What Is Retinol? Benefits and How to Use It on Your Face

3 days ago

3 min read

Retinol (vitamin A) is one of the skincare ingredients with the most research behind it for slowing skin aging, reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Retinol belongs to the Retinoids, a group of vitamin A derivatives that differ in strength and effectiveness. In this article, a dermatologist explains what retinol is, what it does for the skin, how to use it correctly, and what to watch out for.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a type of Retinoid found in common skincare products. When it touches the skin, enzymes in the skin convert retinol into Retinoic Acid, the form that actually works. Retinoic Acid stimulates collagen production and speeds up skin cell turnover, so the skin looks younger and smoother.

Benefits of retinol for the skin

Reduces wrinkles and deep lines: stimulates new collagen production, making skin firmer and more elastic.
Reduces acne: helps prevent clogged pores and reduces inflammation.
Fades dark marks and dark spots: speeds up skin cell turnover, so dark marks and dark spots fade.
Improves skin texture: stimulates exfoliation, so skin looks more even and smoother.
Reduces enlarged pores: helps control sebum production, so pores look smaller.

How to use retinol correctly

The key to using retinol is to let your skin adjust gradually, which reduces side effects.

Start slowly: Start at a concentration of 0.025-0.05% and use it 1-2 times a week at first, then gradually increase to every night once your skin is used to it.
Use it at night: Use it at night only, because retinol breaks down in sunlight.
Sunscreen every morning: Apply sunscreen every morning, because your skin becomes more sensitive to light.

Side effects to watch for

In the first weeks of using retinol, a reaction called Retinization may occur, with dry, peeling, red or irritated skin. These symptoms are usually temporary and ease once the skin has adjusted. If symptoms are severe, stop using it and consult a dermatologist. Importantly, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding must not use products containing Retinoids.

How does retinol differ from other Retinoids?

Retinoids come in several types that differ in strength and action. From mildest to strongest, they are Retinyl Ester (the mildest), Retinol, Retinaldehyde and Tretinoin (the strongest, available by prescription only). Retinol is therefore a suitable choice for beginners, because it causes fewer side effects than Tretinoin while still being effective against wrinkles.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start retinol without my skin peeling and turning red? Start at a low concentration of 0.025-0.05% and use it only 1-2 times a week at first, then gradually increase the frequency once your skin is used to it. Dryness, peeling and redness in the early stage (Retinization) are usually temporary.

Can pregnant women use retinol? No. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding must not use products containing Retinoids and should consult a doctor to choose other options.

Can I use retinol in the morning? It should be used at night only, because retinol breaks down in sunlight, and you need to apply sunscreen every morning because your skin becomes more sensitive to light.

How does retinol differ from Tretinoin? Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) is the directly active form and the strongest, and it requires a prescription. Retinol has to be converted in the skin first, so it is milder and less irritating, which makes it suitable for beginners.

If you want to start using retinol safely, or your skin is irritated from using retinoids, consult a dermatologist at Siam Dermatology. Call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm.

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026