In a video interview with Dermatology Times, Dustin Portela, DO, a dermatologist at Treasure Valley Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, offered advice on using retinol. Dr. Portela explained that retinol is typically prescribed to patients with acne as early as 9 years of age. Although retinol is safe to begin at any age, he recommended that individuals who want to use retinol to delay signs of aging should start in their mid to late 20s. Those who consistently use retinol were advised to wear sunscreen because the product can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Dr. Portela emphasized that in order to avoid a purge—characterized by irritated, dry, flaky, or scaly skin—when beginning a new retinol regimen, individuals should pick a milder retinol product. Individuals can also introduce the product slowly by using it once every 3 days and applying it to dry skin before applying a moisturizer.
July 19, 2023