What is retinol?

Retinol (and anything in the retinoid family) is a skincare ingredient that comes from vitamin A.

It encourages cell turnover and collagen production. For more mature skin, this is helpful to reduce signs of ageing, which you of course don’t need yet.

Retinol works to sensitize the skin (even in adults) and one of the main functions is to help boost collagen and makes skin shedding faster.

Top tip – also look out for and avoid: retinoids, retinal, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde

Should I use retinol?

Teens and retinol is a hot topic right now. The short answer? Teens definitely should NOT use retinol.

Retinol is a really aggressive ingredient for teen skin and should definitely be avoided at all costs. Teen skin produces collagen naturally and is more sensitive and delicate. Your skin doesn’t need the extra help – it regenerates quickly.

When is the right age to use it?

We recommend your late 20s.

You’re perfectly youthful already – retinol does more damage than good in teen years! 

Discover the skincare ingredients that teens should avoid, here.