Retinol results only after 6-12 months? Really?!

[JollieJullie]

Hi everyone! I am new to using retinol, I am 33 and I started with 0.25% 3 weeks ago. I feel like in only 3 weeks it has already totally changed my skin which is now smooth and radiant!

However, I keep reading articles that say that you should see results using retinol only after months and months (or years!) of daily usage. Apparently tretinoin would give fast results in a month or two, but retinol should be much slower to work.

I am a little confused as I already see noticeable results a couple of weeks in! Can someone who’s been using retinol for a long time share their experience? Will I continue seeing improvement for the next 6-12 months? Is it “normal” that I already see such a change?

Thanks!

Yeah I noticed the results in about 1 week, I guess they're covering their backs saying up to 3 months but I'm with you it's totally changed my skin tone and reducing my wrinkles and improving the frown lines I have so I'm happy 😃😃

That sounds great for you OP.
What brand of retinol are you using?

Yes I would be interested in knowing the brand also please.

I'm not a skin scientist but I think most formulations will have something in that superficially improves skin texture. Many AHAs and BHAs would have a similarly quick effect.

When they talk about longer term results I think that's about actually changing the structure of the skin, building collagen, thinning it, exfoliating it, speeding up cell renewal, and slowing down the actual ageing process, which isn't possible within a month

I am using the Retinol B3 serum by La Roche Posay, but considering to slowly transition to a stronger retinol in a few weeks, since my skin seems to be tolerating this lower % every night so well. I have ordered the 1% retinol by Paula's Choice, so that will be my next step when the La Roche Posay's one is over.

TBH the results will be just better moisturising.

There is also a whole debate around whether the sort of retinol available OTC works at all, compared to prescription types.

I think they are referring to prescription strength Tretinion for the 6 month plus results as this is where all the scientific studies have been done. Plus skin often gets a bit worse before better on tret. But it is the only skincare with actual proven anti-ageing results behind it (apart from sun cream as preventative).

Retinol is a good starting point to build up to tret (if you wanted to) and more gentle. It’s great if your skin is looking better already on it - could be down to lots of other factors - increased hydration of the skin, cell turnover…

Increased cell turnover is a misnomer.

If any non prescribed product actually increased cell turn over, it would be a medicine and altering how fast cells change can be a cause of cancer, so there is a lot of pseudo-science around with beauty products.