There’s a reason why retinol is one of the most talked about ingredients in skincare: it’s just that good. Nothing comes close in terms of versatility—not only can it fight the signs of skin aging, but it can also unclog pores, curb oil production, reverse sun damage, and more. But as something that’s usually found in women’s skincare, does it have a place in men’s skincare, too? Can men use retinol? Do men even need retinol? Is retinol for men, too? Below, we unpack why this skincare staple is worthy of a spot in your routine. We also share a few tips on how to use one of the most well-loved ingredients the right way.
What is retinol?
Retinol is an over-the-counter (OTC) version of retinoids and a derivative of Vitamin A. Although it’s known for being an anti-aging ingredient, this “King of Skincare Ingredients” can also treat a variety of skin concerns including acne, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. It’s worth mentioning that even if retinol is gentler than retinoids, it still packs a powerful punch. Your skin may not be able to immediately tolerate it even in low concentrations, though, so it’s best to take it slow.
Can men use retinol?
There’s a common misconception that skincare products can be classified as “for men” and “for women”, but the truth is that it’s not really about gender. Men’s skin may not be the same as women’s, but when it comes to choosing your skincare products, what matters is whether or not a particular product suits your skin type and the skin concerns that come with it.
So, can men use retinol? Absolutely! Even if retinol-based products tend to be marketed to women, men can (and should) use them. Like women, men can benefit from retinol and use it to treat common skin concerns among men.
What are the benefits of using retinol for men?
Retinol works for everyone but how does it benefit men? Here’s what retinol can do for men’s skin:
Reduces the appearance of pores
Fights the signs of skin aging
As you age, your body won’t be able to produce as much collagen (the protein that maintains the skin’s structure) as it used to. Collagen declines at a more rapid rate in women than in men, which is why men’s skin seems to age slower than women’s. However, that doesn’t mean men are never going to get wrinkles. Lifestyle factors such as smoking can also contribute to the early onset of skin aging.
Retinol works by boosting collagen production to keep the signs of aging at bay. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines that you already have.
Evens out the skin tone
Struggling to get rid of acne scars or discoloration due to sun damage? One of the many advantages of retinol is that it enhances cell turnover, the continuous cycle of shedding dead cells. This smooths out the surface of the skin to reveal a more even-toned complexion.
Prevents ingrown hairs
How to use retinol for men
Retinol may be powerful, but the catch is that it isn’t so straightforward to use. Compared to other skincare products, retinol comes with certain rules, which if you don’t follow can cause side effects. Here’s what you need to do to reap the full benefits of retinol:
- Use retinol at night
Retinol becomes less potent when exposed to the sun, so it should only be used at bedtime. As a general rule, active ingredients should be applied at night as this is when the skin renews itself. Reserve the daytime for products that protect your skin from environmental stressors and pollutants. For instance, you could use a vitamin C serum during the day and a retinol cream for men in the evening.
- Start slow
Your skin won’t always give retinol a warm welcome, so the key is to slowly integrate it into your skincare routine. Start using it only once or twice a week to see how your skin reacts, and then work your way up to every other night. You can incorporate retinol into your nightly routine, but only if you’ve fully built tolerance for it.
Are side effects normal? You might experience some side effects such as redness and dryness as your skin adapts to retinol. You might even go through the “retinol uglies”, which is when your skin purges. Don’t worry — it’s all part of the process. The side effects should subside once your skin has acclimated.
- Start low
Retinol comes in various concentrations (0.01 to 1 percent). You may be tempted to start with the strongest concentration to get rid of the signs of aging ASAP, but that’s not a good idea. Starting with high-strength retinol can wreak havoc on your skin.
If you’ve never used retinol for men before or if you have sensitive skin, go for low-concentration retinol (0.01 to 0.03 percent) to give your skin time to get used to this ingredient. Remember, the best retinol for men isn’t always the most concentrated one — when it comes to retinol, a little can go a long way.
- Apply retinol on dry skin
Some skincare products can be applied on damp skin, but not retinol. This is because retinol and retinoids will be absorbed more deeply into your skin when it’s wet. This may not be a problem for men who’ve built a tolerance for retinol, but it can be a cause for concern in men with sensitive skin.
- Use hyaluronic acid
Combat the dryness that comes with retinol use by using hyaluronic acid, a substance that boosts the skin’s moisture content. Put on retinol first so the skin can soak it in, and only apply hyaluronic acid once the retinol has dried so you don’t reduce retinol’s potency. But if you have sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid can be applied first — that way, it can water down the retinol to make it more tolerable.
If you’re using a retinol cream for men, there’s a good chance that it already contains hyaluronic acid, so there’s no need to top it off with more moisture.
- Be careful with combinations
Retinol for men works wonders but it doesn’t work well with other ingredients. Once you add retinol to your routine, you’re going to have to be very careful of your skincare pairings. For example, salicylic acid might be able to unclog your pores, but like retinol, it can also lead to dry skin. Combining it with retinol will put your skin at risk of being too dry. When this happens, your skin will ramp up its oil production and you’ll end up with more acne.
- Wear sunscreen
Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. This means it’s more susceptible to sun damage such as sunburns, sun spots, and skin cancer. With that said, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF during the day, reapply often, and practice other sun safety tips.
Retinol can be intimidating, but with PROVEN, it doesn’t have to be.
Many men shy away from retinol, as great of an ingredient as it is, because figuring out what works for them can be challenging. But just because retinol can be intimidating, doesn’t mean you should miss out on such a great ingredient.
To take the guesswork out of your skincare, we’ve developed the Skin Regimen Quiz, a tool that uses AI algorithms to determine what works for your skin. To reduce the risk of reactions, we’ll create a custom Night Cream containing just the right amount of retinol. Because ultimately, the best retinol for men should be one that’s tailored to you.
Add retinol to your routine today by completing our three-minute Skin Regimen Quiz. Your future self will be grateful that you took the time to upgrade your skincare regimen.
