murkherjee, et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2699641/

Min Sun, et al. (2016). Topical Retinol Restores Type I Collagen Production in Photoaged Forearm Skin within Four Weeks. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/3/4/35

Rong Kong, et al. (2015). A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26578346/