Retinolis a form ofvitamin Aused in skin care products.

Retinol is best used at nighttime, after washing and drying your face.

This article will discuss how to start using retinol, its benefits, and side effects.

Person doing skin care routine in front of mirror in evening

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It will also discuss how to properly use retinol with other skincare products.

It is sold over the counter (OTC; without a prescription) at many big-box stores.

Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Therefore, it should be used at nighttime.

It also breaks down in sunlight, so it’s typically found in dark packaging.

Even when retinol is used at night, it’s important to use sun protection during the day.

This includes wearing a wide-brimmed hat, applyingsunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing.

There is no specific age for someone to start using retinol.

Generally, starting retinol in the 20s is recommended for purposes of preventing signs of aging.

However, it can be used earlier, especially for those with acne.

Which Retinol Is Right for Me?

Finding the right retinol can be tricky.

This helps to reduce the chance of developing skin irritation.

The order is recommended so the skin care products can work effectively.

Retinoids are a class of vitamin A-based skin products used for acne and other various skin improvements.

Retinol is a jot down of retinoid.

The side effects will depend on the retinol concentration and how frequently it is used.

When skin conditions improve, slowly increase frequency.

It’s found over the counter in many forms and concentrations.

Slowly increase the strength and frequency over time.

This helps to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Retinoids, topical.

Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.