Mastering Skin Care's Multitool: What Retinol Is Used For

If your skin is in need of a reboot, retinol may be for you. Derived from vitamin A, retinol is a skin care multitool that has become popular as an anti-aging antidote as well as an acne solution for adolescents.

When retinol is applied to the skin, it begins to promote collagen production and cellular renewal, which ultimately minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol is used for regulating the skin's oil production as well, which makes it an excellent acne treatment. It even repairs the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. And the list goes on!

Renew and Refresh

Retinol is used to battle aging skin because it can strengthen the protective layer of the epidermis while protecting collagen from degrading. It stimulates fibroblasts — cells that, among other things, synthesize collagen fibers and increase skin's elasticity. Elasticity is a characteristic that naturally degrades with time, aging and sun exposure. Using retinol as part of your nighttime skin care routine can result in the reduction of fine lines and contribute to a more youthful appearance.

Another one of the powerful benefits of retinol is its ability to promote cell turnover — getting rid of old, damaged cells and growing new, healthy skin cells.

Make Acne Disappear

Retinol can help to reduce acne. That's because topical retinol accelerates the elimination of sebum (oil) that remains in the ducts of the sebaceous glands and reduces inflammation in those glands. This prevents the formation of comedones (clogged pores), which can lead to acne. Preventing excessive sebum secretion goes a long way in reducing acne breakouts. Keep in mind that some people may see a temporary breakout when they first start using retinol as it takes effect. With consistent use, most will stop experiencing breakouts in one to three months.

While it may be growing in popularity now, retinol has been on the scene for a while. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a type of retinoid called tretinoin was approved as a topical acne treatment back in 1971. If you're experiencing ongoing acne, your dermatologist may treat you with a prescription-strength retinol.

Aside from tackling the acne itself, retinol can also reduce dark spots left over from acne scars. The end result is skin that looks even and blemish-free — a teenager's dream.

Undo Sun Damage

The sun can do a number on your skin, causing damage that quickly ages you. Applying retinol can help combat nearly all signs of sun damage, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It can reduce the appearance of sun spots and age spots and smooth out skin tone, texture and color caused by sun damage.

That said, retinol must be introduced gradually to prevent skin irritation. People with darker skin tones should be particularly cautious as skin irritation could lead to hyperpigmentation, which causes dark spots to develop. Start by applying it every few days in the evening, using a pea-sized amount of a formula with a retinol strength in the 0.01% to 0.03% range.

Once you've started using retinol in your regimen, it's especially important to use sun protection daily. Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun and its UV rays. Consequently, these products are generally applied at night.

Give Retinol a Try

By understanding its benefits and incorporating it into a skin care routine with proper precautions, individuals can harness the potential of retinol for healthier, more vibrant skin. The benefits of retinol make it a versatile skin care ingredient that can address issues ranging from wrinkles and uneven skin tone to acne and UV damage. Think of it as a product that sweeps away dead skin cells, making way for a fresh new face with fewer wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.

Now that you know what retinol is used for, you can go on to the fun part: figuring out which retinol product you'll choose and use!

Clinically reviewed on Sept. 3, 2024.