[Expert Explanation] Retinol's Beauty Benefits and How to Use It Correctly | A Thorough Guide to 15 Common Questions
Retinol (vitamin A) is gaining attention as a beauty ingredient said to be effective for aging care, including care for wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness. At the same time, many people say it can be “strongly irritating” or “likely to cause problems depending on how it is used,” so using it correctly is important.
In this article, we summarize and explain 15 common questions about retinol. Please use it to help with your skincare from tomorrow.
Table of contents
1. [What beauty benefits does retinol have?]
2. [At what age should you start using retinol?]
3. [What is the optimal concentration of retinol?]
4. [From what percentage is retinol considered high concentration?]
5. [How long do you need to keep using it before you feel results?]
6. [What happens if you stop using retinol?]
7. [How long does it take for the effects to plateau?]
8. [When should I use it in my skincare routine?]
9. [Is it okay to use in the morning?]
10. [Is it okay to use on sensitive skin?]
11. [Is it okay to keep using it even if redness or itching occurs?
12. [Can retinol be used together with niacinamide or vitamin C?]
13. [Should retinol and exfoliating ingredients not be used together?]
14. [Should use be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding?]
15. [Which type is best: serum, emulsion, or cream?]
1. What beauty benefits does retinol have?
Retinol (vitamin A) has the following main beauty benefits. Promotes skin turnover: helps remove unnecessary dead skin cells and smooth the skin surface. Supports collagen production: helps improve firmness and elasticity and cares for wrinkles and sagging. Helps address dark spots and dullness: supports skin renewal and leads to a brighter impression. Improves clogged pores: its exfoliating care effect helps reduce the appearance of pores.
2. At what age should you start retinol?
There is no age limit, but in general, more people start incorporating retinol from around their 30s, when signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots begin to concern them. Some people also use it preventively in their late 20s. Consider it according to your own skin concerns and condition.
3. What is the ideal concentration of retinol?
It varies by product, but concentrations of around 0.1% to 1.0% are commonly seen in over-the-counter skincare products. Beginners: Start with a low concentration (around 0.1%) and gradually increase the concentration once your skin becomes accustomed to it.
Advanced users: While monitoring your skin condition, try around 0.3% to 1.0%.
If you feel irritation, do not force yourself to use a high concentration; adjust the frequency and amount used.
4. From what % is retinol considered high concentration?
In general, 0.3% or higher is often considered “somewhat high concentration,” and 0.5% or higher is often considered “high concentration.” However, the likelihood of irritation can also vary depending on the overall balance of the formula and how it is combined with other ingredients, so treat this only as a general guide.
5. How long should you keep using retinol before feeling its effects?
We recommend continued use for at least 1 to 2 months until the skin turnover cycle (about 4 to 6 weeks) settles, and around 3 to 6 months for more serious concerns such as wrinkles and dark spots. Rather than giving up partway through, it is important to continue while observing how your skin responds.
6. What happens if you stop using retinol?
The effects of retinol, such as promoting turnover and supporting collagen production, tend to gradually settle down, and the skin may tend to return to its original state. However, this does not mean your skin will suddenly worsen. Think of it as the benefits gained through continued use no longer being maintained.
7. How long does it take for the effects of retinol to plateau?
With continued use, there are cases where the skin becomes accustomed to it and changes become harder to notice. In that case, consider using it together with other aging-care ingredients such as niacinamide or vitamin C, or adjusting the frequency of use to give the skin an appropriate level of stimulation.
8. When should retinol be used in a skincare routine?
The general steps are:
1. Cleanse your face
2. Toner
3. Serum or cream containing retinol
4. Moisturizing cream (as needed). Instructions may differ by product, so please check the manufacturer’s recommended method.
9. Is it okay to use retinol in the morning?
Retinol is sensitive to light and heat, but using it in the morning is not necessarily prohibited. However, because the skin can be more susceptible to ultraviolet rays, it is important to always use sunscreen (UV protection) together and protect the skin from UV damage.
10. Is it okay to use retinol on sensitive skin?
People with sensitive skin can also use it, but please start carefully, such as beginning with a low concentration and using it about 1 to 2 times per week. If strong redness or stinging occurs, we recommend pausing for a while, restoring your skin condition, and then trying again.
11. Is it okay to keep using retinol even if redness or itching occurs?
As a retinoid reaction specific to retinol, mild redness or peeling may occur. - If itching or pain is strong, temporarily stop use and let the skin rest.
- Once symptoms have settled, adjust the frequency and amount before resuming. If symptoms do not improve, consult a specialist, such as a dermatologist.
12. Are retinol, niacinamide, and vitamin C combinations not allowed?
In principle, using them together is not prohibited, but depending on the product’s pH and compatibility of ingredients, irritation to the skin may increase. - When using them together, try separating them by different times of day or different days, and introduce them while watching for any skin problems.
13. Are retinol and exfoliating ingredients a combination to avoid?
Using it at the same time as peeling ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids carries a higher risk of irritation, so it is safest to avoid doing so. If you really want to incorporate both, take care not to overburden your skin, such as by using them on separate days.
14. Should retinol use be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
High-concentration intake of vitamin A may raise concerns about effects on the fetus or infant. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult a doctor and consider safety, such as refraining from use or keeping the concentration as low as possible.
15. Which type is best: serum, emulsion, or cream?
- Serum type: It tends to absorb directly into the skin and makes it easier to feel the effects, but it may also be more likely to cause irritation.
- Emulsion or cream type: Because it contains more oil and feels gentler, it is relatively easier for first-time users and people with sensitive skin to try. Choose according to your skin type, preferences, and lifestyle.
Summary: The effects of retinol depend greatly on “how you use it”!
- Do not push yourself if redness or stinging is strong.
- Be thorough with UV protection, especially if using it in the morning.
- When using it together with other beauty ingredients, be mindful of irritation and adjust creatively, such as using them on separate days.
Retinol is a high-performance ingredient that is essential for aging care, but if it is not used correctly, it may not only make it difficult to feel the effects, but also lead to skin problems. Keep the points above in mind and try incorporating it skillfully into your daily skincare routine.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Value Village will continue to update information that is useful for creating beautiful skin, so please be sure to check back!
- This article is intended to provide general information and does not constitute medical practice.
- In particular, people with allergies or severe skin problems, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should consult a doctor or specialist.
