Retinol: How To Use It & What Are The Benefits? | Dr Sam Bunting

Retinol is the ultimate multi-tasking ingredient.
In today’s video, I’m talking about retinoids - the ingredient that can pretty much do it all!
From clearing pores, smoothing lines, boosting collagen, improving texture and diminishing pigmentation, it’s easy to see how retinoids have fast become a favourite! So let’s deep-dive into one of my favourite ingredients and why you should build it into your routine.
As always, thank you so much for watching and for all your support!
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Disclaimer: The content seen in this video is provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek professional help individually if you suffer from any dermatological condition. Due to the volume of patients seen in the clinic, and to the unique nature of skin, Dr Bunting is unable to respond to every query on these videos.

[@EnvyBlu]

I’m on month four with Tretinoin, and my skin has never looked or felt better in my entire 47 year life! I so wish I would’ve known about retinoids when I was young. 😩 I could’ve prevented so much hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne.

[@tcusack2106]

Hi. Tracy 53 from Canada. I started retinol in November for the first time as anti aging and not just for adult acne and because of menopause. I AM A 2 TIME MELANOMA SURVIVOR LAST TIME STAGE 4 METASTASIS. I hope everyone knows sunscreen will save your life. I am Irish and fair skin.

[@clkhoo821]

This is an extremely helpful & educational video for those people who are thinking of starting retinoids like me! I can't be grateful enough to find this video. Thank you so much for the effort. I'll be definitely watching more of these kind videos in your channel. Thank you so much! Love from Malaysia.

[@trinichandy3049]

Thanks Dr Sam for these amazing tips. Love your channel. Take care.

[@HolyCheezeNipz]

I've been using retinol for a couple weeks now. So glad I found this video before using it for too long.

[@MyLoVeLyMaN]

Differin gave me my dream skin (not completely breakout free, but the quality of my skin has improved so much!) , so I really love my retinoid - will never stop!

[@ChrisPBacon007]

You have to most beautiful skin i have ever seen, Dr. Sam

[@johnmichaelarnaud]

Terrific primer, Dr. Sam!

[@kerryannbouska2523]

I’m very excited to start my skin routine and retinol journey with your products I just wish my Flawless Cleanser had come with the pump!

[@khalid.367]

No other dermatologists give such a generous and condensed dose of medical information -either on social media or at clinic . Thank you so much, Dr Sam!

[@psychpomelo]

There is so much valuable information here. Thank you!

[@DrSamBunting]

Thanks for watching!❤

[@DianfanZhang]

The most informative video I saw about Retinol. Thank you so much.

[@DrSamBunting]

A pleasure!

[@feeltheillinois]

this is probably the best explanation Ive heard of retinols despite hearing about it from countless people for the past couple years. so, good job

[@DrSamBunting]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful ❤

[@Verbsdescribeus]

Thank you for your expertise! No idea that retinol helped treat acnee, but I am glad that I got a new toner that contains it :D

[@javediqbal-pq3ie]

Thankyou Dr. Sam, You've exposed the Vitamin-A in Retinol in an amazing manner for which you deserve nothing less than an A-Grade.....Thanks again.

[@MILFMAN-yg3jg]

Can u please do a video on your top ten best brightening ingredients , also a top ten best moisturizing ingredients and a video on dry acne prone skin cause as a person who suffers with that I can use your expertise on it

[@foreverhungry9]

Super helpful video! One question from me - would you recommend using a lower strength retinol product on holidays (strong sun exposure) or stopping it completely for that period of time? (1-2 wks) Frequent use of spf50 regardless. Thank you so much in advance!

[@mjunaidilyas]

Thank you for such Simple Explaination :)

[@stubborndetermination6373]

I started using adapalene twice a week a month and a half ago. I only used it with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and my skin got so hypersensitivity I couldn’t use anything on it. It’s been a few weeks now and it’s still too sensitive to do anything with it but it seems to be improving very slowly. I’m thinking about trying a granactive retinol next since they are known to be gentler but I only wish that there were more studies proving or disproving its efficacy.

[@tia8489]

I prefer the results I get from Nightly serum to Tretinoin which I used for about a year. I find Nightly irritates me a lot less and makes my skin smoother and brighter.

[@giovi4467]

I can use the Retinol in the summer ? In the evening of course.... Thanks to share whith us lot of professionality

[@connor_96]

Loving this back to basics series with your longform style. Definitely agree that, with skin, time is needed in order to address the details. Your approach offers such a sobering perspective, which is much needed in this hectic online space.

[@elida3233]

Thank you so much Dr. Sam! Is it better to stop using Retinoids in the summer ? And must we stop using Retinoids during the vacation on the see for example?

[@jensab3535]

Hi Dr, what do you know about the effects of vitamin A on the scalp? I'm curious 😊 Thanks for the video!

[@muoian]

Can u revisit the summer skincare plan ? Of course sunscreen , but should we be maintaining our retinonoid concentrations or cut back ? When should we cease ipls ? Should we at all ?

[@miracudrag]

I've started Tretinoin with Dermatica on 0.015 and it is strong stuff. I buffer and still feel it sting my skin. I would not go back though, I love my skin since starting it. Thank you for educating us on this.x

[@Helen-vb3nh]

Simple and helpful as always dr Sam. Despite retinol I still have hormonal acne, granted it’s not terrible it’s there! May I ask what your lipstick is Dr Sam? I’ve been following you for years and remember you were a Burberry fan! X

[@minutesofskincare399]

Thanks for the information doctor 😌

[@DrSamBunting]

Welcome!

[@samanthaporter6662]

I started yesterday!! Retin -A super exciting!!

[@DrSamBunting]

Great! Let us know how you get on ❤

[@ellay4514]

Always wise advice. :-)

[@frankpicillo9527]

Hello!!! Very informative!! Is Grenactive as effective as Retinoids! THANKS!!!

[@freemanmt]

Thanks doctor. Please comment on avoiding vitamin A capsuls and cod liver oil , also eating liver while using Retinol in any capacity as to avoid the possibility of vitamin A over dosing and toxicity.

[@simplyputmusings2948]

Wonderful video. Tysm

[@phoenix12302]

I just wanted to hop on here and thank you... I have seen your videos on retinoids and acne.... I had acne for 3 to 4 years.... After listening to your recommendations, I started my adapalene journey along with some specific ingredients for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and just lemme say that my skin has never been so CLEAR... After 3 months of Adapalene, I finally HAVE the skin I used to dream about... Thank you so much Dr. Sam ❤ There should be more people like you

[@DrSamBunting]

Phenomenal!!! Thrilled for you Varun!

[@phoenix12302]

@@DrSamBunting Thank you so much❤

[@jenifermeizalia]

Very happy for you varun kumar ❤️ I really wanna try adapalene too but im too afraid of the purging stage bcs i already have many PIE marks on my face. Do you have any suggestion based on your experience? Thankyou🙏🏻❤️❤️

[@phoenix12302]

@@jenifermeizalia Yes i can understand your concern. Purging can be intimidating and i have faced it too.... To be honest, Adapalene itself can reduce PIE and PIH... I use Vitamin C and Niacinamide on alternate days along with Tranexamic Acid. This particular Morning skincare routine has helped me a lot. You can use Azelaic acid for PIE too... But dont worry... After 2.5 months, I noticed my acne marks lighten up because of adapalene... Watch Dr Dray if you want to.. She explains it in a very nice way. Hope you achieve the skin of your dreams too ❤✨

[@jenifermeizalia]

Thankyou for answering!🥺❤️

[@roscarlbute2338]

This is really helpful!:)

[@DrSamBunting]

So glad it helps!

[@brendascarr6974]

Hi, love your channel. If you have rosacea( redness only) how do you apply Tretinoin? Avoid the reddened areas, put barrier cream on red areas?? I need to use Tretinoin but need to work around my rosacea. Thank you.

[@irenebianchi5088]

Thank you very much doctor 🌹

[@DrSamBunting]

Of course!

[@xr29-72]

Can you use vanicream hyalauronic acid serum moisturizer with the trentinoin ?

[@pink985butterfly]

Please can you do videos on thick facial hair and hirsuitisim

[@laurelmeyers1463]

Do you have a video that addresses using tretinoin and BP?

[@patricialaguan4228]

If retinol are divided by strength. It’s because it’s more potent? Thank you for all this information

[@r.nawelle2619]

Hello, what Kind of actives Can WE use the night we dont use rétinoids? IS salycilic acid ok in thé morning with thé rétinoids? thanks

[@WayofAl-Quran]

Please suggest some retinol products for beginners with extremely sensitive skin (age 26)

[@arafa296]

A big fan from 🇮🇳

[@javediqbal-pq3ie]

I've been using Retinol on my face at night for the last two weeks. However I can't comment on its effect on me, as its new to me and I'm new to it. I guess it will be some time before change takes place. thanks

[@freegadflyathome]

What about using antioxidants after tretinoin?

[@noshintasnim3205]

But Dr Sam, what if it is the serum/liquid form of retinol?

[@Creating.Dalila]

Dr.Sam can you combine retinoids with azelaic acid?

[@kktn4739]

Can you explain how retinol actually works in the skin? What are the molecules actually doing once they penetrate into the skin? What about retinol receptors and the process of retinization?

[@SueRosalie]

you need to look that up

[@shubham570]

hi dr. sam can i use 1% hyaluronic acid sunscreen with adapalene 0.1% gel

[@mareemcdonald9118]

Hi i am in my 60s is it still a benefit for me to use this product

[@andrew4809]

Live for the bunting tips

[@kotosulamun328]

I am not using Differin four months already (used it for 6 months before, purging stops), but now jsut started using Ttetinoin. Am I going to purge again?

[@rise134]

Thanks doc✨🙏but what about people like me who sleep after sunrise 😁I mean when should I apply retinoid as it's supposed to apply before going to bed only at night 🤔...can I apply it through out the evening and wash before I go to bed (i.e after sunrise)?? Please advice ❤️

[@mariedolan1205]

Can I use retinol on inside of upper arms

[@majamajamaja0103]

I have a question, I can't find the answer on google or anywhere so I would be very thankful if you could tell me, how long should I have to use adapalene creme 0,01 after i get clear skin? I'm usinig it for 2 months only on my forehead ( i had some small pimples and blackheads) and now it's completly clean and smooth. Should I stop it ?

[@jodiemorris7724]

Is granative retinoid actually exfoliating?

[@jenniferolson3206]

Any tips for keeping retinol from migrating into my eyes? No matter what I do I end up with dry irritated eyes and sore back of throat and eye lids the next day. I unfortunately sleep on my face and move around a lot. I use a moisturizer over the top and that probably helps it migrate. I want to use retinol but don’t want to risk dry eye issues from it. Thank you!

[@SueRosalie]

vaseline

[@jenniferolson3206]

@@SueRosalie thank you! I’m going to try it.

[@wokelo81]

Dear Dr.Sam. Retinol Vs Tretinoin Vs Tazarotene. Which is the ideal option to go for anti aging benefits?

[@nykka3]

Just in case you don’t get a reply, Dr Dray just posted a video comparing both.

[@DrSamBunting]

Tazarotene is the strongest BUT in practice the usability of tretinoin makes it much easier to stick with and therefore delivers sustainable results that you can enjoy using. Retinol is the weakest but easier to access as not on prescription.

[@michaeldizon7876]

Im using Olay retinol 24, can i use azelaic acid on top of olay?

[@SueRosalie]

use the acid in the daytime

[@CM-hk8so]

My skin is now used to my Tretinoin cream, is it okay to use a Vit C serum and NIacidamide serum (made to be layered onto each other) in the same routine as my Tretinoin? Or will the Vic C and Niacinamide cancel out or dampen the effects of the Tretinoin?

[@DrSamBunting]

You can use Tretinoin PM and Vit C serum and NIacidamide AM ❤

[@susanwhite5603]

Can you please sell you skin care line in the US

[@DrSamBunting]

We're working on improving our international experience all the time - we'll keep you posted!

[@lisanapier3889]

Hi Dr Sam . Im 47 I have deep 11 lines and fairly fair skin with freckling. Can I ask you what would be a good routine to correct these lines and brighten my skin so that I have a more even tone and rid of pigmentation? I've used vit c serum and noticed some change and I've been using Neutrogena rentinoid (?) serum everyday for few months.my skin is sensitive

[@DrSamBunting]

We'd highly recommend trying our Flawless Brightly + Nightly Serum duo - introduced gradually, this powerhouse combination is gentle-but-mighty!

[@lisanapier3889]

@@DrSamBunting im in 🇨🇦 Canada. How would I purchase? Thanks for the suggestion btw :)

[@topquark35]

What about vitamin C, Doctor? Do you think it complements retinoids if used in the AM, or is it unnecessary as well, i.e., you will get the same benefits from the retinoid that you would get from vitamin C?

[@ChrisPBacon007]

Vit. c in the morning in my opinion is good because it helps protects your skin from sun. But dont forget your suncreen.

[@fernandacurti5292]

why can't wee use it on the neck? i've always done and haven't had any problems

[@elida3233]

Because it’s more sensitive. But you can use it on the neck obviously.

[@eloisepharmacist]

Thank you 😊❤️ At 44 I've only just started with retinoids and just increased from 0.5% to 1% retinol, and I'm thinking on moving onto retinal or stronger in the future. I knew to keep my eyes protected, but I never realised that neck skin was sensitive so I took my retinol down onto it - only to find the creases in my neck becoming very red and sensitive 😞 I now moisturize there too to give some protection to transference.

[@ChrisPBacon007]

I thought retinal is in the middle. Retinol, Retinal and Retinoid

[@eloisepharmacist]

Retinoids is name of the full class - it's retinol, retinal, adapalene then tretinoin in strength

[@annamacm4063]

I have been on 0.05% retin-a for three years. I started very gradually on 0.025% and moved up to 0.05% after about 3 months. I had no problems whatsoever in those first months, except for very minor peeling that subsided very soon. BUT after more two years on 0.05% I started to get really bad peeling all around my mouth area. If I avoid that area for several days the peeling stops, but as soon as I apply tret there even once, the peeling is back the next day - even if I moisturise underneath the tret. This week the peeling has started in other parts of my face. I'm using the same brand of tretinoin all through - why should I be getting this beginner's phase three years down the line - and will it ever stop?

[@jennyr1625]

I have almost the same problem. Been on tretinoin for about 2 and 1/2 years, and I never quite got over the peeling and sensitivity phase. I'm currently thinking about "downgrading" to retinaldehyde instead, since that supposedly purports many of the same anti-aging benefits as tretinoin without the same severity of side-effects. I'm curious whether there is such a thing as "prolonged retinization" or if I simply haven't used the ingredient correctly.

[@samanthaporter6662]

I would make sure to take a good multivitamin and vitamin c ( oral) it will help.... Trust me, if you don't have the building blocks for repair it won't ....

[@jeets2052]

Can we talk about how it causes sleep issues for some

[@journeytoself8067]

Really?

[@isabelamarie5004]

Hello Dr. Sam. Thank you for giving us all this information to help us have a better usage of tretinoin, retinoids etc. i am 49 and starting on tretinoin. I have been using products that has retinol in the past and also actives sich as BHA and AHA. Wear sunscreen dsily as well even if i am just in the house all day. My prescription tretinoin is at the strength of .025%. Started last month as once a week, twice a week doing a sandwich method of Cerave moisturizer and top it off withthe Ordinary roae hip oil. This month i now use it every night, no moisturizer before applying my tretinoin only after and the rose hip oil as the last step of my nightly skincare regimen. But what gets ne is that i do not have any reactions at all. No flaking, no redness, no irritation. I am concerned that the prescription tretinoin is not working at all? By the way before i started the prescription tretinoin, i have been using Paula’s Choice 1% retinol and also her retinol with the Bakichiol.

[@jasminateodorovic1248]

Each person's skin is unique, like a DNA. I had no reaction either. 9 months now. No purgings, inflammations, nothing. Guess we're among a select few whose skin tolerates it 😊

[@isabelamarie5004]

@@jasminateodorovic1248 i guess so. But do you buffer, do you also wait 20 mins before applying, you use it every night and at what strength do you use?

[@MariaG2570]

So you should never use retinol on your neck or under your eyes or around mouth?

[@DrSamBunting]

No - it’s just that when you’re beginning, you should take steps to minimise risk. Once you develop your retinoid skills, you can approach these more delicate areas. ♥️

[@MariaG2570]

@@DrSamBunting great thanks. Can you recommend a good face cream with retinol in it?

[@irenebianchi5088]

Can i use yours at the start?

[@DrSamBunting]

Yes - just complete the Routine Finder to find the right plan for your concerns and skin-type.

[@englishsounds6461]

I'm early doc,

[@DrSamBunting]

Good!

[@lanhua886]

I have eczema, but really want to start on this regime. Is there an eczema-friendly retinol replacement that I can use?

[@lauraserdiuk]

I have face eczema and acne prone skin and use tret. I recommend seeing a dermatologist, for me starting with the lowest strength and once a week, then worked my way up to 0.1% to 3 times a week. Took 5 years. The most I can tolerate is 3 times per week, if I'm not flaring up. When I'm having a flare up, I stop tret until it goes away. I have to reasses each day, depending how my skin is. There were times when I stopped for weeks (3-4 weeks) and had to restart. But it’s totally doable for us with face eczema.

[@MrsGG]

Can I use retinol during breastfeeding?

[@SueRosalie]

it's advised not to because safety has not been established for breastfeeding whilst using retinoids

[@alex-cu2qk]

how old are you ? Looking young .Can i guess your age ?

[@pannawatchaiyen190]

Could u please be my privat doctor ? Bc ur information is legit ,,gold”

[@TheBiggestMoronYouKnow]

retinoids make my eyes irritated af, but my skin looks great hahaha :(

[@jrpenanueva1479]

what happened to your nose?

[@asandemagadla4182]

Thank you, Doc. 🥹

[@DrSamBunting]

A pleasure.

[@farooqkhalil2954]

Would suggest to make videos shorter please