What age should you start using retinol?

If you want your skin to age healthily and look smooth and firm for as long as possible, this is where retinol might come in. But when's best to start? Is it ever too late? Here's how to start using retinol in your twenties, thirties and beyond...

While retinol products aren't generally unsuitable for teenagers, most teens are unlikely to benefit from using them as they're usually intended to address signs of skin ageing. Your skin already produces plenty of collagen and you won't see significant changes in your skin firmness or elasticity for quite a few years. Plus, retinol is a potent ingredient and it can easily irritate delicate skin.^1,5 Your doctor might suggest a course of retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene for more severe or painful breakouts, but these are only available on prescription and mustn't be used otherwise.⁶

So, save your skincare funds for products that focus on hydration rather than ageing well – moisturisers and gentle cleansers like niacinamide or salicylic acid may be used alongside a daily SPF.

If you’re one of the lucky ones, your teenage blemishes might have subsided and you’re still reaping the benefits of collagen production. From your mid-20s, collagen production gradually begins to slow. However, your skin is still likely to be firm and healthy, and visible signs of ageing such as sagging and wrinkles are usually minimal.

Both breakouts and fine lines are very normal at this time, so don’t feel you’re out of place in your skin journey.⁶ As with any age, SPF is your number one priority – daily use of SPF helps protect your skin from UV damage, which can contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles over time.⁷

You’ve passed your 'collagen peak' and somehow your social media ads just know. Hands up if you're ready to block the word 'anti-ageing'. It’s true that collagen production gradually begins to slow down in early adulthood,⁹ but it’s not about 'anti' anything – you’re at the perfect time to establish a healthy ageing routine that works for you.

This is a good time to start using retinol. Think of your twenties as the ideal time to build a simple routine that supports healthy-looking skin for the future. But as we mentioned above, you mustn’t use retinol products or take retinol supplements if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.⁸

Just like your late twenties, this is another great time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine. You might be seeing the first signs of ageing, so it’s an ideal time to form habits that will set you up for life.

Using retinol a few times a week – supported by a daily cleanser, moisturiser and SPF – may help keep you looking and feeling youthful. Remember that retinol's very potent, so experts suggest applying no more than a pea-sized amount every time. It should go without saying to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, all year round.¹⁰ This is always crucial but it’s particularly important if you’re using retinol as it may leave your skin more susceptible to UV rays.¹¹ Apply your retinol at night to avoid direct sunlight afterwards.