10 Facts to Know Before Adding Retinoid to Your Skincare Routine

Very few would dispute that retinoids are among the most utilised and research-backed skincare ingredients that address concerns like acne, pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, alongside popularity, many perpetuated myths are associated with retinoids. These myths are believed by many skincare enthusiasts around the globe and make them hesitant to use retinoids in their skincare. 

This blog will bust all popular beliefs related to retinoids in skincare and reveal the truth behind them. 

Myth 1 - All retinoids are the same

Retinoids are a group of compounds derived from vitamin A. Retinoids come in different forms, ranging in several strengths. You can opt for prescription-strength in oral or topical form or go for the over-the-counter formulations. OTC retinoids are usually gentle on the skin and are used in treating inflammation and wrinkles. 

To combat hyperpigmentation, psoriasis and ageing skin, more potent forms would work better. “Retinoid” is an all-catch term that includes many derivatives. While retinol is the most popular, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and adapalene have recently started gaining their due. So, not all retinoids are definitely not the same. 

Also Read: Retinol Vs Retinaldehyde: What Sets Them Apart?

Myth 2 - The stronger the retinoid, the better the outcome

It's not at all true that only stronger strengths can provide better results. Even using a smaller concentration consistently can yield reliable results.

The truth is that trying higher concentration retinoids without building your skin's tolerance for it can result in moderate to severe side effects like inflammation, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Using stronger formulations as a beginner can be risky and may end up worsening your condition. 

Myth 3 - Retinoids make your skin thinner

Retinoids can stimulate collagen production in the skin, which is contrary to popular belief that they lead to skin thinning. Some individuals may experience peeling and irritation in the beginning, which backs this myth. This is your skin's way of responding to a completely new ingredient. 

The truth is that when a retinoid is applied to the skin in a disciplined skincare regimen, it can thicken the skin by boosting collagen synthesis. This leads to healthier, plumper, and rejuvenated skin. 

Myth 4 - You don’t need retinoids until you’re older

There is no age bar to using retinoids. People of any age can incorporate retinoid into their skincare routine, depending on their needs. In fact, they were introduced for the treatment of acne in younger individuals. Later on, other benefits of retinoids were discovered, and by the time, it was labelled as "anti-ageing ingredient." 

It can treat post-acne hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged skin, blemishes, to several skin conditions like psoriasis. Moreover, retinoids can prevent and treat certain types of skin cancer. So, it would be a mistake to label them as an ingredient only for mature skin. 

Myth 5 - Retinoids harm the under-eye skin

Skin around the eyes is delicate, thin, and sensitive. Hence, many believe that using retinoids would harm it. There's no truth in this notion. As it turns out, your under-eye area is one of the first regions to get affected by fine lines and retinoids, being the collagen-stimulating ingredient, can smooth them. However, you must be careful with the strength, formulation, and application while choosing a retinoid for your under-eye circles. 

Myth 6 - Retinoids exfoliate the skin

Retinoids are often regarded as harsh exfoliants, but they are not. They do not behave like chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. But they certainly participate in regulating the cellular turnover to shed old cells and replace them with new ones. 

Due to their common side effects of skin peeling and redness, one might assume that exfoliating the skin. But that's a simply false belief. 

Myth 7 - People with sensitive skin should not use retinoids

Retinoids are thought to be a harsh ingredient and not suitable for sensitive skin types, but that is a misconception. Every sensitive skin is different to each other, and may or may not tolerate retinoid. While they might be a little strong, those with sensitive or reactive skin may adopt a different approach to using them. 

One can begin with a lower-strength formula and apply it two to three times a week to assimilate their skin to the formula. Applying moisturiser and sunscreen is non-negotiable. 

Myth 8 - Retinoids give fast results 

There is nothing like overnight results with using retinoids or any skincare ingredients. Depending upon your skin type, concerns, and formulation you choose, it can take up to a few weeks to several months to deliver results. 

In some cases, individuals can start noticing the difference in some weeks only, but that's not the general case. Patience is required to see long-lasting results and healthier skin. 

Myth 9 - A pea-sized amount won't work

Applying more product does not affect the results. In fact, it can lead to product waste and unwanted side effects like peeling and drying. If you are using a retinoid serum, one to two drops are sufficient for the face and neck. Just ensure you are applying politely and thoroughly. Effective application has nothing to do with a larger amount of product. 

Myth 10 - Using retinoids will make your skin red and peel

Though there can be some probable reactions in the beginning, those are usually harmless and do not escalate under normal circumstances. This may be your skin's way of adopting retinoids. These effects normally fade away once your skin builds tolerance for retinoids. But considering skin peeling and redness as permanent side effects would be unfair. 

How to Start With Retinoids

As a beginner, you have to be cautious to avoid unwanted side effects. Begin with a lower-concentration formula; 0.25% would work. Use it one to two times a week in the beginning and slowly boost the usage frequency. Keep noticing how your skin behaves after application. Give your skin proper time to adjust to retinoids before increasing the concentration or application frequency. 

Retinaldehyde is more potent and milder than retinol, leading to its increased popularity among users. Your skin can find it easier to tolerate it as a beginner. DRSQ has three formulations as Starter Vitamin A, Miracle ProVitamin, and Advanced Vitamin A for new users, intermediate users, and advanced users, respectively. 

Final Words

We wanted to dismiss the myths associated with this incredibly effective class of compounds derived from vitamin A, so people won’t take a step back and miss out on the benefits of it.  These myths are man-made and have nothing to do with authentic research or studies. If you struggle with acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or psoriasis, feel free to start incorporating the right retinoid into your skincare routine. You can talk to your doctor about the concern and get reliable advice. 

References:

• Siddharth Mukherjee, Abhijit Date, Vandana Patravale, Hans Christian Korting, Alexander Roeder, Günther Weindl, "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety", 2006
• Neil Sadick, Sukhmani Pannu, Zehara Abidi, Suleima Arruda, "Topical Treatments for Photoaged Skin", 2023 September
• Ryan R Riahi, Amelia E Bush, Philip R Cohen, Topical Retinoids: Therapeutic Mechanisms in the Treatment of Photodamaged Skin", 2026 June
• Aanand N Geria, Christina N Lawson, Rebat M Halder, "Topical retinoids for pigmented skin", 2011 May
• Łukasz Szymański, Rafał Skopek, Małgorzata Palusińska, Tino Schenk, Sven Stengel, Sławomir Lewicki, Leszek Kraj, Paweł Kamiński, Arthur Zelent, "Retinoic Acid and Its Derivatives in Skin", 2020 December