Introducing retinol

Yuliya Pokhylko
Apr 9
2 min read

Once you hit your 30s, retinol starts popping up everywhere as the go-to ingredient for early signs of aging. But what exactly is it—and how do you start using it without wreaking havoc on your skin?

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A known for increasing cell turnover, boosting collagen, and improving texture. It’s part of the retinoid family, which includes:

Retinoid	Conversion in Skin	Potency	Best Use	Irritation
Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin)	None	Very High	Prescription for acne, aging	High
Retinaldehyde	1 step to retinoic acid	High	OTC/prescription for acne, aging	Moderate
Retinyl Esters	Multiple steps	Low	OTC, mild anti-aging	Low

1. Know Your Skin Goals

Retinol is commonly used for:

Aging: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Acne: Unclogs pores and helps prevent breakouts.
Hyperpigmentation: Fades dark spots and evens tone.
Texture: Smooths and refines skin.

2. Choose the Right Formulation

Pick a formulation based on your skin type and concern:

Type	Description	Best For
Serums	Potent and fast-absorbing	Oily, combination skin; deep wrinkles
Creams	Moisturizing and gentler	Dry, sensitive skin; mild aging
Lotions	Lightweight, balanced	Maintenance, combo skin
Gels	Lightest, oil-controlling	Acne-prone, oily skin

3. Use It at Night

Retinol breaks down in sunlight and increases sun sensitivity. Always apply at night and wear SPF daily.

4. Mind the Concentration

Start low, especially if you’re new or have sensitive skin:

Low (0.01–0.03%): Best for beginners/sensitive skin
Moderate (0.04–0.1%): Balanced results with less risk
High (0.5–1%): For experienced users only

“If you have sensitive skin, stick with lower concentrations.” – Dr. Rebecca Bialas, CLARA Dermatology

5. Ease Into It

Avoid the dreaded “retinol burn” by following these tips:

Start slow: Once a week, then build up
Buffer: Apply moisturizer before or mix with retinol
Avoid actives: Skip AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C while adjusting
Dry skin only: Apply to completely dry skin to minimize irritation

6. Be Mindful of Sensitivities

Retinol may not be ideal for:

Eczema: Can worsen dryness
Rosacea: Might trigger flare-ups
Very sensitive skin: Proceed with caution—or consult a dermatologist

Final Thoughts

Retinol is powerful but needs a thoughtful approach. Start low, use it at night, buffer with moisturizer, and be patient. Stronger doesn’t always mean better—with retinoids, less is more.