A guide to the gold-standard skincare savior

There are a lot of skincare ingredients that have their moment in the sun, but there are only a handful that dermatologists come back to time and time again — and one of those is retinol.

An impressive multitasking active, retinol is a type of retinoid found in pure, naturally occurring vitamin A. If you’re not yet using the ingredient but are interested in joining its growing army of fans, you’re in the right place — we’ve answered the most common retinol questions to help you get started.

What are the benefits of retinol?

Two of the key skincare concerns that retinol tackles are aging and acne. To help reduce signs of aging, retinol boosts collagen and elastin to plump the skin and improve fine lines and wrinkles. On the acne side, it sweeps away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and tackles active acne, and minimizes pores. The antioxidants in retinol can also reverse the effects of sun damage and lighten dark spots and, in general, create a refreshed, glowing complexion.

Which skin types should consider retinol?

Most skin types can use retinol, except for super sensitive skin types, as it can cause some irritation. And while most people will benefit from this ingredient, those with acne, oily, and blemish-prone skin are particularly apt candidates for reaping the rewards.

How and when should retinol be used?

Your use of retinol will depend on the particular product, but there are some general rules to know. First, it’s best to use your retinol products at night, as it can cause some sensitivity in the sun (wearing sunscreen while you’re using retinol is also a must). It’s best to avoid harsh scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and astringents while using retinol.
Given its tendency to create sensitivity, it’s best to ease into usage — for example, start once a week, then move to twice, and so on. A week before an abrasive in-clinic facial treatment or intense sun exposure, you should also stop or ease back on using retinol.

What strengths of retinol are available?

Over-the-counter retinol products usually range from 0.25 percent to 1.5 percent concentration; if the concentration isn’t mentioned on the label, it’s likely under 0.25 percent and therefore will be relatively mild. Concentration can vary all the way up to prescription-strength retinoid, which you’d get from your dermatologist.

What are the side effects of retinol?

This depends on how sensitive your skin is and how strong your product is, but the main side effect, particularly when you’re just introducing retinol into your routine, is skin discomfort, such as redness, dryness, and peeling; this might last for up to a few weeks before your skin becomes accustomed to the product. If you’re using a low-strength retinol, there’s a good chance you won’t see any side effects at all.

Which retinol products does DFS recommend?

DFS stocks a wide variety of retinol-infused products across different strengths and usages. To help you narrow down your search, here are five standouts: