What is the Ideal Age to Start Using Retinol-containing Products?

asked 3 years ago by Emma D in Ireland
Latest answer by Chad K. Wheeler, MD
Question viewed 15,590 times
Tags: wrinkles, skin care

I am 27 and smoke moderately.

9 answers to What is the Ideal Age to Start Using Retinol-containing Products?

Yes Retinol but No Smoking!

Rather than nag you to quit, here are some facts: Smoking destroys collagen and elastin, and it decreases estrogen levels, which are necessary to keep skin firm. And significantly impairs healing after procedures and surgery. Don’t forget about causing cancer – and wrinkles. No smoking, please. Second, Retinol products are powerful antioxidants clinically proven to prevent UV damage and stimulate healthy skin renewal. From acne to wrinkles, antioxidants such as retinol... more

Benjamin Bassichis, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Retinol-containing products are a good choice for all age groups

Retinoids have been proven to be one of the best products for anti-aging. Regular use will stimulate your skin to make collagen, and improve the texture and tone of your skin. You may also notice an more even appearance of the pigmentation of your skin. When you start to use a retinoid cream for the first time, you will probably have some skin peeling or flaking, which is just your skin exfoliating and is not a sign of allergy or intolerance to the cream. If you are very dry, try using... more

Jordana Gilman, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Retinol

Retinols (Retin-A) are a product that shortens the time it takes for the maturation of the skin cells. It causes the skin to cycle through in 90 days instead of 120. This increases the thickness of the alive skin layer skin by 25% while also decreasing the dead skin layer. This shortened cell cycle causes the skin to peel more easily and break out initially as all the new cells push away the old. It also makes the skin more vulnerable to the Sun. Once the... more

Chad K. Wheeler, MD
Spokane Plastic Surgeon

Starting Retinoids

The earlier you start taking care of your skin the better. The two major ways to keep your skin younger is to use sunscreen and not smoke. Maintaining a proper balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise, and taking anti-oxidant vitamins are also useful. Topically, a regular regimen of retinoids (Retin-A, Retinol, Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and an alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic acid) are essential.

Randy J. Buckspan, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

Retinol is worthless - get a retinoID

Retinol, which is in over the counter cosmetic products is completely WORTHLESS - you are wasting your money! Prescription retinoIDS actually have been shown to work for fine wrinkles and lines (as well as dark spots, overall skin feel/smoothness, and glow). See you local dermatologist for a prescription.

Gary Goldenberg, MD
New York Dermatologist

Retinol - never too early to start!

Retinol is an excellent anti-aging product, and retin A or other prescription retinoids are even more effective. These agents have great science behind them, and excellent results for fine lines, acne, discolouration of the skin, and improving skin tone overall. It is never too young to start; speak with your dermatologist which retinoid to start with, and you can increase the concentration/strength slowly over time to minimize any side effects/irritation.

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Retinols- When to Start

The use of retinols can be started in the teens (typically for acne), however in most patients, the late twenties to early thirties is the best time.

Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon

Start Retinol skin products during teen years

If you are concerned about aging of your skin, I would say the teen years might be a good time to start, taking time off only to have babies. We can pretty much guarantee it, that if you use a Retinoid, an anti-oxidant and a good sunscreen, you will look 5-10 years younger than your peers who did not. Retinols are not nearly as effective for preventing lines and wrinkles, though, as Retinoids. That is because, retinols need to spend energy to be converted from the alcohol form... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

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