Should You Use Retinol Every Day? Here’s What the Latest Research Says
- Mikaela Giaquinta
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Retinol remains a gold standard in skincare — and it’s trending again this month across Melbourne, with many people asking:
1. Is it okay to use retinol every day?
3. Retinol vs Tretinoin: What’s the Difference?
As a company grounded in evidence-based practice, La Pelle Skin Care Hub has reviewed the latest dermatology and cosmetic science literature (2023–2025) to give you a clear, honest answer.
What Exactly Is Retinol?
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that converts to retinoic acid in the skin — the biologically active form that binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in skin cells. Once bound, it regulates the expression of over 500 genes involved in:
Keratinocyte proliferation (cell renewal)
Collagen synthesis
Melanin dispersion
Oil gland regulation
This leads to: ✔️ Smoother texture✔️ Improved tone and pigmentation✔️ Reduced fine lines✔️ Less congestion and breakouts
🧪 In a 2023 study, an 8-week topical retinol regimen significantly improved fine lines, pigmentation, and overall skin smoothness (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023).
Both retinol and tretinoin are vitamin A derivatives, but they vary in strength, conversion steps, and skin tolerability.
Retinol | Tretinoin (Rx) | |
Source | Cosmeceutical (OTC) | Prescription only |
Conversion | Retinol → retinaldehyde → retinoic acid | Directly active as retinoic acid |
Potency | Lower, gentler | High potency, fast-acting |
Irritation | Lower risk | High risk (dryness, peeling, redness) |
Use case | Long-term, preventive, tolerable | Medical acne vulgaris, severe photodamage, melasma and other acute/ chronic skin conditions |
Tretinoin is direct to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), immediately stimulating epidermal renewal and collagen remodelling . Retinol must be metabolised in the skin before binding — making it slower but gentler.
✅ Can You Use Retinol Every Day?
Yes — with proper use and skin conditioning. A 2024 study in Dermatology and Therapy found daily retinol was well tolerated and effective when introduced slowly and combined with a barrier-supporting moisturizer (SpringerLink, 2024).
Start low and go slow:
Use every 3rd night for the first fortnight of use and then again the same thing but every 2 nights instead
Start with derivative baukiol or rentialhyde .25% and gradually increase to a higher percentage (if necessary or encouraged by dermal health professional
Gradually increase to nightly if tolerated
Apply a pea-sized amount on dry skin
Follow with la pelle barrier protect serum and moisturiser to buffer irritation
What About Side Effects?
Retinol can cause:
Dryness
Flaking
Redness or irritation
Increased sun sensitivity
Dermatitis
Barrier function issues
These are linked to accelerated cell turnover and temporary disruption to the stratum corneum (outer skin layer). Most people adjust after 2–6 weeks.
A 2023 review in British Journal of Dermatology emphasized the importance of proper skin preparation and hydration to reduce irritation, especially in sensitive skin types (BJD, 2023).
But Is Retinol Effective Enough?
Absolutely. And we now have studies to back this up.
In a 2023 double-blind study, researchers found that 0.3% encapsulated retinol delivered visible improvements in wrinkles and pigmentation within 8 weeks — with minimal irritation. Meanwhile, prescription tretinoin (0.025%) caused high dropout due to barrier disruption.👉 Conclusion: cosmeceutical retinol offers a balance of efficacy and tolerability.📖 (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023)
A 2024 comparative review noted that cosmetic-grade retinols (0.3–0.5%) can achieve comparable clinical outcomes to low-dose tretinoin in photoaging and pigment disorders — without the intense purging phase or prolonged downtime.📖 (Dermatology and Therapy, 2024)
The Tretinoin Trade-Off
Prescription tretinoin absolutely has its place — particularly in:
Moderate to severe acne
Premalignant sun damage (actinic keratosis)
Severe photoaging in mature skin
But its downsides include:
Prolonged irritation and peeling
Increased sensitivity to sun, wind, water, and active ingredients
Barrier thinning with long-term misuse
Incompatibility with pregnancy and breastfeeding
Tretinoin also requires more downtime and more monitoring and is often prescribed short-term due to its side effects.
Cosmeceutical retinol isn’t “weaker.” It’s strategically designed to support skin longevity — not just treat symptoms.
🤰 Can You Use Retinol During Pregnancy?
No — topical and oral retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy.
While topical retinol has minimal systemic absorption, the risk of teratogenicity cannot be ruled out. Most dermatologists and obstetricians advise avoiding it entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Bremmer et al., 2023).
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to Retinol
You can still glow during pregnancy! These ingredients are clinically backed and OBGYN- and dermatologist-approved:
1. Bakuchiol
A natural retinol alternative from the Babchi plant. It activates similar skin pathways (including collagen stimulation) without binding to RARs, making it gentler and pregnancy-safe.
📖 2023 review showed bakuchiol significantly improved elasticity and pigmentation without irritation (Int J Cosmetic Science, 2023).
2. Azelaic Acid
A dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pigment-fading properties. Safe for acne, rosacea, and melasma in pregnancy.
📖 JAAD, 2023 included azelaic acid in its guideline for safe treatments for pregnancy-associated pigmentation disorders (JAAD, 2023).
3. Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 derivative that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, and reduces redness. Also brightens and fades pigmentation. This is found in our la pelle skin range as gold standard ingriedient.
📖 Supported in dermatology protocols for sensitive and expectant patients (Dermatology and Therapy, 2024).
This approach is essential for preconception, pregnancy, postnatal phases, or anyone with sensitive or reactive skin.
La Pelle Tip: Personalize It
Whether you’re retinol-ready or need to adapt your routine due to pregnancy, the safest and most effective path is individualised care. We assess your skin’s needs, lifestyle, and current products — so you never have to guess. You can take our quiz to be forwarded a skin treatment plan and FREE sample kit to support skin during seasons, such as using prescription retinol, i.e. isotretinoin, or introducing retinol for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can use retinol daily — with a proper ramp-up, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
No, retinol is not safe for use during pregnancy — switch to proven alternatives.
Yes, you can still treat acne, pigmentation, and dullness while expecting — safely.
Tretinoin is strong — but strength doesn’t always equal smarter skincare. The skin thrives on consistency, not constant trauma.
We’re here to help you build long-term results without compromise, using cosmeceuticals created and forumlated by our founders with the credientials to tailor to your needs and lifestyle. Its the big talk amomgst the dermals in industry for its groundbreaking evolution to simplfying skincare and rebuking the typical social trends.
📞 You can also message us on Instagram @la.pelle_skincare to chat with our dermal team.
🩺 Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult your GP, dermatologist, dermal clinician or obstetrician before starting or stopping any topical ingredient, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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