What Age Should You Start Using Retinol?

Written by: Radhika Sen

Updated on: 18 February 2025

It’s no secret that retinol is a celebrated powerhouse in skincare, renowned for its ability to renew skin and promote a more youthful appearance. One of the most common questions is: when should you start using it? While there’s no universal answer, many experts recommend introducing retinol in your 20s to help combat early signs of ageing and maintain skin clarity. Timing is key — retinol should be used in the evening, as it can be sensitive to sunlight, and gradually introduced into your routine to avoid irritation. This careful approach ensures that retinol can work its magic without overwhelming your skin.

What exactly is retinol?

Retinol, a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, is a type of retinoid best known for its anti-ageing benefits. While effective, it’s less potent compared to other retinoids like retinaldehyde and retinoic acid. Retinaldehyde, a next-generation retinoid, acts up to 11 times faster than retinol*, delivering quicker results with less irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Retinoic acid, on the other hand, is the active form of vitamin A and is highly potent, but often causes more irritation, making it ideal for advanced users seeking intense results.

^{*G. Siegenthaler et al., "Retinol and Retinal Metabolism," Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp. 371-378.}

Is retinol different to retinoids?

Retinol is a specific type of retinoid, which is a class of compounds derived from vitamin A. While all retinol is retinoid, not all retinoids are retinol; they vary in strength and effectiveness. What sets Medik8’s best retinol products apart is that they contain a standout ingredient called Climbazole, which has been found to boost the activity of retinoids in the skin to give the power of higher percentages without irritation. That’s why we call them: ‘Intelligent Retinol’.

Which retinol product is right for me?

Choosing the right retinol product depends on your skin type, concerns, and preferences. Retinol comes in various forms, including creams, serums, gels, and oils, each suited to different needs. Creams and oils are ideal for those with sensitive or dry skin as they offer additional hydration, while serums and gels may be better for oily or combination skin, providing a lightweight texture. Look for products that include nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to support moisture retention and reduce irritation. We would also recommend paying attention to the packaging — air-tight, opaque containers help protect the potency of vitamin A, as it degrades when exposed to light or air.

When should you start using retinoids?

There’s no set rule on when to introduce retinoids into your skincare routine. Many start in their 20s to target early signs of ageing, but teens may use prescription-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin, to help with acne and breakouts due to their antibacterial properties and ability to promote skin cell turnover. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, it's never too late to incorporate retinoids for healthier, rejuvenated skin.

How to use retinol in your 20s

Your 20s are a great time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine, as it's the perfect age to start targeting early signs of ageing and protecting your skin for the future. Retinol helps boost collagen production, reduce fine lines, and promote cell turnover, giving your skin a refined tone and texture. For younger skin types, starting with a low concentration of retinol and gradually building up is key. Begin by applying it 2-3 times a week in the evening, following it up with a moisturiser to prevent dryness. Consistency is crucial, and always pair retinol use with daily SPF to protect your skin from sun sensitivity.

How to use retinol in your 30s

If you didn’t jump on the retinol bandwagon in your 20s, it definitely isn’t too late to start. At this stage, the skin’s natural collagen production begins to slow, and fine lines or early signs of ageing may become more noticeable. Retinol can help boost collagen, smooth the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone. It’s also effective in managing texture and preventing breakouts.

Start with a lower concentration if you’re new to retinoids, gradually building up to stronger formulas over time. Apply it in the evening, followed by a hydrating moisturiser, and always use sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

How to use retinol in your 40s

In your 40s, skin cell turnover continues to slow, and deeper lines, pigmentation, and loss of firmness may become more apparent. Retinoids, including retinol and retinaldehyde, are excellent at promoting collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also encourage cell renewal, revealing fresher, more youthful skin.

If you're starting retinol in your 40s, it’s never too late. Begin with a low-strength formula, with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to avoid irritation and gradually increase the potency. Consistency is key — apply retinol at night and pair it with a nourishing moisturiser to prevent dryness.

As always, protect your skin during the day with broad-spectrum SPF to avoid sun sensitivity. Retinoids can help smooth skin texture and restore a radiant complexion with continued use.

How to use retinol in your 50s and beyond

In your 50s and beyond, skin naturally experiences more significant changes — loss of elasticity, deeper wrinkles, and thinning due to reduced collagen production. Retinoids, such as retinol, are powerful age-defying ingredients that help promote collagen synthesis and accelerate cell turnover, offering visible improvements in fine lines, pigmentation, and overall texture.

If you're new to retinol at this stage, it's still effective to start. Begin with a low-strength formula to allow your skin to adjust, then gradually increase potency as tolerated. Using a rich moisturiser alongside retinol is essential to combat any dryness or sensitivity. Incorporating retinoids into your nighttime routine can help boost skin renewal, soften deeper wrinkles, and restore radiance.

Always ensure you're applying SPF during the day, as skin can become more sensitive to sun exposure with retinoid use.

Medik8’s recommended retinoid skincare layering routine

Skin type: Dry/Normal/Combination/Oily Skin:

Step 1: Cleanse
Surface Radiance Cleanse - Resurfacing AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser

Sensitive skin: Calmwise™ Soothing Cleanser - Anti-inflammatory Foaming Cleanser

Step 2: Vitamin A Serum
Crystal Retinal: Award-winning Age-Defying Vitamin A Night Serum

If you're unsure which strength is right for you, take our handy Strength Finder

Step 3: Vitamin A Eye Cream
Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye: Smooth & Lift Eye Cream Gentle-Release Vitamin A

If you're unsure which strength is right for you, take our handy Strength Finder

Step 4: Moisturise
Advanced Night Restore: Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream

Step 5: Treat
Sleep Glycolic - Time Release AHA Overnight At-Home Peel

Sensitive Skin: H.E.O Mask - Optimal Ratio Moisturisation Two-Step Overnight Mask

Step 6: Next-Day Protection
Advanced Day Ultimate Protect - Age-Defying SPF 50+ Moisturiser

Skin type:
Pregnancy Pre & Post

Step 1: Cleanse
Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil - Makeup Dissolving Transforming Cleanser

Step 2: Serums
Bakuchiol Peptides - Retinol Alternative Peptide-Infused Serum

Step 3: Eye Treatment
Eyelift Peptides - Age-Defying Firming Gel

Step 4: Moisturise
Advanced Night Restore - Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream

Step 5: Treat
H.E.O Mask - Optimal Ratio Moisturisation Two-Step Overnight Mask

Step 6: Next-Day Protection
Advanced Day Ultimate Protect - Age-Defying SPF 50+ Moisturiser

CSA philosophy: Vitamin A in the evening

Unlock glowing, youthful-looking skin with our simple CSA Philosophy: vitamin C & sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night. At Medik8, we firmly believe that every great skincare routine should begin with these 3 fundamental formulas.

A star product in the CSA routine is Crystal Retinal, a next-generation vitamin A formula using retinaldehyde. This potent form of vitamin A delivers results up to 11x faster than retinol* while remaining gentle on the skin, perfect for wrinkle reduction, brightening dark spots and firming skin - without irritation.**

^{*G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378

**Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.}

A few tips on getting started with Vitamin A

✓ Start slow:
Introduce retinoids gradually into your routine. Begin by using your product 2-3 times per week and slowly increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.

✓ Less is more:
Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face. Using too much can lead to irritation without improving results.

✓ Be patient:
Visible changes take time. It can take several weeks to notice improvements, but consistency is key.

✓ Always use SPF:
Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to UV light, so it’s essential to apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

✓ Moisturise:
Pair your retinoid with a hydrating moisturiser to minimise dryness or peeling, especially during the initial weeks.

When to stop using retinol?

If you’re experiencing side effects such as persistent redness, peeling, or irritation, it’s important to stop using retinol immediately. Depending on the strength of the retinoid you're using, you may want to switch to a lower concentration and gradually build up again. If your skin doesn’t respond well to retinoids, consider gentler alternatives like Medik8’s Bakuchiol Peptides, a plant-based retinol alternative, or other peptide-based formulas for anti-ageing benefits.

All our vitamin A formulas feature unique Time Release and stabilisation technologies, infusing the product gradually into the skin throughout the night for minimal irritation while ensuring optimum visible results.

Can you use retinol at age 18?

While retinol can be an option for addressing concerns like acne or uneven skin tone, Medik8 recommends consulting a skincare professional before starting, particularly for younger skin. In most cases, it’s best to begin retinoids in your 20s unless prescribed by a professional. Starting with a low concentration is ideal for a gradual introduction.

Is retinol twice a week enough?

For beginners, using retinol twice a week is a great start. It allows your skin to adjust gradually and helps minimise the risk of irritation. You can increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance, and progress to higher concentrations of retinol.

Can you start retinol too early?

There’s no definitive "too early," but most people start using retinol in their 20s or when specific concerns arise. Starting too early without targeted skin concerns may not be necessary, but it is safe if used correctly.

How often should I use retinol as a beginner?

As a beginner, start with a low strength of retinoid 2-3 times a week, then gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. Always follow with SPF during the day.