What Is The Ideal Age To Start Using A Retinoid?

There are two main reasons people use retinoids - aging and acne. So it's common for people to use retinoids during their teenage years to treat their acne.

Now, in regards to using retinoids for slowing down the signs of aging there really isn't a "magic" number though there is a recommended age range. Everyone's skin is different and their individual needs may vary by how they age. Someone in their early 20's with a ton of sun damage and fine lines on their forehead may benefit from starting then. While someone like myself who has worn sunscreen and stayed out of the sun like a vampire didn't start using it until I was 35! 🧛‍♀️

Generally speaking, a good time to introduce a retinoid is in your late 20s early 30s because this is when your natural collagen production starts to slow down. You could start with an OTC retinol and then move into prescription strength Tretinoin if you'd like later on. There are no hard fast rules, just recommendations!